From Poncebos to the Vega de Ario Refuge via the Canal de Trea

Park on the small road leading to the start of the Ruta del Cares.

(S/E) Take the path on the right-hand side of the road after the tarmac section, signposted Ruta del Cares^PR®-PNPE-3, and begin the ascent without leaving the path.

(1) Pass a ruined building and continue on, reaching Arbeyares where you’ll have a magnificent view of the Rio Cares gorges.
Begin the descent, pass the Canal del Escalero and then cross the Riega del Saigu.

(2) Pass the Canal de la Raya on your right and continue through a series of tunnels. At a place called Viaña, pass a stone building on your right.

(3) Pass the Puente Pando, then the Puente de los Papos (in ruins), both situated on the Rio Cares.

(4) Just before the Puente Bolin, leave the Rute del Cares to the right, taking a steep path that leads through the forest to the Canal de Trea. Begin the long climb towards the Vega de Ario.

(5) As you emerge from the forest, head towards the stream bed (often dry); you are now in the very steep Canal de Trea.

(6) A large rock blocks the path and a trickle of water flows beneath it. Go round it on the left – you’ll need to use your hands – then turn right and continue the climb, following the Itos (cairns in Spanish). Reach Huerto Rey.

(7) Go round a large peak on the right, then pass between the peak and El Llagu.

(8) Turn left, heading due west, and continue along the path, which has become much easier.

(9) At Las Cruces, turn due north then veer slightly north-west.

(10) Pass to the left of the Majada de Avin and continue towards the Vega de Ario refuge (E).

Please note! The elevation gain for this stage is distorted by the terrain; in reality, the elevation gain is 1,549m and the descent is 280m.

The climb via the Canal de Trea, with a 1,200m elevation gain, is very physically demanding and strenuous, and is only suitable for those in very good physical condition.

There is little water along this route; you will find a place to quench your thirst in the Canal de Trea beneath the large rock blocking the path at (6).

Please note that the water in the Picos de Europa contains virtually no mineral salts. To stay properly hydrated, you must bring mineral salts to add to the water you collect along the route.

Map and compass essential. Map 1 Map 2

It is essential to book your mountain hut. To do so, visit the website.
Do not attempt to book by telephone.

For €3, you can purchase a Picos de Europa passport, which you should remember to have stamped at each refuge.

Remember to pack warm clothes as it gets quite chilly in the evenings. Keep the phone numbers of the refuges with you to report any incidents, as well as the mountain rescue numbers.

Stay very careful throughout your hike; do not stray from the path.

Tel: Vega de Ario Refuge 00 34 984 09 20 00
Picos de Europa National Park Information Office 00 34 985 84 86 14

Emergency services:

GREIM (Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group *) 00 34 985 84 80 56 or 112

• Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (Asturias)

GREIM (Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group *) 00 34 942 73 00 07

• Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (Cantabria)

Red Cross * 00 34 987 74 05 04

• Red Cross (León)

In all cases, always let someone know the route you are taking and avoid setting off alone.

(4) You can continue along the Ruta del Cares to Caín to see the end of the route, have a drink and fill your water bottle, then return to continue. Caín is about 1 km away.