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4.9

Hut-to-Hut Trekking in the Picos de Europa

  • Spain
  • 6 nights

A wild trek amongst the high peaks of this hidden gem of a mountain range in Northern Spain

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking mountain guides
  • All accommodation4 nights in mountain refuges, 2 nights in rural guesthouses
  • Meals6 breakfasts and 6 dinners
  • TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
  • EquipmentHiking poles, if you need them
  • Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • Tackle an epic route through rugged limestone peaks in one of Europe's quietest mountainous corners, a world away from the crowds of Spain's south

  • Bag the summits of Jario (1913m), Cotalba (2026m) and La Padiorna (2319m) as you go, with fun scrambles to reach epic vistas

  • Bunk down in mountain huts deep in the Picos, sip local cider at sunset and fuel up on hearty Spanish food as you soak up the good life in Asturias and Cantabria

  • Prefer day hikes and a lighter load? Check out our alternative adventure Hike the Picos de Europa: The Hotels Edition (opens in new tab)

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Asturias

    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Your host will meet you on arrival at Bilbao Airport and drive you to the picturesque Asturian town of Cangas de Onis. Meet up with your guides for a chat about the challenge ahead and tuck into a traditional meal.

    Day 2

    The trek begins

    Hiking
    7hrs · 13km · 1000m up · 550m down
    Mountain refuge
    Mixed dorm
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Head off early to the Covadonga Lakes to kick off the trek in the west of the Picos. Hit the trailhead at Pan de Carmen and after an hour or so of hiking, the towering peaks of the western massif reveal themselves. The trail gets a bit rockier and you might spot chamois as you approach the Mirador de Ordiales, an epic viewpoint with a 1000-metre drop to the Angon Valley below. This spot is the final resting place of the founder of the Picos de Europa National Park, Pedro Pidal. Trek up to the Cotalba peak at 2026m, enjoying a cool little scramble just before you hit the top. Once you're up there, the high peaks of the western massif seem so close, and you can spot the lakes in the distance, plus the stunning Ponga Mountains. Descend to the Vegarredonda Refuge for dinner and your first night in the Picos' network of welcoming mountain huts.

    Day 3

    Vegarredonda to Vegabaño

    Hiking
    10hrs · 16.5km · 1150m up · 1300m down
    Mountain refuge
    Mixed dorm
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Today is the most challenging day of the trip, so fuel up at the refuge before kicking things of with an ascent to Collado Les Merines at 2100m, entering a huge limestone area through the Pozas Jou. Take a rest at the Prieta spring before continuing past the enormous peak of Vega Huerta and heading south down the Canal del Perro. Descend among the beech trees that surround the Vegabaño shelter, a welcome refuge after a killer day. Soak up this beautiful spot – next to the source of the Dobra River and by the thousand-year-old oak tree of Vegabaño – with sundowners, dinner and an overnight stay at the refuge.

    Day 4

    Vegabaño to Santa Marina de Valdeon, via Jario peak

    Hiking
    6hrs · 17.5km · 950m up · 950m down
    Village refuge
    Multi share
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Bid farewell to the Vegabaño shelter and enter a beech grove, going up a gentle slope and passing the habitat of capercaillie birds. Time for another summit: hike steadily up to the peak of Jario at 1913m. Separated from the rest of the massif by large meadows, you'll find an extraordinary viewpoint here, from which you'll see the summits of the Picos de Europa. Continue through the virgin woodland up to Dobres Rock, before starting your descent into the Valdeon Valley all the way to the village of Caldevilla. Follow the course of the Cares River to the village of Posada de Valdeón for a late lunch back in civilisation, before carrying on to the small village of Santa Marina de Valdeon to settle into the auberge here for dinner and another well-earned sleep.

    Day 5

    Valcavao to Collado Jermoso refuge

    Hiking
    5hrs · 9km · 750m up · 350m down
    Mountain refuge
    Mixed dorm
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Soak up the views from one of the Picos' most stunningly situated refuges this morning with a coffee and breakfast before taking a short transfer to the Pandetrave mountain pass and on by farm track to Valcavao. Today's section is a wonderful route from Valcabao to Collado Jermoso mountain hut via the Canal de Pedabejo, trekking through the spectacular Vega de Liordes and along the cliffs of Colladinas until arriving at Collado Jermoso. The refuge here is blessed with sweeping views of the Valdeón valley and the Western Massif, and sunsets here are often spectacular.

    Day 6

    Collado Jermoso to Fuente Dé

    Hiking
    6hrs · 12km · 600m up · 800m down
    Guesthouse
    Twin share
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 6 detail

    One last epic day of trekking in the Picos awaits today as you head towards the finish line. Set off from Collado Jermoso mountain hut and retrace your steps until Las Colladinas, which marks the start point of an ascent to the fabulous summit of La Padiorna (2319m) with stunning views of the whole Central Massif and Liebana Valley. Descend via the Canal de San Luis traversing a lunar landscape in this high part of the massif, all the way to the cable car station. Hop in the cable car and enjoy a brisk 750m descent in a matter of minutes down to Fuente Dé at the foot of the mountain range. Take a short drive to Espinama to settle into your guesthouse back in civilisation after a wild week in the mountains. Late in the afternoon, you can visit the picturesque medieval town of Potes before heading back to Espinama for a farewell dinner and some drinks to toast the culmination of an epic trek in the north of Spain.

  7. Day 7

    Adios Asturias

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 7 detail

    The adventure comes to an end today as your host drives you back to Bilbao Airport in time for your onward flight home. If you are lingering longer in Spain, the Asturian coastline has some incredible beaches, good surf and laid back bars and cafes to discover.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Pick up
Bilbao Airport
16:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Bilbao Airport
12:00 on Day 7

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Please arrive at Bilbao airport by 16:00 on Day 1 in order to join the group transfer to Cangas de Onis for your first night. On Day 7, your host will provide a group transfer from Espinama back to Bilbao airport, dropping you off at approximately 12:00 (midday).

If you are arriving/departing at different times, on different days or flying to/from alternative airports (Asturias Airport or Santander Airport) your host can arrange private airport transfers for an additional charge, subject to availability. Please see Optional Extras for prices.

Travel options

Bilbao Airport is accessible via various direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe. Flights from outside of Europe are typically indirect. If you're looking to make your own way to Cangas de Onis and not use the group transfer at Bilbao Airport, you may wish to look into combining flight options into/out of Asturias, Santander and Bilbao airports, all of which are only an hour or two's drive away from Cangas de Onis, with public transport options between them.

Rail travellers can get to the start of this trip via Bilbao's main railway station, Bilbao Abando, which is well connected to various major cities in Spain and France. From Bilbao you can get as far as Arriondas by train, and from there it's a short bus ride to Cangas de Onis.

If you would like to book extra nights' accommodation – in Cangas de Onis before the tour, or in Espinama after the tour – please contact your host for availability and prices (which tends to vary throughout the season).

Trip level explained

Level 5

Challenging

This is a significant trek, comparable to famous trails like the Tour du Mont Blanc in terms of distance and elevation gain, and the general level of fitness needed. You'll be doing five consecutive days of hiking between 6-9 hours per day, with up to 1,100m of elevation gain and loss to achieve each day, so you'll need to be comfortable doing this on a mixture of terrain - from easygoing dirt trails and pastures, to the tougher-going limestone rock areas in the higher mountain areas. The terrain in the Picos de Europa is notably rugged limestone, with steep drops and sections where you'll need to concentrate closely on your footing - this sustained focus can add to the physical and mental fatigue of each day. This trip may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or who suffer from vertigo.

You won't need any technical mountaineering skills but some experience of back-to-back multi-day trekking is highly recommended. However, if you are confident in your fitness and steady footed, this trip is achievable with just with some experience of long day hikes, good hiking boots and determination. There are some light scrambles to reach the summits along the route, though no technical experience is needed for these and an expert guide is there to help if there are any sections where you feel you need a hand. The highest point on the route is La Padiorna at 2,319m. You will also need to factor in carrying your belongings in a backpack - see below.

What will I need to carry?

From Day 2 to Day 6 you will need to carry all of your necessary gear for five trekking days and four overnights in the mountain and village refuges. In addition to clothes and toiletries, you will also need to carry drinking water and a packed lunch each day.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided hike in the Picos' western massif, via Cotalba peak (2026m)
  • Guided hike from Vegarredonda to Vegabaño
  • Guided hike from Vegabaño to Santa Marina de Valdeon, via Jario peak (1913m)
  • Guided hike from Valcavao to Collado Jermoso refuge
  • Guided hike from Collado Jermoso to Fuente Dé
  • Short ride in the Fuente Dé cable car

  • Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guides

  • 4 nights in mountain refuges
  • 2 nights in rural guesthouses

  • All (6) tasty breakfasts
  • All (6) Spanish-style dinners

  • Group arrival transfer from Bilbao Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Bilbao Airport on Day 7
  • Transfers during the trip

  • Hiking poles, if you need them

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

  • Cangas de Onis

    Stay

    Cangas de Onis

    Your first night of the trip is spent at Hotel Los Lagos Nature in the centre of the picturesque town of Cangas de Onis, which sits at the foot of the Picos and on the banks of the Sella River. Housed in a historic building with a characterful bar and restaurant, you'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

  • Collado-Jermoso-01

    Mountain and Village Refuges

    Stay

    Mountain and Village Refuges

    You'll spend three nights at different mountain refuges within the Picos de Europa National Park – namely Refugios Vegarredonda, Collado Jermoso and Vegabaño – staying in mixed dorm-style bunk rooms which are shared by 8-12 people. You should be aware that the mountain refuges offer only basic facilities for trekkers, both in terms of home comforts and food options. The refuges have an electricity supply, but bringing a personal power bank is recommended. There are shared toilet facilities and showers available to use, although be aware that some refuges charge a small amount for hot water showers. The refuges will serve your evening meal and breakfast, and you'll also be able to buy your lunch from them each day before setting off. Card payments are not always accepted, so you should bring cash.

    You'll also spend one night in a village refuge – the Refugio La Ardilla Real in Santa Marina de Valdeón. As it's a little less remote, this refuge is of a higher comfort level, more like a B&B with smaller dorms and a cute restaurant and bar. Your host will try to arrange a same-sex sharing basis for this night, depending on availability.

  • Espinama

    Stay

    Espinama

    After the more rustic stays at the mountain refuges, you'll stay at Hostal Remoña in Espinama, a charming guesthouse in a quaint village nestled beneath the Picos – not far from where the road comes to end, as it meets the impassable mountains. The guesthouse is well known for its homemade, traditional Cantabrian food and extensive wine list, which you'll enjoy while taking in the views of the Picos. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms.

What You'll Eat

Catering in the mountain huts is a simple affair, with limited options available for travellers who have dietary requirements (due to the mountainous locations of the refuges, supplies are flown in by helicopter just twice a season and fresh produce…

Food and Dietary info

Catering in the mountain huts is a simple affair, with limited options available for travellers who have dietary requirements (due to the mountainous locations of the refuges, supplies are flown in by helicopter just twice a season and fresh produce is not practical for storage). Breakfasts in the refuges can be basic, so you may wish to stock up before the trek begins on supplementary items such as fruit, nuts or cheese. In the evenings, you'll keep fuelled with simple but very hearty dinners that typically consist of pasta, lentils, chickpeas, soups and meat-based dishes. Lunches are not included in the trip price, but you can buy your own each morning before the day's trekking either from local bakeries, or directly from the mountain refuges. You should budget around €15-20 per day for lunches and snacks, and it is best to have this in cash (Euros). If you like to eat a lot of snacks whilst hiking then it is recommended to bring your own stash – but factor this in to your packing weight. On the first and final days of the trip, your evening meals will be local specialities in restaurants selected by your guide. You'll enjoy a variety of tapas and pintxos (small traditional snacks popular across northern Spain), a main course usually with fish or meat, dessert and local wines.

Asturias is famous for its milk, so there are plenty of cheeses to sample throughout the trip. Another local Asturian speciality is cider; you can attempt the traditional pouring method - raising the bottle above your head and pouring into the glass from a height, so as to carbonate the cider while holding the glass low in your other hand. This is more challenging than the locals make it look!

If you have any dietary requirements, intolerances or allergies, please check the FAQ below: ‘Can my dietary requirements be catered for on this adventure?’ for specific advice relating to this trip. The availability of foods you may get at home varies in different destinations, so please read the FAQ in full before making your booking to ensure that this trip can accommodate your dietary needs.

Optional Extras

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2 nights only (July & August trips) from...
…/per person
Optional Private Room Upgrade - 2 nights only (Jun, Sept & Oct trips) from...
…/per person

A limited number of optional solo room upgrades are available on some nights of the tour (not available in the mountain refuges) - please see Optional Extras for Prices.

Transfers

Private Transfer Asturias or Santander Airport to Llanes (1-8 people) from
…
Private Transfer Bilbao Airport to Cangas de Onis (1-8 people)
…
Private Transfer From Bilbao to Laguardi (1-8 people)
…

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9177 reviews
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
4.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Karen B.

    It was an amazing trip. Spectacular landscapes and very few other people. Staying at the remote refugees is essential to see this special area. The guides - Irene and Oscar - were brilliant. We were very well briefed each day and they knew a lot about the area and the route . They kept us on track and on time each day and pre-empted any issues in tricky/more challenging areas. Although the trek is rated level 5 – the same as Mont Blanc – I'd say it was more physically demanding in parts. You need to be sure-footed, and happy with steep ascents on rocky paths each day. Day 2 was described as the hardest but I think they all had their challenges. Refuges were more basic than on the TMB trek but all were adequate. Meals were good. You definitely need earplugs and a head torch

  • Amanda H.

    As a solo traveler, I was looking to do something that I would never have had the chance to do either alone or with friends since they have different interests. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this but the trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to more trips with MBA. Oscar and Jaime were fantastic guides and made the group feel extremely well supported. I think this was such a unique experience; most people I told about this trip had no idea about los Picos. It really seemed like a hidden gem, a really special and beautiful place and I hope to go back and explore more!

  • Jessica T.

    I absolutely loved this trip - the expansive scenery, diverse refuges and expert guides made the physical challenge completely worth it. I experience vertigo and so was a bit apprehensive about the more technical parts of the trail but our guides Oscar and Jaime put me at ease and were always on hand with words of reassurance or distraction, which I really appreciated. I would do this trip all over again - it’s a fantastic way to get a glimpse of this beautiful region and challenge yourself!

  • Jamie J.

    Hut-to-hut trekking in the Picos de Europa was amazing . Wonderful landscape , tough ascents , steep scree slopes , lush green meadows , thick woodland and plenty of wildlife . This trip had something for everyone including the most amazing guides anyone could wish for . Irene and Oscar made this trip perfect , they were both informative and funny , they set a perfect pace (even if Oscar and I did have to race to the last refuge to get the pizza order in) I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone .

  • Sophie B.

    Irene and Oscar (our guides) were very knowledgeable on the area and the formation and geology of the area. they made the hike exceptional. the hike was filled with amazing views, company and food. the mountain refuges were a fun experience with good food and drinks for after the hikes.

  • Sally

    While I’ve done lots of multi day hikes before, this was my first time hiking in Spain and first MBA trip. The Picos de Europa is a ruggedly beautiful area that didn’t disappoint with each day bringing spectacular views and something new. I’d like to give a particular shoutout to our hardworking guides, Irene and Oscar, who made sure everything ran smoothly and were friendly, fun, knowledgeable and unfailingly supportive in moments that were a bit challenging. .

  • Emily W.

    This was such an incredible adventure! Our guides (Irene and Oscar) were absolutely amazing - patient, supportive, great fun, and very generous with their time and knowledge. I was particularly interested in the ecology of the area and had such informative chats with them both about this and other topics, which I really appreciated! We were also lucky enough to see a bearded vulture, fire salamander, and lots of lizards and interesting plants - all of which were definitely highlights for me. I think we gained a much deeper understanding of these amazing mountains than we would have done if we'd planned a similar trip on our own. The group were also great, and we all got on really well! And the walking, views, and the huts we stayed in were really out of this world. I'd absolutely recommend this trip, and feel very lucky to have experienced this amazing place.

  • John

    Had a great time with Irene and Oscar, who were fantastic guides who were helpful and very knowledgeable throughout! All the days were clearly planned and explained before hand, and despite being a big lad and a very slow walker - I never felt like I was being left behind or a burden. The walking was a fantastic route with great huts with a well mixed group of walkers. Had a great time and did not want to leave. A special shout out to Oscar and Irene as they were incredibly helpful when my rucksack (with all my kit) was lost by the airline. Helped me get some spare suitable clothes and sort out delivery of my bag a couple of days later to a hostel. Would recommend this walk and these guides to anyone wanting to do the Picos and I would love to come back!

