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Route of Cares from Poncebos to Caín

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Route of Cares from Poncebos to Caín

Hard

4.9

(821)

5,038

hikers

Route of Cares from Poncebos to Caín

07:28

23.1km

990m

Hiking

The Ruta del Cares plunges you into a landscape that seems otherworldly, a trail carved into the walls of a gorge that will leave you breathless. You'll hike between imposing cliffs and tunnels excavated from the rock, with the Cares River winding far below and the sharp peaks of the Picos de Europa dominating the horizon. It's common to encounter mountain goats as you enjoy this "Divine Gorge," an experience that combines human engineering with natural majesty.

For this challenging 14.4-mile (23.1 km) hike with 3246 feet (989 meters) of elevation gain, which will take you approximately 7 hours and 28 minutes, good planning is crucial. If you start in Poncebos, be prepared for a significant initial ascent. Bring sturdy hiking footwear and a headlamp for the tunnels. Given its popularity, especially in summer, I recommend arriving early to secure parking and enjoy the route with more tranquility.

What makes the Ruta del Cares so special is its history and location. Originally built for a hydroelectric power plant, this engineering marvel connects the regions of Asturias and León through a dramatic landscape. It is considered one of Spain's most spectacular hiking routes, offering a complete immersion in the wild nature of the Picos de Europa, a true treasure for mountain lovers.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.30 km

Start of the Ruta del Cares (Cares Route)

Highlight • Trail

The beginning of the Ruta del Cares. Possibly one of the busiest routes in all of Spain in summer. This does not detract from the charm of this incredible area. Perfect to do on foot in a stage or, as part of the Ring of Peaks.

Spectacular views and a history that captivates anyone.

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Tip by

2.32 km

Abandoned village in the Picos de Europa National Park

Highlight • Settlement

Ruined area where I come across some abandoned and deteriorated houses. The landscape and views are still incredible despite them.

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Tip by

3.94 km

Through the stones

Highlight • Natural Monument

Incredible natural rock formation after kilometer 6 of the Ruta del Cares where a stop is mandatory.

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5.46 km

Dwarves' Tunnels on the Cares Trail

Highlight • Structure

Tunnels of the Dwarves. There are a total of 71 tunnels along the Ruta del Cares.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.38 km

Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Bolín bridge is one of the landmarks that everyone who walks the Cares path is well impressed with.

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Tip by

9.74 km

Los Rebecos Bridge over the Cares Gorge

Highlight • Bridge

Los Rebecos Bridge on the route of the Cares River.

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11.5 km

Caín de Valdeón Village

Highlight • Settlement

Caín is the village located at the lowest altitude in the entire valley (460 meters), which is why it seems to be literally swallowed up by the Picos de Europa mountains and also the waters of the Cares River, overflowing in the form of streams and torrents, still give it More beauty if possible to the landscape that surrounds this small town.

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Tip by

23.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

20.6 km

1.40 km

539 m

487 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

20.3 km

1.71 km

444 m

319 m

308 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (500 m)

Lowest point (230 m)

Weather

Friday 17 July

21°C

16°C

28 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 4, 2024,Ruta del Cares

A great hike: Partnach Gorge to start with, then canyon and later hiking trail. Hundreds of meters of rock face above you, hundreds of meters of drop below you. Breathtaking. It was the best hike I've ever done.

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September 18, 2024,Routa del Cares von Poncebos nach Caín

A highly recommended route. Perfect and varied mountain panorama and breathtaking views of the Cares Gorge. It doesn't matter whether you start in Pancebos or Cain.

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December 4, 2024,PR-PNPE3 Ruta del Cares Poncebos - Cain (Hin- und zurück)

The breathtaking Cares route with unique views. I recommend starting at sunrise, when you can see the peaks illuminated in orange. The first hour is uphill, but after that there is an almost completely flat path to Cain. A headlamp is useful for the tunnels because they are poorly lit. In December, when the weather is good, you have the …

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May 7, 2025,Ruta del Cares

This is truly a spectacular hike in the Picos de Europa. It's supposedly one of the most beautiful hikes in Spain, and I really enjoyed it.
You may walk the same route twice, but the views are so impressive that you don't even notice.
The trail leads through tunnels, over bridges, and constantly along the edge of a precipice – …

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April 23, 2025,Ruta del Cares

Simply brilliant, the 24 km flew by. The temperatures at this time of year and the few hikers are a real treat.

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August 7, 2022,Ruta del Cares (Poncebos-Caín-Poncebos)

This is one of the most popular routes in Spain and Europe, and there's no wonder... This high path is perched on the side of a gorge. The Cares river at the bottom plays hide and seek throughout the entire 11 km (each way) from Poncebos to Caín. Stunning views, rock tunnels, and quite dangerous drops - not for the …

April 18, 2024,38 / 24 Ruta del Cares

On the way in the Spanish national park "Picos de Europa" on the "Ruta del Cares", a gorge path with extraordinary views, great depths and heights. A highlight in my hiking life. 5 stars de luxe. So if you find yourself anywhere near the area: take a detour and walk this path in both directions, a total of about 23 …

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June 3, 2023,🇪🇦6:15h Ruta del Cares/NP Los Picos de Europa (29km, 1565Hm)

THE rod in the Picos de Europa. Important: arrive early. Shortly after 8 it was almost hopeless to park, so the route was a bit longer (normal 12km one way, return the same way or by 4x4 trip). Certainly very difficult and crowded in summer. Strangely enough (despite the lack of parking space) not that many were out and about …

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Route of Cares from Poncebos to Caín

Start of the Ruta del Cares (Cares Route)

Abandoned village in the Picos de Europa National Park

Through the stones

Dwarves' Tunnels on the Cares Trail

Bridge

Los Rebecos Bridge over the Cares Gorge

Caín de Valdeón Village

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