Most Inspirational Moment
the moment we saw seven griffons in the air, sitting on the top of a moutain
Thoughts on Group Leader
alvaro saiz is 'the best that can happen to you'
Advice for Potential Travellers
just one: go!
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last year I went tot de PIcos de Europa and thought this was the best holiday I ever had.
this year in september I returned and quess what; perfect can be even more perfect (as a matter of saying)
I’m from Holland , a journalist of nature and know my wishes
the moment we saw seven griffons in the air, sitting on the top of a moutain
alvaro saiz is 'the best that can happen to you'
just one: go!
Spectacular mountain walking, sometimes through meadows, woods and on rough tracks. The walking got progressively harder each day, it was challenging without being difficult. The pace was well judged, those who wanted to walk a bit faster were encouraged to go on ahead with directions of where to wait for the rest of the group. Alvaro our guide was knowledgeable and caring, he made the holiday extremely enjoyable. The weather (in September 2014) was perfect. Hotel Torrecerredos was an excellent location, very close to the town. Jim’s cooking was excellent with good vegetarian options. Really could not fault this holiday in any way.
Can't pinpoint one moment, the Cares Gorge was spectacular and the higher ascents were breathtaking, it is just such a worthwhile experience.
Outstanding, extremely knowledgeable on the local area (born and bred nearby) and passionate about the Picos, he took great care in looking after those who needed extra help.
Carry plenty of water and take a sunhat. I took poles although I'd never used them before and was grateful for them. I definitely recommend this trip.
All in all a great trip on a challenging week with a couple of quite long days and good climbs .
No magic moment it was just a great trip with nice people staying in a nice hotel run by extremely helpful owners for whom nothing was too much trouble .
I work in the outdoor industry and he is someone I would be very happy to work with . His knowledge of the flora and fauna routes and mountain summits was excellent. He also gave us an insight into the life , culture and economies and politics of Spain particularly the North . He has what money cannot buy -PASSION.
I looked at a number of weather forecast before leaving for a number of weeks before our departure date. They all said rain in parts throughout the day and they were ALL WRONG . We got wet once and the rest of the time it was brilliant sunshine ! The weather in the Picos is very localised and you need to be prepared for it .
I had a wonderful week walking and trekking in this stunning mountain area. Every day was different and the varied terrain and views were amazing. The hotel owners, Jim and Pilar and their staff made us feel very welcome and the food was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Our group got on really well and we shared many laughs especially over a cold beer or cider at the end of each day.
That's tricky as there were many. I think sitting on the high grassy slopes, eating our lunches, while the griffon vultures circled over us was very special. Also one day we climbed 1000m and to reach the highest peak we had to 'scramble' to the top, that was a new experience !!
Alvaro was an exceptional leader in so many ways. He was always encouraging and everyone could just walk at their own pace . He is very passionate about the 'picos' and was always keen to share his knowledge of not only the flora and fauna but also the history of the region . We felt like friends rather than clients.
This is a great holiday and very reasonably priced considering everything that is included. Extra meals and drinks are also very reasonably priced .
I went on the Picos de Europa trip during the first week of June 2014. On day 1 we were driven to the hotel and pretty much left to our own devices. Then over the next 6 days we had 5 days of trekking with 1 day off in-between for R&R. The walking was challenging but there were no technical difficulties and everyone completed the walks. The scenery every was stunning and we were pretty lucky with the weather. This is apparently the wettest bit of Spain and it did rain on 2 of the 8 days but on every other day it was warm and sunny with excellent visibility. Temperatures generally low 20s C. Warm but not uncomfortable. The hotel is pleasant with very friendly staff and the food is excellent. The hotel bar is good value,, however but there are a number of good bars and restaurants (and touristy shops) in the town of Arenas.
The mountain walks very rewarding but for sheer drama it would be hard to beat the Cares Gorge walk. We started on a fairly misty morning so you do not really get a sense of how deep the gorge is. Then as the day progressed the cloud lifted we saw all the cliffs and mountain peaks. The walk itself starts off fairly steeply but this only lasts about 30 minutes and then the rest of the walk is fairly gradual on a good quality mining path. At the top of the gorge is a village where you can have lunch at a café and re-stock. This is by far the longest walk you do and it can get very warm in the gorge but take your time and plenty of water and you will enjoy it.
