“…Mountainous landscapes, picturesque white villages and deep valleys and gorges …”

South-east of Grenada rise the snow-crowned peaks of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain chain and National Park (of 86,208 hectares/333 square miles) that stretches across the provinces of Granada and Almeria. The southern slopes and valleys of the Sierra Nevada are known as the Alpujarras. First inhabited by the Visigoths and later by the Moors, the Alpujarras became the final enclave of Moorish resistance. There are approx 70 villages in the region today, and a myriad of foot paths linking many of the most beauti-ful. Walking and hiking is an ideal way to experience the beauty and serenity of this region.

Location

Berchules

Bérchules, Spain

Day 1+2

Trevelez

Trevélez, Spain

Day 3+4

Busquistar

BusquĂ­star, Spain

Day 5

Capileira

Capileira, Spain

Day 6+7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and map
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Start any date between February and November
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Berchules / Capileira

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate with Challenging options *10-20 km daily*

TERRAIN

Hilly but most of the gradients are moderate

COST

Classic Accommodation:
US $2,625 per person
Includes 7B/1D

Single Supplement:
US $650

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting there:

Berchules is 3h45 minutes bus drive from Granada. There are two departures each day, at 12:00 (arr. 15:45) and at 16:30 (arr. 20:15. The cost is apprximately 8 euros. Alternatively there is also a bus to Trevelez at 10:00 (arr. 13:15) and a taxi can be taken to Berchules from there.


1

Day 1

Arrival in Berchules, small village (pop. 900) located on the GR 7 long distance footpath and convenient to start this trip. Your first hotel, the Los Berchules is a comfortable inn with restaurant and swimming pool. Relax from your journey, swim or explore the village on foot. Your walking starts next morning…

2

Day 2

Berchules loop. This scenic loop will take you through the valley above Berchules, long on history and not too strenuous. The gradients are gentle, except for the final few km. Points of historical and folkloric interest are encountered along the way. [16 km; 1040 m asc/ des, 6 to 8 hours including rests] There is also a shorter option (out and back) of 12 km

3

Day 3

Berchules to Trevelez. This is a long walking day and can be shortened by shuttling the first or second sections– our Area Manager will provide recommendations based on weather and your interests. The hike is varied with interesting villages, archeological sites, and a possible diversion to a 10C castle near Juviles. The second section is in less inhabited mountainous country and passes through a lovely ancient Oak forest. In warmer months, we suggest walking the second section or taking an alternative higher, cooler route of 18 km following the GR240. [24 km; 1350m asc, 1040m des, 10 hours including
rests] Shorter option is to shuttle and reduce the distance by approx half.

4

Day 4

Trevelez loop. Today’s walk explores the valley above Trevelez with views of the Mulhacen, the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. Melt waters from this mountain are responsible for feeding the many springs you’ll pass today. The route passes by authentic cortijos and you will no doubt encounter cowboys’ working the farms. Trevelez is famous for the quality of its air-cured hams, a specialty throughout the Alpujarras and particularly associated with this village because of the cold climate due to its altitude. [14 km; 650 m asc/des, 6 hours]

5

Day 5

Trevelez to Busquistar. The walk to Busquitar has a good variety of landscapes with open areas and shady oak forests providing welcome relief from the sun. There is a 500 m net descent on this day. Enjoy! You’ll stay at a quaint inn, Casa Sonia and enjoy dinner tonight here. [13 km; 600 m asc, 1000 m des, 5 hours including rests.]

6

Day 6

Busquistar to Capileira. This walk is relatively short, and there is plenty of time to explore villages en-route. Each village you pass boasts Moorish architecture and is well-preserved. Perhaps most impressive is the Barranco del Poqueira with views of the Taha and of the Sierra Nevada. Capileira is a splendid village with a weekly market (Tuesdays) two bakeries (one wood-fired), two vil-lage supermarkets, art gallery with works by local artists. Local wine and cheese sellers, and good restaurant choices. [11 km, 600 m asc, 400 m des, 4 hrs] Taking the additional diversions can add 1 to 3 hrs.

7

Day 7

Capileira loop. As you walk around Capileira you will encounter fig and cherry trees, almonds and chestnut. Watch for kestrels, hawks and even golden eagles. There are over 20 varieties of butterflies. We provide two loop options on this day, giving the potential for one longer figure 8 walk with lunch in the village of Bubion. Loop 1 concentrates on the area above the villages, with outstanding views of the Sierra Nevada ridge. [11 km; 550 m asc, 650 m des, 3 1/2 hrs.] Loop 2 crosses and re-crosses the steep river gorge with views of the three villages of the valley. [7km, 3 hrs]

8

Day 8

Departure. There are buses that depart Capileira for Grenada at 7:00 am (arr 9:25) and at 16:45 (arr 19:45).

Classic

Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Hotel Los Berchules, Berchules

On the outskirts of the village of Bérchules, the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. There is a good restaurant here, massage facilities and outdoor swimming pool.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Hotel La Fraqua, Trevelez

The hotel and restaurant La Fragua are situated in the village of Trevelez, at the highest point of the Alpujarra. There is a restaurant and swimming pool on site.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Casa Sonia, Busquistar

Casa Sonia is located in Busquistar, a small town with an impressive views of the Sierra Nevada. This small B&B is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Hotel Finca los Llanos, Capileira

This 3-star hotel is situated in the town of Capileira, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The restaurant is very good here, and the swimming pool is lovely.


Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in the Alpujarras, Spain
Trip starting at
USD $2,625