Home of Refugio Vega de Ario

After the fires that occurred in mid-August, the Cares Route, one of the most iconic trails in the Picos de Europa, has suffered damage in several areas. Currently, the accesses via Canal de Trea and Canal de Culiembro remain closed, so it is important to carefully plan any trek through this part of the park.

Access to El Anillo de Picos – Extrem or 3 Massifs Route

To join El Anillo de Picos in its Extrem or 3 Massifs version, access must be made through Camarmeña. Part of this itinerary crosses areas affected by the fires, so we recommend:

• Carrying enough water.

• Bringing a fully charged GPS device.

• Remembering that this is an unmarked route.

If you are coming from Jou de los Cabrones, we recommend stopping at Camarmeña or Poncebos and splitting the journey into two stages, which makes the experience safer and more manageable.

If you want to complete the route in a single day, the only option is to take a taxi to one of the bus stops that provide access to the Lakes of Covadonga:

• Cangas de Onís Center Parking

• El Bosque Parking

• Muñigo Parking

• El Repelao Parking

From the Lakes of Covadonga, the route starts at Lake Ercina following trail PNPE 04.

Anillo Vindio – Recommendations

If you plan to do the Vindio version of El Anillo de Picos, the most recommended option is to start in Posada de Valdeón or Oseja de Sajambre, spending the first night at the Vegabaño refuge. On the last day, public transport will be necessary to return to your starting point. For better planning, we recommend contacting the Vegabaño or Vega de Ario refuges, where we can provide you with information about schedules and connections.

If your first day is at the Vega de Ario refuge, the ideal starting point is the village of Demués. There is also the option of finishing in the village of Amieva and from there taking a taxi back to your starting point.

The Cares Route is a unique hiking trail in the Picos de Europa, and we trust it will return to normal in the coming months.

For more information about the condition of the trails or the mountain refuges in the Picos de Europa, feel free to contact us by email. We will be happy to help you plan your trek.

Access Information for the Lagos de Covadonga in 2025.

To reach the Vega de Ario refuge via the Lagos de Covadonga, you must take the CO-4 road. This road is subject to access restrictions at certain times of the year. Therefore, to use this road, you must make a reservation at the refuge, whether you plan to stay overnight or have a meal. Reservations for breakfast only are not accepted. Please note that motorhomes and large vehicles are not allowed to circulate within the Picos de Europa National Park. All the details here

Alternative Transportation

If you prefer not to use your own vehicle, you can share a taxi or take a bus. Buses depart every hour from Cangas de Onís, stopping at:

• El Bosque parking lot
• Muñíu parking lot
• Repelao parking lot

You must purchase your bus ticket in advance through this link. The first bus departs at 8:00 AM from the Cangas de Onís bus station, and the last return bus from Lagos de Covadonga during peak season is at 8:50 PM.

Lagos de Covadonga Access Restrictions

If you wish to drive up to Lagos de Covadonga, here are the restriction dates:

• FEBRUARY: Open access for all visitors.
• MARCH: Open access for all visitors.
• APRIL: Restricted on the weekend of April 5-6 and from April 12 to 30 (only vehicles with a reservation at the refuge are allowed).
• MAY: Restricted from May 1 to 4 and every weekend (only vehicles with a reservation at the refuge are allowed).
• JUNE: Restricted throughout June, except for vehicles with a reservation at the refuge.
• JULY: Restricted throughout July, except for vehicles with a reservation at the refuge. Exceptions: the afternoon of July 24 and all day July 25.
• AUGUST: Restricted throughout August, except for vehicles with a reservation at the refuge.
• SEPTEMBER: Restricted throughout September, except for vehicles with a reservation at the refuge. Exception: September 8.
• OCTOBER: Restricted from October 1 to 19. Also restricted on October 25-26, except for vehicles with a reservation at the refuge.
• NOVEMBER: Restricted from November 1-2 (only vehicles with a reservation at the refuge are allowed) and from November 29-30.
• DECEMBER: Restricted from December 1 to 8.

Restricted access hours: 00:00 to 24:00 (24-hour restriction).