One of Spain's most dramatic gorge walks cutting through the Cares Canyon in Picos de Europa National Park. The carved path hugs sheer limestone walls 1,000m above the Cares River with vertiginous views into the gorge below.
The Ruta del Cares is the most iconic day hike in Picos de Europa National Park, running 11.5 kilometres one way (23km round trip) through the Cares Gorge — a dramatic limestone canyon carved by the Cares River along the border between Asturias and Castile and Leon in northern Spain. The path was originally cut into the canyon walls in the 1940s as a maintenance track for a hydroelectric canal, and it remains a narrow ledge trail with sheer drops of up to 1,000 metres to the river below.
The standard route begins at Poncebos, a hamlet in Asturias reached by road from Arenas de Cabrales (8km). From Poncebos, the trail immediately enters the gorge, climbing modestly along a carved ledge with metal handrails at the most exposed sections. The path passes through several short tunnels bored into the rock face. The far end of the gorge is the village of Cain in Leon, where basic bars and toilets are available. Most walkers return the same way rather than continuing into the Leon highlands.
The gorge sits at approximately 450 to 600 metres elevation throughout, making the route accessible in most seasons. The limestone walls on both sides rise over 1,000 metres, and bearded vultures, chamois, and golden eagles are regularly spotted from the path. The Cares River at the base of the canyon remains visible for much of the route, its turquoise water contrasting with the pale grey limestone cliffs.
The surface is compacted rock and gravel throughout, well-maintained but narrow in sections — particularly the ledge passages and tunnel approaches. The path is not technical, but the exposure (unfenced drops in places) and total round-trip length make it unsuitable for those with severe vertigo. The round trip typically takes 4 to 6 hours depending on pace.
Parking at Poncebos fills by 9am in summer; a summer shuttle bus operates from Arenas de Cabrales on weekends. Cain is also accessible by car from Leon via Posada de Valdeón, allowing a one-way shuttle option. There are no services within the gorge itself; walkers must carry sufficient water and food for the full round trip.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Picos de Europa, Asturias/León
- Best season
- May to October
Highlights
- Cares gorge viewpoints
- Limestone canyon walls
- Mountain chamois spotting
- Poncebos to Caín route
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at Poncebos before 8:30am in summer to secure parking — the car park fills by 9am on weekends and public holidays.
- Take the summer shuttle bus from Arenas de Cabrales if arriving without a car; it runs on summer weekends and eliminates the parking problem entirely.
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person — there are no reliable drinking water sources within the gorge.
- Wear ankle-supporting footwear; the path is rocky and some ledge sections are uneven underfoot.
- Carry a lightweight waterproof layer even in summer; the gorge can be exposed to sudden weather changes sweeping in from the Cantabrian Sea.
- A one-way walk from Poncebos to Cain (11.5km) is possible if transport back to Poncebos is arranged in advance via the road through Posada de Valdeón.
When to visit
May through October offers the most reliable conditions. Spring (May to June) brings wildflowers and a cooler gorge; September is popular for lower crowd numbers and clear weather. Avoid midsummer weekends when the trail becomes extremely crowded by mid-morning.
Accessibility
The Ruta del Cares is not wheelchair accessible. The carved ledge path is too narrow for wheelchairs, and sections of the route are exposed with unfenced drops. The first kilometre out of Poncebos is the widest and flattest section and may be accessible on foot to those with limited mobility, but the full gorge route is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Ruta del Cares?
The route is graded moderate. The path is well-maintained and non-technical, but the exposure — drops of up to 1,000m in places — makes it unsuitable for those with severe vertigo. The 21km round-trip distance and limited shade in summer add to the physical demand.
Is there an entrance fee for the Ruta del Cares?
No fee is charged to walk the Ruta del Cares. Picos de Europa National Park does not require permits or tickets for this trail. Parking at Poncebos is free but limited.
Can the route be walked one way?
Yes. Walking from Poncebos to Cain one way (11.5km) is possible if transport is arranged, as Cain is accessible by road from Posada de Valdeón in Leon. Many guided groups do this as a one-way transfer hike.
Are children able to walk the Ruta del Cares?
Older children (10 and above) who are confident around heights can manage the route. The path is narrow with exposure in places and young children should be carefully supervised. Pushchairs and buggies are not suitable for this trail.
What wildlife can be seen on the Ruta del Cares?
The Cares Gorge is excellent for wildlife watching. Bearded vultures (quebrantahuesos), griffon vultures, golden eagles, and Eurasian crag martins are regularly seen overhead. Chamois (rebeco) are frequently visible on the canyon walls, and otters have been recorded in the river.