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Find your perfect trip!
5-days Picos de Europa Mountain Trek, the Anillo Vindio
5-days Picos de Europa Mountain Trek, the Anillo Vindio
5-days Picos de Europa Mountain Trek, the Anillo Vindio
5-days Picos de Europa Mountain Trek, the Anillo Vindio
Self-guided hut to hut trek
Is this tour for me?
A challenging 5-day self-guided hut-to-hut trek in the Picos de Europa, following the Anillo de Picos and the iconic Ruta del Cares. Designed for experienced hikers, this backpacking route combines dramatic limestone peaks, remote karst plateaus, and lush forests, with nights in real mountain huts and one stay in a small hotel.
Tour Highlights
- Rucksack trekking along the Anillo de Picos trail and the famous Ruta del Cares
- Simple but welcoming mountain huts with hearty meals
- Spectacular landscapes in Spain’s oldest national park
- Dramatic limestone peaks and unique alpine flora
- Dense beech and oak forests rich in wildlife
- One night in a small hotel with added comfort
View map
ITINERARY
Start/finish: Lagos de Covadonga
Day 1: Arrival at Lagos de Covadonga and walk to Vegarredonda (8 km / 5 mi)
Day 2: From Refugio Vegarredonda to Refugio Vegabaño (15 km / 9 mi)
Day 3: From Refugio Vegabaño to Posada de Valdeón (10 km / 8 mi)
Day 4: From Caín to Refugio Vega de Ario (17 km / 11 mi) OR Poncebos (12 km / 7.4
Day 5: From Refugio Vega de Ario to Lago Ercina. End of Programme (8 km / 5 mi)
Day 1: Arrival at Lagos de Covadonga and walk to Vegarredonda (8 km / 5 mi)
After having arrived by public transport (not included) or private taxi (optional service) at the Lagos de Covadonga, you start your 5-day mountain trek at the National Park’s visitors centre in Bufarrera. Get used to your rugsack while you walk up past Lago Enol, through beech woods and bucolic ‘alms’ to reach the Vegarredonda refuge. Here you can leave the bulk of your luggage and walk further up to the Ordiales viewpoint, a fabulous natural balcony also burial place of the Marques de Vega de Sella, founder of the Picos de Europa National Park.
Challenge: 8.6 km / 5.3 mi, 500 m ascent, 80 m descent, 3 hours. With extension Ordiales: +5.9 km / 3.6 mi, 300 m ascent and descent, 2.5 hours
Day 2: From Refugio Vegarredonda to Refugio Vegabaño (15 km / 9 mi)
An early start is highly recommended as today’s route is the longest route of this 5-day mountain trek. You’ll traverse high alpine areas between huge geological depression typical of limestone mountains, the so called dolines (or “jous” in asturiano dialect). The terrain is very irregular and stony and there is hardly any shade before you descent to the idyllic Vegabaño refuge surrounded by an impressive beech forest. In this welcoming family-run hut you will enjoy a tasty and well-deserved dinner in good company.
Challenge: 14.8 km / 9 mi, 980 m ascent, 1150 m descent, 8 hours
Day 3: From Refugio Vegabaño to Posada de Valdeón (10 km / 8 mi)
After yesterday's effort, today's route is more relaxed and penetrates into dense beech and oak forests populated by deer, foxes, wild boar, wolves and even some (very shy) bears (Oso cantábrico, Ursus arctos). Probably you will not see any 4-footers, but several types of warblers, buntings and woodpeckers will provide the soundtrack. Once you arrive at the valley of Valdeón, you’ll cross several villages where you can stop for a drink or a lunch, before finishing the last track to your hotel.
Challenge: 13.4 km / 8.3 mi, 300 m ascent, 800 m descent, 6.5 hours
Day 4: From Caín to Refugio Vega de Ario (17 km / 11 mi) OR Poncebos (12 km / 7.4
Today we’ve arranged a taxi transfer to the start of the walk in Caín, at the southern end of a spectacular gorge where a famous walking route has been sculpted out into the rock: la Ruta del Cares. After having followed the blue-green river for an hour through the gorge, the challenging ascent through the 'Canal de Trea' starts. You realize it was worth the effort when you reach the cozy refuge Vega de Ario, situated in an area with breathtaking views of the highest peaks and the Atlantic Ocean at the same time.
Note: If you you do not feel up to this last strenuous ascent and you want to skip the overnight stay in the mountain hut, you can follow the ‘escape’ route to Poncebos, at the end of the 12km spectacular Cares Gorge, and take a bus to Arenas de Cabrales. You will have to indicate it at the time of the booking and we will book a hotel for you in Arenas de Cabrales instead of the mountain hut, including dinner and breakfast.
