LAKES OF COVADONGA

LAKES OF COVADONGA

DESCRIPTION OF THE 4X4 ROUTE THROUGH THE LAKES OF COVADONGA

Starting Point: Cangas de Onís

The 4×4 off-road route through the Lakes of Covadonga starts in the town of Cangas de Onís. We will pick you up to begin a day exploring the wonderful surroundings of our land, Asturias. We meet around 9:30, by prior reservation, in Cangas de Onís. From there, we will take the tracks to climb towards the village of Següenco, the highest town in the Council of Cangas de Onís. We will ascend to the viewpoint of the same name, which offers a spectacular panoramic view. From there, you can see the mountain ranges separating the coast from the interior of this part of Asturias: the Sierra del Sueve and the Sierra del Cuera. If the day is clear, we will also see the sea on the horizon, the Basilica of Covadonga, and Pico Priena, along with part of the western massif of the Picos de Europa.

Journey to Soto de Cangas

After this stop, we will follow paths that lead to the village of Torió to descend to Soto de Cangas. Here, we will begin to ascend the Covadonga River towards the Basilica of the same name, following its access road. During this journey, we will see firsthand how the lifestyle, land use, and traditional architecture of these villages have adapted to the harsh life in nature. More recently, they have adapted to the influx of mass tourism. This difficult balance is seen in the meadows where cows and sheep of relic breeds graze freely. They await their transhumance to the high pastures. You will see horreo houses and granaries mixed with rural lodgings and restaurants serving typical Asturian cuisine.

Ascending to the Lakes of Covadonga

Continuing our route in a 4×4, we ascend the same paths used by the Arabs in their retreat after the Battle of Covadonga, to reach the Lakes of Covadonga. We ascend through mixed riparian forests, meadows, and pastures, and remnants of original forests. We will discover the huts where shepherds lived for long seasons and made the famous “quesos del puertu” like the huts of Gumartini. This activity still persists today.

Exploring the Lakes

The first lake we will see is Lake Ercina. From Lake Ercina, we will take a circular walking route that leads to the Vega del Lago Enol, which is not a long walk. Letting our gaze advance, it meets Monte Palomberu. This is a sample of the high mountain forests of the Picos de Europa National Park, where beech and birch trees intermingle with holly. They provide varying shades throughout the different seasons of the year.

Visiting the Buferrera Mine

Also on the 4×4 route through the Lakes of Covadonga, we will see the Buferrera mine. Here, minerals, manganese, and iron were extracted until 1932. We will learn more about the arduous work of the miners.

Return Journey and Final Stops

During the return journey in the 4×4, we can stop at the Mirador del Príncipe, from where we observe the Vega Comeya. This former lagoon is now completely filled in, giving way to pastures and peat bogs. There are areas that remain waterlogged for much of the year. This is a place of special interest both geologically and botanically. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Park. On clear days, we see the mountains on one side and the sea on the other.

Before ending our 4×4 route through the Lakes of Covadonga, on the way back to Cangas de Onís, we stop in Covadonga to visit the Santina of Covadonga and the Basilica. We return to Cangas de Onís after a full day of history, nature, and unique landscapes. Through the explanations and eyes of our guides, we understand everything in depth.

SCHEDULE AND DURATION The 4×4 route through the Lakes of Covadonga starts at 9:30 in Cangas de Onís. A day before, we will send a WhatsApp with the location if you have a reservation. The activity lasts 5 hours.

PRICE OF THE 4×4 ROUTE THROUGH THE LAKES OF COVADONGA The price is 35 euros per person. A minimum of 6 people is required. Reservations can be made at: https://www.reservaonline.support/vivepicos/index.html.

LAKES OF COVADONGA The Lakes of Covadonga is one of the most impressive natural spaces in all of Asturias. They are located in the Asturian part of the Picos de Europa National Park and belong to the municipality of Cangas de Onís.

The Lakes of Covadonga are situated at an altitude of 1134 meters. They are accessible via a road with winding curves and cliffs. From there, we can enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes.