Picos de Europa - 5 Day Hut-to-Hut Backpacking Trek
Author's Note
Welcome to the Picos De Europa! Below you'll find everything you need to plan the most epic trek through these sacred mountains. It's a hell of an adventure and a once in a lifetime experience.
Thank you and happy trekking!
About the Picos de Europa
The Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa is located in the Cantabrian Mountains between the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and León 25km from Spain's north coast. It's proximity to the coast causes rapid weather changes and most notably, heavy fog (niebla) that can make it almost impossible to see more than a couple meters in front of you. The rebeco (wild mountain goat), European brown bear, and wolves call the Picos home, but rarely have encounters with humans.
The park is divided into 3 massifs, the Cornión (Western), Urrielles (Central), and Andara (Eastern). Between the Cornión and Urrielles Massifs, lies the famous Cares Gorge with the crystal clear Rio Cares carving out the canyon between Caín and Posada de Valdeón. It's tributary, the Rio Duje separates the Andara Massif in the eastern half of the park, flowing through Bulnes and eventually meeting the Rio Cares at the starting point of the Ruta del Cares.
Home to an old culture, rich in tradition, the gastronomy of the Picos is potent and pure. Free from contaminants, the quality of food produced in this pristine environment is rarely matched. Several villages are located within the park boundary, such as Bulnes and Sotres with restaurants serving the authentic local cuisine.
Daytime temperatures in the summer reach 24°C (75°F) with nights dropping down to 17°C (62°F), although it can feel much hotter in the sun with humidity and a lot colder if you're wet. Snow can often be found at high altitudes into late June.
