Los Tres Picos - Spanish 3 Peaks Challenge | Adventurous Ewe

Spanish 3 Peaks Challenge – Los Tres Picos

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • Experience a fantastic long weekend adventure in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, just outside Granada
  • Conquer the 3 highest peaks in Spain in Summer – Mulhacen (3482m), Veleta (3394m) and Alcazaba (3371m).
  • Recapture the solitude and sense of exploration in this less visited mountain range
  • Immerse yourself in the Andalusian mountain culture
  • Overnight in remote mountain huts with views stretching across the mountains to the beautiful Mediterranean coast
  • Enjoy trekking in small groups accompanied by an experienced Local Guide
  • Receive a complimentary Water-To-Go bottle when you depart on this trip to minimise our plastic foot-print in Spain!

Overview

Located in the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, Los Tres Picos, also known as the Spanish 3 Peaks, involves summiting 3 of Spain’s highest peaks. Over a period of 3 days you will traverse the beautiful mountains in the southern Spanish region of Andalusía of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Scramble to the summit of Alcazaba at 3,371m, Veleta at 3,394m and then on to Spain’s highest mountain – Mulhacén at 3,482m.

This less visited mountain range is the second highest in Europe after the Alps and includes 15 peaks over 3,000m. The views on the Los Tres Picos challenge are outstanding, especially southwards over the Mediterranean Sea towards Morocco. Traversing the Sierra Nevada is a tough challenge, however you’ll be trekking in small groups accompanied by certified local mountain guides.

This is a fantastic mountain wonderland adventure just a short trip from the UK where you can Immerse yourself in the incredible Andalusian mountain culture and way of life.

Day 1

Flight from UK to Málaga Spain (approx. 2 hours 50 mins)
On booking your trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book or alternately, we can book the flights for you through our ATOL protected Flight Agent at an additional cost. 

Flights are not included in your package to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Spain if you wish. The recommended flights for this will include airport transfers in Spain.

Transfer from Málaga to Lanjaron (approx. 2 hours)
Welcome to España! You’ll be met with a private transfer to your hotel in Lanjaron based on the recommended flight arrival time provided to you on booking. You’re then welcome to explore this mountain village, have a coffee or drink in a local restaurant, buy snacks and some lunch items in readiness for your trek the following day. That evening dinner will be provided together with a trek briefing in readiness for the mountain challenge ahead.

Included
Transfer: Private transfer from Málaga to Lanjaron
Accommodation: Hotel (twin/multi share basis – share & save)
Meals: None

Day 2

Trek Veleta (3,395m)
Following breakfast you’ll be transferred to Hoya de la Mora (2500m). Today is all about acclimatising to being in the mountains as you slowly make your way up Veleta at 3,395m,  the third highest peak in mainland Spain, via the north ridge. The route is rough and rocky though the summit is reached after a 3 hour trek. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views – especially southwards over the Mediterranean Sea towards Morocco.

The route then heads south from the summit to Col de Cariguela and continues to follow a good track past the Paso de los Machos until reaching the head of the Rio Seco Valley. From here the route descend trackless slopes before contouring round a headland and reaching your overnight stay at the Refugio Poqueira, located on the western flank of the Mulhacen mountain. A well-earned dinner will be provided in the mountain refuge (hut) with your overnight accommodation in dorm style rooms.

Trekking info
Distance: approx. 16kms
Ascent: approx. 900m
Time: approx. 8 hours

Included
Transfers: Private vehicle transfers
Accommodation: Mountain hut (dorm share)  
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3

Trek Mulhacen (3,482m)
An early start as you bid farewell to your mountain refuge to tackle the highest peak in mainland Spain, the mighty Mulhacén at 3482m, the roof of the Iberian Peninsula. The route traverses through the Rio Mulhacen Valley and up to the Laguna de Caldera, set amid a cirque of peaks. You’ll ascend the steep, relentless west flank of Mulhacen. Although steep there is no scrambling and the pace is slow and steady to allow for the altitude. The summit is reached after approximately 4 hours of trekking. Once again you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views spanning across the 50km chain of peaks.

