We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Spain |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€1.25 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.25 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
€7.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Entry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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The Spanish Authorities have recently announced that all visitors to Spain from non- Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) will have to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) to their Tour Operator or Airline in order to be allowed boarding at their airport of origin. All passengers who have booked flights through Explore will now need to provide us with their Date of Birth, Nationality and Passport Number at the time of booking. Passengers booking Land Only should ensure they submit this information to their travel agent or airline at the time of booking.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
The Picos de Europa enjoy a temperate climate – ample rainfall in spring and winter makes Northern Spain green and verdant. Conditions are reasonably dry between mid- July and late September, with the hottest weather occurring in August. Warmer humid weather tends to give rise to thundery, and sometimes violent, late afternoon showers. One feature of the Picos is a huge sea of cloud filling the valleys up to about 1828m, with bright sunshine above. Because of altitude and proximity to the coast, the weather is prone to unseasonal variations: snow has been recorded in all months of the year (though it is not common in summer) – come prepared.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek
Walking Boots Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Gortex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow out of your boots.
Trainers or Trekking sandals Useful around the refuge, in towns and when travelling.
Trekking poles Trekking poles are recommended.
Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs.
Down Jacket After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing at the start and end of the season. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops.
Thick sweater/fleece jacket A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.
Shorts Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!
Gloves Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Marks & Spencers thermals or Helly Hansen types are most suitable. Also bring a scarf to cover your face and a warm hat/balaclava.
Socks It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Long Trousers For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
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Equipment
Small Rucksack/Daypack with straps (SPC only): In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. The straps will be useful if you have to remove and carry your snow shoes (SPC only). Your daypack should carry the essentials and therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 1litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 3 to 4kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Other optional items in a daypack might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time. Please note that cooked meals and bottled drinks are available in the refuges, so it is not necessary to carry food and drink for your stay.
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Personal Equipment: On Trek
Water Bottle Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Take at least a 1 litre personal water bottle. Also energy snacks including chocolate and sweets are recommended whilst on trek.
Torch
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.
Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush & paste, soap, small towel, small nail brush. ‘Wet Wipes' are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).
Personal First Aid Kit On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin etc. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet. For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain and it will be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.
Chargers and Adaptors These are very hard to get hold of locally.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Country info
Area: 505,000 sq. km.
Population: 38,602,000.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Local time: GMT + 1 (Summer GMT + 2).
Electricity: 220v AC 50 Hz.
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Maps & Books
Maps: Picos de Europa – Mapa Excursionista (1:25000) Editor Miguel Adrados.
Books: Walks and climbs in the Picos de Europa – Robin Walker (Cicerone Press).
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