Our group leader Alvaro was excellent. He is local to the area and not only is he familiar with the routes, he was able to share his considerable knowledge about . It really adds to the general experience. He set a reasonable pace for the group and if we were allowed to go on ourselves he always identified clear points to stop to allow others to catch up.
Take a good hat and plenty of sun cream as shade is limited and the sun can be strong. On some of the walks there are streams where you can safely drink the water but always check with the guide. I took about 2-2.5 litres a day on the walks.
This was a fab getaway! Awesome scenery, really great walking, well organised and such a gorgeously rustic cosy lodge with really great food and hospitality…loved all of it 🙂
There was an inspirational moment everyday of the week in the Picos mountains
Wow he made the week what it was....so knowledgeable, kind, funny and very experienced in the Picos mountain range. Totally went above and beyond to make the experience so memorable.
Book it :) lovely week. I really wish I had improved my fitness before booking the C week though, found it pretty tough but I was possibly one of the least fit in the group! The guide always gave options on the treks so it worked really well to suit all group members.
This is a fantastic opportunity to walk in dramatic limestone country. The routes are varied and not too challenging, the wild flowers amazing and the accommodation, food and staff first class. I have travelled with Exodus many times over the last 16 years and this is one of the best.
Realising what a great group we were and how we all gelled together. The Cares Gorge was stunning.
Alvaro our leader had an excellent knowledge of the area, its flora and fauna and did a great job of looking after our group with its wide range of abilities. Nothing was too much trouble. He understood the British sense of humour.
This is an excellent trip for the moderate walker. It combines fantastic scenery in which to hike, a well informed, diligent and capable tour leader, excellent rural village accommodation with superb food and incredible local hospitality. The Picos de Europa is a beautiful region of Spain and rivals the better known ranges in Europe for scenery and grandeur. It is well worth the visit. The Hotel Torrecerredos is a perfect base from which to enjoy the daily hikes. It provides suitable rural hotel style accommodation but it also provides superb food, wine and hospitality. The local value for money was phenomenal, the last night night team meal in the Cafe Restaurant Cares was just 15 Euros for three huge courses with wine included.
As we scaled the summit of Macondiu we finally rose above the clouds. On an overcast day we had emerged into brilliant sunshine looking down on a sea of clouds with the peaks protruding like islands.
Alvaro Saiz was a superb group leader for this type of trip. He was concerned for the well-being of every member of the group and keen to ensure that everyone was safe and enjoying their holiday. He was well informed about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the region and was able to share his knowledge with us. He was extremely diligent, working long hours to worry about the next day's weather and to consider the alternatives and fall-back plans if we should need them. He should go far.
I would highly recommend this trip.
The holiday was better than expected. The Picos are a spectacular range of mountains, and the Hotel, Hotel staff, and Group leader made the holiday one of the most memorable we’ve had.
What made this trip special were the other people on it. All twelve seemed to have something in common with the others. No loners, losers, or weirdos. Add to that a hotel staff that pulled out all the stops to ensure we enjoyed our stay, and a group leader who was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and witty ensured it was a holiday to remember.
Alvaro, the group leader, is a man in right the job. Brilliant
If you suffer from insect bites. Take antihistamine tablets, and anti mosquito spray with you.
Excellent holiday. The challenging week was – well challenging! – but very satisfying too. The walks were varied, thro’ amazing scenery with wildlife – butterflies, birds, geckos etc – not to mention cows and horses. A stunningly beautiful area.
Hotel good – excellent packed lunches and dinners. Very friendly.
Difficult to choose. The Cares Gorge was what I'd been looking forward to and was breathtaking.
Alvado really understood how to be a good leader. He knew the area well, he recognised whenever someone needed an extra bit of support, he had an excellent sense of humour and could laugh at himself too!