  • Cal

    This was my third MBA trip and my first time to the Picos mountains . The scenery was fantastic, the guides (Oscar and Jaime) were patient, knowledgeable and lots of fun , and the group was brilliant ! The landscape is so dramatic and whilst some of the days involved some technical scrambling / scree walking, I found it challenging but rewarding. A fabulous trip

  • Laura L.

    Oscar and Jaime were a great guide duo. The hike and landscapes were absolutely stunning. Each day was so much fun and so different. The food in the huts was amazing (we never had a bad meal). Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about doing it.

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4.9177 reviews
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Showing all 177 reviews

  • Challenges and preparation rewarded

    Karen B. September 2026
    It was an amazing trip. Spectacular landscapes and very few other people. Staying at the remote refugees is essential to see this special area. The guides - Irene and Oscar - were brilliant. We were very well briefed each day and they knew a lot about the area and the route . They kept us on track and on time each day and pre-empted any issues in tricky/more challenging areas. Although the trek is rated level 5 – the same as Mont Blanc – I'd say it was more physically demanding in parts. You need to be sure-footed, and happy with steep ascents on rocky paths each day. Day 2 was described as the hardest but I think they all had their challenges. Refuges were more basic than on the TMB trek but all were adequate. Meals were good. You definitely need earplugs and a head torch

  • Amazing trip

    Amanda H. September 2026
    As a solo traveler, I was looking to do something that I would never have had the chance to do either alone or with friends since they have different interests. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this but the trip was amazing and I'm looking forward to more trips with MBA. Oscar and Jaime were fantastic guides and made the group feel extremely well supported. I think this was such a unique experience; most people I told about this trip had no idea about los Picos. It really seemed like a hidden gem, a really special and beautiful place and I hope to go back and explore more!

  • Fantastic, challenging trip!

    Jessica T. September 2026
    I absolutely loved this trip - the expansive scenery, diverse refuges and expert guides made the physical challenge completely worth it. I experience vertigo and so was a bit apprehensive about the more technical parts of the trail but our guides Oscar and Jaime put me at ease and were always on hand with words of reassurance or distraction, which I really appreciated. I would do this trip all over again - it’s a fantastic way to get a glimpse of this beautiful region and challenge yourself!

  • The most amazing guides ever !

    Jamie J. September 2026
    Hut-to-hut trekking in the Picos de Europa was amazing . Wonderful landscape , tough ascents , steep scree slopes , lush green meadows , thick woodland and plenty of wildlife . This trip had something for everyone including the most amazing guides anyone could wish for . Irene and Oscar made this trip perfect , they were both informative and funny , they set a perfect pace (even if Oscar and I did have to race to the last refuge to get the pizza order in) I would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone .

  • incredible views

    Sophie B. September 2026
    Irene and Oscar (our guides) were very knowledgeable on the area and the formation and geology of the area. they made the hike exceptional. the hike was filled with amazing views, company and food. the mountain refuges were a fun experience with good food and drinks for after the hikes.

  • Impressed!

    Sally September 2026
    While I’ve done lots of multi day hikes before, this was my first time hiking in Spain and first MBA trip. The Picos de Europa is a ruggedly beautiful area that didn’t disappoint with each day bringing spectacular views and something new. I’d like to give a particular shoutout to our hardworking guides, Irene and Oscar, who made sure everything ran smoothly and were friendly, fun, knowledgeable and unfailingly supportive in moments that were a bit challenging. .

  • This was such an incredible

    Emily W. September 2026
    This was such an incredible adventure! Our guides (Irene and Oscar) were absolutely amazing - patient, supportive, great fun, and very generous with their time and knowledge. I was particularly interested in the ecology of the area and had such informative chats with them both about this and other topics, which I really appreciated! We were also lucky enough to see a bearded vulture, fire salamander, and lots of lizards and interesting plants - all of which were definitely highlights for me. I think we gained a much deeper understanding of these amazing mountains than we would have done if we'd planned a similar trip on our own. The group were also great, and we all got on really well! And the walking, views, and the huts we stayed in were really out of this world. I'd absolutely recommend this trip, and feel very lucky to have experienced this amazing place.

  • Picos hut to hut

    John September 2026
    Had a great time with Irene and Oscar, who were fantastic guides who were helpful and very knowledgeable throughout! All the days were clearly planned and explained before hand, and despite being a big lad and a very slow walker - I never felt like I was being left behind or a burden. The walking was a fantastic route with great huts with a well mixed group of walkers. Had a great time and did not want to leave. A special shout out to Oscar and Irene as they were incredibly helpful when my rucksack (with all my kit) was lost by the airline. Helped me get some spare suitable clothes and sort out delivery of my bag a couple of days later to a hostel. Would recommend this walk and these guides to anyone wanting to do the Picos and I would love to come back!