Challenge: 17.5 km / 10.8 mi, 475 m ascent, 875 m descent, 6.5 hours
Day 5: From Refugio Vega de Ario to Lago Ercina. End of Programme (8 km / 5 mi)
After having enjoyed again a beautiful sunrise from the refuge, you will do a short but nevertheless beautiful walk, mainly downhill and past Lake Ercina, back to the bus stop where you started your walk 5 days ago. There you will take the bus back to Cangas de Onís.
Challenge: 7.9 km / 4.9 mi , 100 m ascent, 650 m descent, 3 hours
ACCOMMODATION
Where will you stay?
Accommodation on the Anillo Vindio trek includes three refugios - mountain huts - and one hotel. A private room is only available at the hotel; on the other nights, you will stay in shared accommodation in the mountain huts with fellow hikers. The huts provide blankets and hut slippers, so you only need to bring a sleeping sheet or liner.
Note: At Vega de Ario mountain hut, only 50% of the cost is included in your booking. The remaining 50% (around €30 per person, in cash) must be paid directly at the hut upon arrival.
Extra nights can be arranged at any of the accommodations along the route.
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Refugio VegarredondaRefugio Vegarredonda is a mountain refuge located in the Picos de Europa National Park. It offers a canteen and food service, with supplies delivered by pack animals in summer and by backpack during winter, reflecting its remote high-mountain setting.
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Refugio VegabañoRefugio Vegabaño is a mountain refuge in the Picos de Europa where guests are welcomed by its hosts, Julián and Nuria. It offers a friendly and informal atmosphere and can be visited either for an overnight stay or as a stop during a day hike.
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Hotel Cumbres de Valdeón** (Posada de Valdeón)Hotel Cumbres de Valdeón is located in Posada de Valdeón, in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park. It offers single, double, triple and quadruple rooms with private bathroom, heating and mountain views, plus a restaurant, bar and terrace. Perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and families.
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Refugio Vega de ArioRefugio Vega de Ario is a mountain refuge located in the western massif of the Picos de Europa (El Cornión), above the Lakes of Covadonga. It offers wide views of the central massif and is a key stop for long-distance routes such as the Anillo de Picos. The refuge also provides a food service with local products.
PRACTICAL INFO
How do I get to Cangas de Onís?
The nearest airports are Oviedo - Asturias (OVD), Santander (SDR) and Bilbao (BIO).
From Asturias airport there are good bus connections to Oviedo city center, where you can catch a connecting bus to your destination (ALSA bus company, see time tables at www.alsa.es). From Santander and Bilbao you might need a taxi ride to get to Cangas de Onís. We can inform you about the options at the time of booking.
Departure from Cangas de Onís
- Travel to Oviedo by direct bus
- For Santander or Bilbao, take a taxi to Llanes, then continue by bus or train (Feve) to Santander.
Airport transfers (arrival and departure) can also be arranged in advance through S-Cape Travel. Costs vary depending on the number of passengers and the distance.
More information on how to get to the Picos de Europa on our blog.
Where is Cangas de Onís?
Cangas de Onís is a town in northern Spain, located in the region of Asturias, on the edge of the Picos de Europa National Park. It is one of the main gateways to the famous Covadonga Lakes, set high in the mountains. Surrounded by lush valleys and close to the Cantabrian coast, it’s an ideal base for exploring both the mountains and nearby beaches.
When to go?
June and September are generally the best months for this trek. July and August are also suitable, and although you'll be walking at a relatively high altitude, temperatures can still be very warm. Much of the route is open terrain, with little or no shade, so sun protection and water are essential.
TIP: During the high season (July and August), mountain huts fill up quickly. We regularly update our availability calendar, but we strongly recommend checking availability with us before booking any flights or other travel arrangements. If availability is already limited for your preferred dates, we recommend booking well in advance for the following season.
Travelling by car
If you are travelling with your own/rented car, you have two options:
- Park in Cangas de Onís and take the shuttle bus to the Covadonga Lakes, or
- Send us the number plate, and we will arrange the necessary permit so you can drive into the restricted Covadonga Lakes area and leave your car there during the trek.
Navigation app and tracks
Included in your booking is access to the tour on our navigation app. You can also download the tracks and follow the routes on your own device, but we recommend checking the app for the day-to-day itinerary.
Weather & Climate
| Month | Temperature (ºC) | Hours of sunshine | Rain (%) |
| Apr | 8–17 °C | 6 h | 45 % |
| May | 11–19 °C | 7 h | 35 % |
| Jun | 14–21°C | 7 h | 25 % |
| Jul | 16–24 °C | 6,5 h | 20 % |
| Aug | 16–24 °C | 6,5 h | 20 % |
| Sep | 15–22 °C | 7 h | 30 % |
| Oct | 12–21 °C | 6 h | 45 % |
What gear do I need?
