Part 3

The Ruta del Cares is one of Spain’s most spectacular hiking routes, winding through the dramatic limestone gorge carved by the Cares River. Known as “The Divine Gorge”, this trail connects the villages of Caín and Poncebos, cutting deep between towering cliffs of the Picos de Europa. No technical skills needed, just a head for heights and a reasonable level of fitness. The path is wide enough not to have fear of heights.

It's not a loop — arrange transport back or plan to hike the full 24 km round trip.

Once a maintenance path for a hydroelectric canal, the trail now draws thousands of hikers, narrow ledges, and natural tunnels chiseled into rock faces. You’ll walk alongside turquoise water, under vertical rock walls, and across ancient bridges — with vultures circling overhead and goats perched impossibly high above.

Caín de Valdeón is a dramatic mountain village in the Valdeón Valley of León, nestled deep within the Picos de Europa National Park. Until the 20th century, the village was practically isolated and reachable only on foot or mule.

Covadonga is a sacred and historic site located in the Asturian mountains, at the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. It is both a religious pilgrimage destination and the legendary birthplace of the Christian Reconquista—where history, faith, and natural beauty meet in powerful harmony. Covadonga is deeply embedded in Asturian identity and Catholic tradition, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year.

Just above the sanctuary lie the stunning Lagos de Covadonga—Enol and Ercina—glacial lakes surrounded by dramatic peaks and pastures, popular with hikers and nature lovers. More about this further in the trip.

Day 8 - Hiking route: Lakes of Covadonga

Time of the year: September

The initial plan ws to take the bus from Parking El Repelao towards the Covadonga Lakes. Even though arriving around 30 minutes before the 10 o'clock bus, there were no more tickets available. Instead of waiting around one an a half hour for the next bus, a hike ascending steadily through a mixture of forest paths and mountain roads has been chosen. In order to have a place in the bus for the early trips it is recommended to buy the tickets in advance.

The first part of the stroll was rather unspectacular. The lack of views compensated with the fact that the climb was quite intense and that throughout the almost 3 and a half hours of climbing just 3 people were met along the way. The hike seems to be nowadays more popular for the cattle than for humans.

The fact that it rained in the last days and that the road it's used by cattle meant that the road was in terrible conditions, making progress very slow.

Sunset at Playa de Torimbia