  • Fantastic 6 days in the hills

    Cal September 2026
    This was my third MBA trip and my first time to the Picos mountains . The scenery was fantastic, the guides (Oscar and Jaime) were patient, knowledgeable and lots of fun , and the group was brilliant ! The landscape is so dramatic and whilst some of the days involved some technical scrambling / scree walking, I found it challenging but rewarding. A fabulous trip

  • Amazing

    Laura L. September 2026
    Oscar and Jaime were a great guide duo. The hike and landscapes were absolutely stunning. Each day was so much fun and so different. The food in the huts was amazing (we never had a bad meal). Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about doing it.

  • A fantastic adventure in the Picos!

    Louise September 2026
    This was a really special week in the mountains. The views were incredible; we had a lovely group, and doing hut-to-hut let you feel very immersed in the experience. The hiking was a good challenge but was well led by our guides, so you always felt safe and comfortable. I can only recommend it if you're thinking of going.

  • A fantastic adventure!

    Valeria September 2026
    Had the best time hiking in the Picos-a special thanks goes to our guides Oscar and Jaime, who were so supportive and brilliant, and made everyone feel comfortable and safe. The whole trip was organized perfectly. This was my first trip with MBA, will definitely look into doing another one soon!

  • Great trip

    Finley D. September 2026
    Had an incredible time in the Picos , both Oscar and Jaime our guides are a real credit to not just MBA but as representatives of the region - the views are amazing and the hikes are challenging yet rewarding. Accommodation and food is better than expected - considering the remoteness of the mountain refuges. Would recommend to anyone.

  • Brilliant adventure in the Picos de Europa!

    Eliott B. September 2026
    Really nice trip. MBA organised everything from airport to airport. Brilliant itinary centered in the Picos de Europa national park in Spain. Peak atmosphere!

  • Spectacular adventure

    Christian S. September 2026
    If you enjoy hiking in the mountains then this trip is definitely for you! Some challenging ascents and descents and ‘flat’ has a different meaning in Asturian. The organisation was impeccable throughout and our guides were exceptional ! This is an outstanding opportunity to see and stay in a highly protected environment.

  • An amazing trip! The scenery

    Jodie P. August 2026
    An amazing trip! The scenery exceeded expectations, and it was great to explore trails that would have been challenging to navigate without guides. Ruth and Txetxu, our guides, were fantastic - very knowledgeable but also great company throughout. I loved the experience of staying in huts - they all felt really different so each day and evening felt unique. We were also lucky to have such a great group - everyone mixed really well and I thought the group size was just right. Would highly recommend!

  • Exhilarating adventure!

    Andrew H. August 2026
    The ultimate way to experience the high Picos! Day 1 will let you know that this trip requires a bit of physical and mental stamina, especially sleeping in claustrophobic dorms! Day 2 might just be your toughest hiking experiences ever. But with a beautiful forest walk on day 3 and more dramatic scenery on the remaining days, you will approach the final cable car down to your hotel with a real sense of accomplishment and a memorable bond with your group. The guides were fantastic: Ruth and Txetxu brought wisdom, experience, patience, humour and empathy to make us all feel safe, confident and entertained.

  • A mountain range you must discover

    Timo V. August 2026
    What an amazing hiking trip! At pickup, everything is a bit new, and everyone definitely is new. At the first briefing, the organizer told us: this is a 5/7 difficulty rating, but it leans more to a 6. I can't really judge the ratings, because it was my first trip with MBA. But I think that anyone with a good basic condition and the right mindset can complete this hike. Our guides, Ruth and TxeTxu always have us good information of the day to come. With some humor and a sarcastic note here and there. Great love for what they did to the trip and to the group. The Picos de Europa mountain range is rugged, has some vertigiously steep slopes and is almost untouched by human hands. The cattle and sheep roam free. The chamois are curious. The humans very friendly and helpful. Sleeping in the huts gets very cosy at times. But as they guides said: the mountains make you bond very quickly. And that's surely no lie! This is a trip that I will always remember with happy thoughts.

  • Amazing experience!

