DAY HIKING IN THE SPANISH PYRENNES AND PICOS
Sept 2-14, 2016
AT# 16
Join us as we travel up country from Barcelona Spain
to Montserrat, and then on to two of the oldest
National Parks in Spain; the Ordesa and Monte Perdido NP and the Picos and Europa NP.
These parks contain some fantastic hiking trails with gorgeous scenery.
Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park- This is one of Spain’s great but often overlooked
wonders, a smaller Pyrenean version of North America’s Grand Canyon. The entrance lies
under the vertical walls of Monte Mondarruego, source of the Ara River and its tributary, the
Arazas, which forms the famous Ordesa valley. The park was founded by royal decree in 1918 to
protect the natural integrity of the central Pyrenees, and it has expanded from the original
4,940 acres to 56,810 acres. Defined by larch, beech, and poplar forests; lakes, waterfalls, and
high mountain meadows. Protected wildlife includes trout, boar, chamois, and the sarrio or
isard mountain goat. Well marked and well maintained mountain trails lead to waterfalls,
caves, and spectacular observation points.
The Picos de Europa National Park was the first
one to be awarded that designation in Spain. Its
history goes back to 1918, when don Pedro Pidal,
Marquis of Villaviciosa, promoted the law to
create the Montaña de Covadonga National Park,
which was named Picos de Europa National Park
on 30 May 1995. This natural area was awarded
the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation in
2002. The Picos de Europa Mountains are made
up of three important massifs: eastern or Andara
massif, central or Urrieles massif, and western or Cornión massif. The park stands out because
of its strong relief, where high peaks are followed by deep ravines and canyons.
ITINERARY: (Subject to change depending upon weather, trail condition and group abilities)
DAY 1 - SEP 2 LEAVE USA, FLY OVERNIGHT TO BARCELONA (+ 1 day)
No hotel nights included - assuming flight is overnight and group arrives in Barcelona for
morning of 3rd Sept
DAY 2- SEP 3 MONTSERRAT (D)
One direct group transfer from Barcelona Airport to Montserrat (collection of group is best
done at airport at a set time).
Transfer to Montserrat from airport is 1 hour. Check into hotel (TBA) in the village of Castelbel i
el Vilar / explore village area on foot / acclimatize / Group dinner included.
DAY 3- SEP 4 HIKING HALF DAY - MONTSERRAT (Afternoon Transfer to Torla in Ordesa) B,D
Our private bus will collect us from the hotel in Montserrat village and transfer us to the
Monastery (15 min), we then hike a series of interpretive walks (3.5 hours) in the spectacular
limestone terrain and have time to explore this historic Monastery. Hiking paths are of varying
difficulties and they are beautifully groomed, good footing underneath. After lunch we´ll board
our bus from the Monastery and drive direct to Ordesa National Park (4 hours) in the
Pyrenees. Check into Hotel Torla for our 4 night stay. Breakfast and Dinner included. Lunch
can be taken after the hike at the very good cafe in the Monastery itself (which is inexpensive
and funds support the upkeep of the Monastery.
DAY 4- SEP 5 HIKING FULL DAY - ODESA & MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK (B, L)
Full day hike (7 miles / 1000 foot gain approx.) into this beautiful remote park hidden in the
Pyrenees very close to the French border. We will most likely do the hike of the Camino de
Turieto right from the hotel. Breakfast, Pack lunch / NO Dinner tonight.
DAY 5- SEP 6 HIKING FULL DAY - ODESA & MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D)
Another full day of hiking (same distance and elevation as above approx.) we can do either the
Añisco Canyon or more challenging Faja Racon higher aspect hike. Breakfast, Pack lunch and
Dinner included.
DAY 6- SEP 7 HIKING FULL DAY - ODESA & MONTE PERDIDO NATIONAL PARK (B, L)
A walk along the floor of the Ordesa Valley. We pass through ancient beech and silver pine
woods, past several waterfalls, with the sheer cliffs of Ordesa rising above us on both sides. The
woodland gives way to give fantastic views of the 3000m Monte Perdido at the head of the
valley - Total distance approximately 6-8 miles. Breakfast, Pack lunch / NO dinner tonight
DAY 7- SEP 8 TRANSFER DAY - PYRENEES TO PICOS DE EUROPA (Sotres) B, D
This morning we set out for Asturias region of Spain and the Picos de Europa, Spain´s first
national park. We´ll pass famous places such as Bilbao, Pamploma and Santander on the
Northern Coast. In total expect a minimum of 7 hours travel time in private coach - this is our
longest day of travel and stops (lunch and rest room breaks) will be arranged
accordingly. Our destination is Sotres hamlet (population 130 pax!) in the heart of the
Picos. This is the highest village of the Picos range and we´ll stay (pending space), in the simple
yet charming family run 2* Peña Castil rural guest house of the village (5 nights here). Breakfast
and Dinner included. (Note, alternative location for our stay is Arenas de Cabrales village, 1000
pax).
DAY 8- SEP 9
HIKING FULL DAY – PICOS (B, L, D)
This morning we hike to the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes Mountain (most famous alpine rock climb
in the Picos) and the legendary heart of the range - including a Moors vs Christians battle site,
etc. This is a big day (10 miles and 2500 ft gain / loss) but the route is here if we want to do
it! It starts near our hotel and some transfers are necessary. Breakfast, Picnic lunch and Dinner
included.
