The Ruta del Cares, also known as the Cares Gorge Route, is a spectacular hiking trail that winds its way through the stunning Picos de Europa mountains in northern Spain. 🏞️ This iconic route follows the course of the Cares River, offering hikers breathtaking views of towering cliffs, deep gorges, and rushing waterfalls along the way. ⛰️💧 The trail spans approximately 12 kilometers one way, from Poncebos to Cain or vice versa, and takes around 6 hours to complete round trip. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Whether you're an experienced hiker seeking adventure or simply looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Spanish countryside, the Ruta del Cares promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Spain. 🌿🌄
📍LOCATION: Poncebos Parking, Asturias (Coordinates: 43.27511842497774, -4.833380323565965)
⚠️Notes: The route can be started from Poncebos (steeper part) or from Caín (gentler and more beautiful part). Keep in mind that you can only go directly from one village to the other through the Carés route. By car/taxi, it takes almost two hours as you have to go around the mountain.
🕢SCHEDULE: Open all day.
🎟️ ENTRANCE: Free
⚠️Important: We recommend going early or at sunset to avoid crowds, as the parking fills up very quickly.
🗺️ Route: 3 and a half hours one way and 3 and a half hours return, with a medium difficulty level due to its length (18 km) as the trail itself is quite easy and has not muchl elevation gain, mainly from Poncebos.

👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 The trail is not recommended for children due to the danger of falling in some narrow sections.

🧑🏻‍🦽 The trail is not adapted for people with reduced mobility or baby strollers.

🥾 Proper footwear is essential as there are sections with rocks, and it can be very slippery when it rains.