    Nance August 2026
    Fantastic week in the Picos complete with stunning scenery, wonderful and knowledgeable guides Ruti and Txetxu, and the real Refugio experience. The trek was challenging in the best way and the whole experience was incredibly rewarding. The routes were well planned and paced. The guides and huts were also very accommodating to me being a vegetarian, which I truly appreciated. Highly recommend!

  • Incredible Experience in Northern Spain

    Ryan D. August 2026
    I had a great experience in Los Picos de Europa. From the food, to the views, to guides & other group members, it was a great way to spend a week away with my partner. The trek was remote and at times physically challenging but our guides Txetxu and Ruti were consummate professionals who knew the routes and terrain and balanced the group’s ability, the weather, and the clock expertly. I was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views and company of my fellow travelers and the mountains.

  • Incredible first hut-to-hut trekking experience

    Andrew J. August 2026
    This was my first hut-to-hut trekking experience, and it went well beyond my expectations. The scenery throughout the Picos was absolutely incredible, and every day brought something different & special. The guides were fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable and extremely technically competent, while at the same time keeping the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable. An amazing week from start to finish. I would absolutely recommend it!

  • Picos. Hut to hut adventure.

    Ellie August 2026
    Genuinely brilliant. Just the right mix of adventure, challenge, and length. Our guides Txetxu and Ruti brought fun and joy while keeping us safe (and rescuing a group of scouts). Our group had a real mix of nationalities and ages but somehow jelled perfectly. The scenery was spectacular and the huts ‘cosy’. I would recommend this trip to anyone who doesn’t mind being a bit uncomfortable in all the best ways. I feel sad to leave and am so grateful to MBA and all the hosts for the experience. Loved!!

  • Where to begin. The hut-to-hut

    Laura B. August 2026
    Where to begin. The hut-to-hut trek in Picos de Europa had everything I was looking for: physically challenging, amazing views, lovely people and expert guides. A special shoutout to our guides Jaime and Oscar: they were very professional, knew everything about the region and the route, and were just really nice guys. I would recommend this trek to everyone who is in for some exercise, and isn't afraid too of heights.

  • Wonderful week in the Picos

    Luke G. August 2026
    Had a wonderful adventure in the Picos. Scenery was spectacular with very varied hikes throughout the week. My first time doing hut to hut and had a blast. Being able to start hikes 1000m+ up allowed us to explore some amazing places. Highly recommend!

  • An Unforgettable week

    Alicia H. July 2026
    This was such an amazing trip in the beautiful Picos de Europa. I didn't know much about the area before but it was absolutely stunning and still feels relatively quiet and unspoilt. This trek really does live up to it's challenging rating - I have done quite a few multi-day treks and this was definitely one of the hardest I have done - the terrain was quite challenging - rocky with lots of scree and plenty of steep climbs - and that combined with the heat (hotter than usual during a heatwave) and carrying all your stuff made it tough all times but the views you would get a the top made it all worth it. Our guides Sergio and Txetxu were brilliant - always checking in to make sure everyone was OK and helping where necessary when the paths got tricky - as well as being a great laugh! The whole group was brilliant and the chats and jokes got us through the hardest of climbs. Some of the huts were very basic - get used to sleeping in close quarters with others - but there was nothing like the feeling of hanging out and playing games in the huts with a beer after a hard days walking. I'd say if you have a decent level of fitness, a comfy pair of boots and a good rucksack (packed as light as possible!) you will love this trip as much as I did!

  • Wild, Wonderful Experience

    Shahid M. July 2026
    Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. This was my first hut to hut multiday hike. The guides Sergio and Maider were hugely supportive and on more than one occasion had to deal with my blisters and other foot related sprains. The limestone scenery is stark but also beautiful. The hikes are rocky with scree everywhere. The days are demanding. Make sure you have proper walking boots with thick socks. The first day was probably the most difficult. The second day which was the 10 hour hike, was slightly less so with large downhill sections that were demanding themselves but the day finished with a 90 minute walk through shaded forest. The whole group was elated that day. Negatives, food can sometimes be basic, particularly at breakfast but everything is helicoptered in. Would I do a multi-day hike again? Yes absolutely! Much Better Adventures were excellent in their organisation of the trip 😃

  • My first trip with Much

    Rob T. July 2026
    My first trip with Much Better Adventures and it was great. Booking was easy and the trip itself was excellent. The guides were passionate and friendly and the group was great. I'd definitely recommend this trip.