For such a trek in the Picos de Europa, bring sturdy hiking shoes or lightweight boots with good grip, as the terrain can be rocky, uneven and wet in the mornings. Dress in moisture‑wicking layers and always carry a waterproof and windproof jacket, as mountain weather changes rapidly. A comfortable daypack with at least 1.5–2 liters of water, snacks, sun protection, and a map or GPS is essential. Trekking poles are helpful for steep ascents and descents. Depending on the travel month, additional warm clothing may also be necessary.
There are few, if any, reliable sources of drinking water along the trail. However, you can refill your water bottle at the mountain huts along the way.
The mountain huts provides duvets and crocs for all visitors. You will need to bring a sleeping bag liner. Note also that shower facilities are limited. It is common for mountain huts not to have showers, but on this trek a couple of the huts offer water barrels that provide enough water for a quick wash. These usually cost between €3 and €5.
Difficulty & Terrain
The Anillo Vindio is a challenging mountain trek best suited to experienced mountain hikers with good fitness. Expect long walking days, significant ascents and descents, and rugged limestone terrain with rocky, uneven paths. The most demanding section is the ascent via the Canal de Trea to Vega de Ario, on Day 4, a steep and sustained.
How to Book & Our Terms
When you make a booking, we first check availability and do our best to confirm all your chosen options. Once everything is confirmed, we’ll contact you. If something isn’t available, we’ll get in touch to discuss alternative options with you.
You can note any preferences or questions in the comments box at the final step of booking. For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions and How to book pages.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1 night in double room with private bathroom in hotel
- 3 nights in bunk beds in shared dormitories at mountain huts with simple, shared bathroom facilities*
- 4 breakfasts
- 4 dinners (Days 1, 2, 3 and 4)
- 3 packed lunches (Days 2, 3 and 5)
- Use of blankets/duvets in mountain refuges (mandatory to take your own sheets!)
- 1 taxi transfer (Day 4, from the hotel to Cain)
- Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
- Access to the trip on GUIBO navigation app
- 24-hour telephone assistance
* At Vega de Ario mountain hut, only 50% of the cost is included; the remaining amount is paid directly at the hut.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Other meals
- Sleeping bag liner or sleeping sheet, and towels for the mountain huts (3 nights). These cannot be rented or purchased at the huts.
- Public bus transport between the Covadonga Lakes and Cangas de Onís
- The cost of the alternative route and accommodation in Arenas de Cabrales on Day 4 (if you choose to skip the ascent to Vega de Ario)
- Personal expenses and extras
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Transfers to and from the Covadonga Lakes from Oviedo, Santander, or Bilbao airports/stations
- Private Taxi transfer from Cangas de Onis to Lagos de Covadonga
- Additional night(s) before or after the trek
REVIEWS
The routes are not technical and do not include exposed sections with very narrow paths. There are only a couple of short spots where you may need to use your hands to step up over rocks (no more than about 1 metre). However, carrying a backpack can make a noticeable difference on the longer and more demanding days, so we recommend packing carefully and bringing only what you really need.
Previous mountain-walking experience is highly recommended. While the Picos de Europa offers some easier routes, it is a steep and very vertical mountain environment where weather conditions can change quickly and fog may appear unexpectedly. Familiarity with mountain navigation and route-finding will help you enjoy the trek safely. If you have limited mountain experience, please contact us and we will be happy to suggest alternative routes in the Picos de Europa that may be more suitable.
A GPS device, or the GUIBO navigation app included with your booking, is strongly recommended for a trek like this. If you are unfamiliar with the terrain, the limited waymarking and stone cairns are not sufficient on their own to navigate the routes confidently. Sudden fog is also common in the Picos de Europa and can make route-finding more challenging.
We therefore recommend following the route on a GPS device or smartphone and carrying a power bank to ensure you can recharge it if needed.
In the mountain huts, vegan options may be limited, but a vegetarian option is always available. Please let us know your preferences at the time of booking so we can inform the accommodations in advance.
Why book with S-Cape?
Local experts
We know the trails inside out - we've walked them all, so we can guide you.
Travel your way
Go when you want, with whoever you choose - we take care of the rest.
Our Navigation App
Our app has every route mapped, with daily details and extra info for a seamless journey.
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5-days Picos de Europa Mountain Trek, the Anillo Vindio
Contact
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Edificio Sovega bajo, Crta General s/n
33554 Arenas de Cabrales
Asturias , Spaininfo@s-capetravel.eu
+34 (0) 985 846 455
UK call free 0800 707 44 35 -
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)