DAY 9- SEP 10 HIKING FULL DAY – PICOS (B, L)
Today we hike the classic and most sought after route of the Picos, the famous Cares Gorge
between Poncebos Bridge and Cains. This is normally an out and back route (3 hours each way
1000 ft elevation gain and loss), and hiking groups can do the entire route in 7 hours. Others
will do part of it and return. It requires a transfer to and from the area. Breakfast, Pack lunch
included/ NO dinner tonight
DAY 10- SEP 11 HIKING FULL DAY – PICOS (B, L, D)
Today´s hiking option - Travesio to Urdon via the La Hermida Gorge / 6 mile hike that descends
a stunning valley - dropping approximately 3000 feet over good footing. An easier day in some
ways, but still a 5 hour hike. It requires a transfer to and from the area. Breakfast, Pack lunch
and Dinner included.
DAY 11- SEP 12 HIKING FULL DAY - PICOS (B, L)
Day hike TBA
Breakfast and pack lunch today/NO dinner tonight
DAY 12- SEP 13 HIKING HALF DAY IN PICOS Final Night in Bilbao (B, L, D)
Final hike in the Picos followed by a transfer (2.5 hours) to Bilbao. We can hike from El Collado
de Cabellar to Arenas de Cabrales (10 miles / +1000 ft -1600 ft). Short transfer required to start
this route. We will see spectacular views of the Pico’s 3 massifs - a grand finale to our hikes in
the Picos. Tonight we’ll have our farewell dinner in Bilbao in this cosmopolitan city on the
coast. Breakfast and Pack lunch, farewell dinner.
DAY 13- SEP 14 TRIP ENDS THIS MORNING - DEPARTURE FROM BILBAO to USA (B)
Breakfast only included. On this day group will be transferred to airport for flights back to
USA.
AMC Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over
after trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the
group are to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost and in
the company of other adventurers with similar interests. We encourage your individual
contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group’s experience. We expect you to
participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders’ decisions, and work towards the group
having a good time. Be prepared to help your fellow hikers and spend time with other
participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
COSTS COVERED:
1 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) in Montserrat
Group Transfers to National Parks, trailheads, to/from airport
5 night’s accommodations (double or possibly triple occupancy) at Picos National
4 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) at Ordesa National Park area
1 night accommodation (double occupancy) in Bilbao
Meals as indicated in detailed itinerary
Permits for Park and Trail usage
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
AMC-AT program Expense Fee
AMC luggage tag
Expenses for 2 AMC Volunteer Trip Leaders (if minimum of 14 participants)
Services of local guide Matt Butler
COSTS NOT COVERED:
Airfare from USA to Barcelona and Bilbao to USA
Alcoholic beverages, and dinner drinks other than tap water
Some Lunches, all snacks, 5 dinners
Passport
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Items of personal nature/souvenirs
Additional transfers / shuttles apart from group transfers
Additional activities such as excursions, entrance fees, museum visits and other attractions
Private hotel room expenses
SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS:
As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies
have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work
with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should
be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not
limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and
transportation in vehicles, on foot, or by boat. Aside from any personal medical problems,
participants should be aware of the possibilities of hypothermia, hyperthermia, insect bites,
altitude sickness, dehydration, sun burn and other hot and cold related problems. You should
regularly use sun screen and insect repellant, wear long sleeves and pants, take care to be
adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips as well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and
gloves. Please carefully read and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption
of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions.
Participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can
contribute to making this experience rewarding.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $3500.00, plus estimated airfare of $1250-1450. Single
supplement for those not wishing to share accommodations is $480, this amount should be
sent in at time of initial application along with the regular deposit, so check total of $1480. To
reserve your place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the
Confidential Medical Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and
Indemnity Agreement. These forms should be completed and sent in to the Leader along with
your deposit of $1,000.00 made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). $100.00 of this
initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your
application and other forms and have approved you for the trip, we’ll send you additional
information on the trip, including planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum
number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place.
PAYMENT 2 DUE:
$2500 due by May 15th, 2016
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $100 is non-refundable, but if you cancel after
April 1, 2016 minimally $200 is nonrefundable, if (and only if) another person takes your place.
We will establish a waiting list. Should another person replace you, you will be charged only
the $200 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any
of the participants or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the
$200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which
the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once
purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will
be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on
current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be
passed on to participants.
Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, the leaders reserve the
right to cancel the trip and refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on
a waiting list, or return your deposit.
AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1,250-1450):
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel. You will receive notification
when we are aware of a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $1,250-1,450. We will
assist you in any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on your
own without consulting the leaders. We will notify you with a list of acceptable flights once we
know that we have a confirmed trip. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly owned by you.
FLIGHTS:
Flights should leave the USA on Sept 1st, 2016 for arrival in Barcelona, Spain on Sept 2nd, 2016
no later than 11AM. The return flights should leave Bilbao on Sept 14th after 11am.
Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere
with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will
provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.
TRIP LEADERS:
LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips
in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led adventure trip in
July 2014, July of 2011, August 2012 and July/August to Austrian Alps. She has also lead
Adventure travel trips to Yosemite National Park, Azores Archipelago, Tuscany and Superior
Hiking Trail in Minnesota for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions
to Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai
valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 20 of the high Alpine Huts throughout
Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked all of the NH 4000 footers. Her interests
include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer
for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities.
ADDRESS:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
PHONE:
(207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
EMAIL ADDRESS:
ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK
Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to
Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White
Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier
and Olympic National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer backpacking as a
Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the
world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
(781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS:
annatp13@verizon.net