  • Beautiful Picos

    Louise R. July 2026
    I had the most amazing trip with Much Better Adventures to the Picos. These mountains are absolutely spectacular- the most beautiful, razor sharp lime stone peaks. We saw beautiful flora and fauna too-chamois, buzzards, choughs and alpine flowers! Our guides Alejandro and Joâo were fantastic - they were knowledgeable, very kind and set a nice pace so everyone in the group could keep up. They guided us very well through the trickier, scrambling bits and I felt very safe in their hands! The group was so lovely and we had some good laughs together. I would highly recommend this trip. Beautiful mountains, lovely guides and a lovely group of fellow hikers!

  • Amazing views and hikes - tough picos

    Hans P. July 2026
    Very nice and tough trip. Got sick halfway but the guides Sergio and Maider took really good care of me and arranged what I needed of new logistics etc. very professional and emphatic. Will go again

  • Special amazing trip!

    Bradley B. July 2026
    Being our first time booking with Much Better Adventures, we weren't entirely sure what to expect. I can honestly say from start to finish, it was an remarkably easy and satisfying experience! Everything was seamless from the platform used to input details, to the organisation for the initial meetup. Our guides, Sergio and Maider, were AMAZING! So much work went on behind the scenes to make our adventure truly remarkable. We loved their stories, the shenanigans, and their genuine passion for the outdoors. It was wonderful seeing how much they love sharing their slice of the world with everyone. I’d recommend this trip and company to anyone looking to travel. I cannot fault this experience at all, on paper it was exactly as described, but it packed even more fun than we anticipated! I'm definitely feeling the post-holiday blues now. I’ll be retelling these adventure stories to friends and family for years to come, and I can't wait to book the next one!

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • Hiking poles (optional)
What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Trekking backpack (approx. 40-60 litres) for carrying all belongings during trek on Days 2-6
  • Waterproof liner or drybag for backpack

CLOTHES

  • Lightweight down or synthetic jacket
  • Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Gloves
  • Something to sleep in
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)

SLEEPING

  • The huts provide blankets and pillows so a sleeping bag is not necessary.
  • Pillowcase (for hygiene)
  • Sleeping bag liner (for hygiene)

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • High factor suncream and lip salve
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Head torch or torch
  • 2 x reusable water bottles of 1-litre capacity, or at least 1 x 1.5-litre bottle

OPTIONAL

  • Sleeping bag (2/3 season) - if you prefer to use your own rather than the blankets at the huts
  • Earplugs
  • Energy bars and snacks
  • Trekking poles (your host can provide these if desired)

FAQs

Yes, you can leave your luggage in Cangas de Onis. This can be collected on the way back to the airport on Day 7.

The water in the Picos is safe to drink and you are able to fill up freely at each of the refuges and guesthouses that you stay at. Make sure to bring a couple of 1-litre reusable drinking bottles or a bladder.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Spain’s cuisine is shaped by a mix of Mediterranean agriculture, regional climates and a long history of trade and cultural exchange, resulting in varied, seasonal dishes that often centre on olive oil, vegetables, seafood and cured meats. This diversity means travellers with dietary requirements can often find suitable options, particularly in larger towns, though menus can be meat- and dairy-heavy in some regions. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are increasingly understood, but it helps to plan ahead and communicate needs clearly, with a guide on hand to assist where language or local customs present challenges.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian Vegetarian diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive.

Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Vegan Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive.

Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Kosher Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal Certified Halal supply varies by destination and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive.

Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

Lactose-free Lactose-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive.

Please consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with (opens in new tab). You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website (opens in new tab), where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information (opens in new tab) and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values (opens in new tab) – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here (opens in new tab) for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

The weather in the Picos can be very changeable, so be sure to pack for all weathers. Mainly it tends to be dry and sunny on the south face of the Picos and at high altitudes over 1,500m. Lower altitudes and on the north face of the Picos is more humid and sometimes rainy. The maximum temperature is around 20 degrees and the minimum around 8-12 degrees. Perfect trekking temperatures!

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 150kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust (opens in new tab) to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre (opens in new tab) programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here (opens in new tab).

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2026
2027

Sunday 6th June 2027

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Sunday 13th June 2027

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Sunday 20th June 2027

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Sunday 27th June 2027

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