Poncebos

RING OF THE PICOS DE EUROPA - 8 DAYS TREK

Hiking

What you'll do

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain’s Picos de Europa: a land of dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and timeless mountain villages. Wander hanging trails, savor cheeses aged in ancient caves, and lose yourself in epic vistas at every turn. Far from the tourist crowds, this is Spain in its wildest, most authentic form. Perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and seekers of genuine adventure, it’s a land where nature, tradition, and legend meet.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Day: Welcome to the Picos de Europa

Arrive in the charming mountain village of Poncebos, nestled at the entrance to the dramatic Cares Gorge. Settle into your hotel and take the evening to meet your fellow trekkers over a welcome dinner at 7:00 PM. We’ll introduce the route, review gear, and talk through the days ahead. If possible, we recommend arriving by 6:00 PM to join us comfortably for this first gathering.

Day 2 - Poncebos to Refugio Vega de Ario (1,630 m)

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out from Poncebos at 8:00 AM, beginning our trek with a steady ascent through lush beech forests and past towering limestone walls. The route climbs towards Vega de Ario, offering spectacular views over the Cares Gorge and the central massif. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens up into alpine meadows surrounded by jagged peaks. We’ll spend the night at Refugio Vega de Ario, a peaceful stone hut with panoramic mountain vistas. 14 km (8.7 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1500 m (+4,921 ft) -200 m (-656 ft) | Time: 5-6 hours

Day 3 - Vega de Ario to Refugio Vegarredonda (1,800 m)

After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, we depart at 8:00 AM, crossing high pastures and karstic terrain, typical of the Picos. Today’s walk is a beautiful traverse with moderate climbs and descents as we navigate through rocky outcrops and gentle cols. Along the way, we’ll spot grazing livestock and, with a little luck, chamois or vultures soaring overhead. The day finishes at Refugio Vegarredonda, tucked beneath towering limestone walls. Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi) | Elevation Gain: +600 m (+1,969 ft) -700 m (-2,296 ft) | Time: 4–5 hours

Day 4 - Vegarredonda to Refugio Vegabaño (1,900 m)

A big mountain day awaits as we depart at 8:00 AM. The route winds up to higher ridgelines and cols, with breathtaking views of the Western Massif. The path undulates through valleys and across limestone plateaus, offering a variety of scenery from dramatic peaks to hidden valleys. After a rewarding day with significant elevation changes, we descend into the green forests surrounding Refugio Vegabaño, a cozy refuge nestled amidst ancient woodlands. Distance: 17 km (10.6 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,200 m (+3,937 ft) -1,300 m (-4,265 ft) | Time: 7–8 hours

Day 5 - Vegabaño to Posada de Valdeón (1,350 m)

Today’s hike is a gentler descent through lush, shaded forests and peaceful meadows. We’ll follow forest trails and ancient shepherd paths towards the picturesque village of Posada de Valdeón. Along the way, enjoy views of the high peaks you’ve traversed over the past days. The evening offers a chance to relax with a hot shower and local Asturian cuisine at our hotel in the village. Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) | Elevation Gain: +350 m (+1,148 ft) -750 m (-2,461 ft) | Time: 3.5–4.5 hours

Day 6 - Posada de Valdeón to Refugio Collado Jermoso (2,064 m)

A challenging and rewarding day, starting with a hearty breakfast before an 8:00 AM departure. The trail climbs steadily through lush pastures, pine forests, and high alpine terrain. The final ascent is steep but grants access to one of the most beautiful refuges in the Picos — Collado Jermoso — perched on a high shelf with spectacular views of Torre de La Palanca and the Cares Gorge far below. Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,300 m (+4,265 ft) -200 m (-656 ft) | Time: 5–6 hours

Day 7 - Collado Jermoso to Refugio Cabrones (2,400 m)

A big mountain day over rugged, remote terrain. We begin at 8:00 AM, traversing rocky ridgelines and cols, possibly passing through Horcados Rojos and other high passes near 2,400 m (7,874 ft). This is one of the most alpine sections of the trek, with vast limestone landscapes and jagged peaks all around. After a challenging but exhilarating route, we arrive at Refugio Cabrones — one of the highest and wildest huts in the Picos, known for its incredible sunsets. Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,200 m (3,937 ft) -1,200 m (-3,937 ft) | Time: 6–7 hours

Day 8 - Refugio Cabrones to Poncebos (2,200 m)

Our final day starts early, leaving Refugio Cabrones at 8:00 AM. The path ascends gently to a high point of around 2,200 m (7,217 ft) before beginning a long, scenic descent back toward the Cares Gorge. The dramatic limestone walls close in as we drop towards Bulnes and finally down to Poncebos (218 m), where our circular trek comes to a celebratory close. We’ll arrive back mid-afternoon with time for a well-earned drink and reflections on a truly unforgettable week in the mountains (5 PM). Distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) | Elevation Gain: +300 m (+984 ft) -2,100 m (-6,890 ft) | Time: 5–6 hours

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

UIMLA Guide

Accommodation

Dinner

Breakfast

Official Ring of Picos route pass

Technical advice before and during the trek

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

Lunch

First day's breakfast

Tips

Dinner last day

First day's dinner

First night's hotel in Poncebo

Last night's hotel in Poncebo

Accomodations

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Refuge Vega de Ario - Day 2

Refugio Vega de Ario, also known as the Marqués de Villaviciosa Refuge, is a mountain hut nestled at 1,630 meters in the Western Massif (El Cornión) of the Picos de Europa, Asturias, Spain. It offers panoramic views of the Central Massif, including peaks like Torrecerredo (2,648 m), Llambrión (2,642 m), and El Tesorero (2,570 m).

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Refuge Vegarredonda - Day 3

Refugio Vegarredonda is a mountain hut situated at 1,460 meters in the Majada de Vegarredonda, within the Western Massif (Macizo Occidental) of the Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias, Spain. Established in 1987, it replaced an earlier shelter that served as a munitions depot during the Spanish Civil War.

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Refuge Vegabaño - Day 4

Refugio de Vegabaño is a mountain hut located at 1,432 meters in the Western Massif (Macizo Occidental) of the Picos de Europa, within the province of León, Spain. Nestled in the Majada de Vegabaño, it is surrounded by lush beech and oak forests, offering a tranquil setting for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

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Hotel in Posada de Valdeón - Day 5

Posada de Valdeón, nestled in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, offers a variety of accommodations for travelers seeking comfort and proximity to nature.

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Refuge Collado Jermoso - Day 6

Refugio Collado Jermoso, officially named Refugio Diego Mella, is a historic mountain hut perched at 2,064 meters in the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, León, Spain. Established in 1942, it holds the distinction of being the oldest refuge in the Picos de Europa.

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Refuge Cabrones - Day 7

Refugio Jou de los Cabrones, officially known as Refugio José Ramón Lueje, is a remote mountain hut located at 2,034 meters in the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, Asturias, Spain. It's the highest refuge in Asturias and is renowned for its challenging access routes, requiring hikers to use their hands in certain sections.

Guides

Tomás González

Tomás is an experienced mountain and climbing guide with a deep passion for the wild landscapes of northern Spain. With years of guiding in the Picos de Europa and beyond, he combines expert technical skills with local knowledge, ensuring safe, memorable, and inspiring mountain adventures for all levels of trekkers and climbers.