Adventure Activities in The Picos De Europa

 

Multy Activity Weeks	Centre based walking Weeks	Trekking the high Picos	Pilgrims Way to Santiago by bike	Mountain Biking Tours	Conservation Weeks

Introduction Torretours, our activities dept is one of the leading providers of adventure activities in the Picos De Europa. Since the Company was established in 1992 it has been successfully providing a variety of adventure activities for groups and individuals, including climbing, caving, trekking, canyoning, biking and canoeing. Torretours is also one of the main providers for multi-activity, mountain biking and trekking holidays for Exodus, one of the principal UK Worldwide adventure travel tour operators. Over the past decade we are proud to have had over 2800 clients on a variety of different trips lasting between just one day and three weeks. Although our main base is in the Picos de Europa, our leaders have led groups as far afield as Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, various other locations within Spain and even a successful ascent of Ama Dablam in Nepal.

All specialist equipment is provided, as required by the activity, and all activities are directed and supervised by experienced instructors. If your just staying in the hotel and not on one of specialist holidays, front suspension mountain bikes are available for hire by individuals on a daily basis.

Multy Activity Weeks Canoeing, caving, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking and gorge walking. The aim is to try out at least one new activity every day. Previous experience is not required as full instruction will be given, but those who have tried any particular activity before will not be bored as different levels can be accommodated.
Our walking and biking holidays here have always been extremely popular and this activity week has fast proved to be a very attractive addition to our program.

Horse Riding
2 hr ride through the foothills of the Picos. You will need to wear loose fitting trousers, T shirts and trainers. Helmets and jackets provided (if wet). €25

Caving
2-3 hours underground depending on group size. You will need to wear loose fitting trousers, T shirts and walking boots or trainers. Helmets, lights and overalls provided. Remove rings and long hair should be tied back.

Canyoning
2 ½  - 4 hours in the canyon depending on group size. You will need to wear a swimming costume and walking boots or trainers. Helmets, Wetsuits, harnesses provided. Remove rings and long hair should be tied back.

Rock Climbing
Either half day or whole day depending on group size. You will need to wear loose fitting trousers / shorts and T shirt. Helmets, harnesses and climbing boots provided. Remove rings and long hair should be tied back.

Mountain Biking (Self guided)
A choice of an on road or off road GPS guided route.  You will need to wear loose fitting trousers / shorts and T shirt.

Canoeing
4 hrs downstream paddling in open top “Canadian” style canoes. You will need to wear bathing costume with shorts and T shirt on top. If you have sandals that can get wet, it’s a good idea, if not bare foot. You are provided with life jackets and wetsuit if cold. Also, you are given a waterproof container for putting your lunch in (provided) Take a spare T shirt as you sometimes have to wait a few minutes before being transported back to the start point

Centre Based Walking Weeks The Picos de Europa form the apex of the Cordillera Cantabrica and are the third highest mountain range in Spain after the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The highest point, the summit of Torrecerredo (2,648 m.), crowns this spectacular limestone range that is often described as a moonscape, and with good reason, as much of the high Picos is devoid of vegetation. In contrast the lower reaches of the area fully live up to their local name, ‘Green Spain', with the lush valleys providing excellent pastures and the higher meadows bedecked with wildflowers in the spring. There are still villages here that have no roads connecting them to the outside world, and the wildness of the terrain meant that this was the one part of Spain that the Moors never conquered. Chamois are often seen across the range, and due to a total hunting ban are not at all shy, allowing us to approach well within camera range. Fire salamanders, a beautiful black and yellow or orange striped lizard, can often be seen, especially after a rain shower. The abundant bird life is dominated by the golden eagles and griffon vultures that are constantly soaring around the rocky outcrops, but smaller kestrels, redstarts and wall creepers are all equally of interest to the ornithologist.

Included. Collection from Bilbao or Santander airports. Full board accommodation. 5 days guided walking.

Not included. Flights. Insurance. Alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature.

Mountain Bike Week

For a week identicle to the above contact us for more info

Included. Collection from Bilbao or Santander airports. Full board accommodation. 5 days guided bike rides. Full vehicle support.

Not included. Flights. Insurance. Bike hire (Specialized rock hoppers) Alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature.

Trekking Through the HIgh Picos A spectacular trek of contrasts through the lush green valleys and stark moonscapes of the Picos. The Picos National Park was the first in Spain, and contains some of the finest mountain scenery and walking on the Iberian peninsula. The high, jagged limestone peaks are interspersed with green valleys where a traditional way of life still goes on. We begin our trek by following little-known shepherd trails in the rarely-visited gorges of the eastern massif, spending the nights in simple pensions. Slowly the scenery transforms to the spectacular lunar landscapes of the central massif, where the huge half-domed bulk of the 'Naranjo de Bulnes' towers above us. Our nights here are spent in isolated mountain huts. Finally we return to civilization and head to the coast for two nights in a refurbished hacienda, which doubles as an watersports adventure centre.

Group bookings only. Min 8 people. Please contact us for price.

Self Guided Walking Weeks Our self guided walking weeks allow you the freedom to come and go as you please. We provide route notes and maps for a varied selection of day walks in the picos and other nearby areas. These range from gentles strolls through the lush green meadows that surround our hotel, to tackling some of the highest peaks. If required , we provide transport to the start and from the end of the walks (especially useful on linear walks).

Accommodation is based in our hotel and the price includes: Full board accommodation (pic-nic lunch), routes notes and map, advise on what walks to do and transport if required. Trips start on any Saturday. Prices from €399.00