The descent is via the long and gentle south ridge before dropping steeply south west directly to the Poqueira Refugio (2485m), your home for the night. Here you can purchase drinks and snacks and enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of the roaring fire amid the authentic mountain hut atmosphere.

Trekking info
Distance: 11kms
Ascent: 1,000m
Time: approx. 7 hours

Included
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
A packed lunch can be purchased at the mountain   refuge for the following day’s trek
Accommodation: Mountain refuge (dorm share)

Day 4

Trek Alcazaba (3,364m)
Two down and one to go as you head out early from the hut for your toughest day. Alcazaba, located to the north of Mulhacen, is the third highest mountain of the Sierra Nevada range with a characteristic spur. Your route will traverse the eastern slopes to Siete Lagunas, a beautiful, tranquil spot consisting of 7 lakes in a dramatic mountain setting.

Known locally as ‘The Lady’, this traverse will involve some scrambling on scree-like terrain (but nothing too tricky) and on arrival at the summit of Alcazaba (The Fortress) you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views.

Your route then returns down the south east flank and through a small pass to Siete Lagunas for onward decent to Trevelez. Your waiting transport takes you back through the Alpujarras to the hotel in Lanjaron, three peaks in the bag. Time for a well deserved shower and celebration meal.

Trekking info
Distance: approx. 21kms
Ascent: approx. 1,100m
Time: approx. 10 hours

Included
Transfers: Private transfers
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (twin/multi share basis – share & save)  

Day 5

Transfer from Lanjaron to Málaga Spain for your return flight home
After a relaxing breakfast you’ll have a return transfer to Málaga Airport for your return flight home to the UK.

Included
Transfer: Private vehicle transfer
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast only

Please note, if you wish to extend your stay in Spain, we can help you with plenty of recommendations of things to do and see. Simply get in touch to chat further about what you can do at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Book & travel with confidence

As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible. 

For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.

Pre-trip info

On joining us for the Spanish 3 Peaks Summer Trek, you’ll receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel platform. You’ll have access to the itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead. A’ppy days.

Pre-trip support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on the Spanish 3 Peaks and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.

Flights

Flight from UK to Málaga Spain (approx. 2 hours 50 mins)
On signing up for the trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book or alternately, we can book the flights for you through our ATOL & ABTA protected Flight Agent for an additional cost.

Flights are not included in your package to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Spain if you wish. The recommended flights for this will include airport transfers in Spain.

There are direct flights from London and other major airports across the UK. 

Passport

All nationalities require a full passport. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. For the latest info, please visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website.

Visa

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Spain for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months. For the latest entry requirements, please click here.

Travel Insurance & Global Rescue
Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and COVID-19 travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

Global Rescue Membership

For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000.  They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process.  For more info, please click here

Vaccinations & allergies

Vaccinations
There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for Spain however we would recommend that your tetanus jabs are up to date.

For the most up to date details on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel and check the latest health advice for Spain from the Fit for Travel website.

Apart from the recent COVID-19 pandemic there are no other health risks in Spain. We are monitoring and activating the guidelines and recommendations put in place by the respective governments and World Health Organisation as a result of COVID-19. You will receive our operational guidelines for this trek when you join the trip and hand sanitiser and face-masks will be provided for travel. Rest assured your safety and well-being is our top priority at all times.

Severe allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Safety & wellbeing

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.

The Spanish 3 Peaks Summer Trek is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something great. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

Mountain Leaders

An Adventurous Ewe UK Leader will accompany groups of over 8 people and is an experienced high-altitude leader. Leaders have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. Your Leader will be Wilderness First Aid trained too.

Your Local Mountain Guide is a key part to this trip. They are expertly trained and experienced in every field of this high-altitude trek, bilingual (English and Spanish) and qualified in first aid and/or Wilderness First responder. They also have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and fun attitude.

Group size

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and well-being and to make your experience more authentic.

The minimum group size for the Spanish 3 Peaks Summer Trek is run is 4 people and the maximum group size is 18 people.

You are most welcome to join this trek as a group of friends, family, colleagues, a private bubble or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

If you have a group of over 4 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company.

For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Level of difficulty

The Spanish 3 Peaks Summer Trek is graded as ‘Tough’. This trek has been designed to be challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as you train and prepare accordingly. Remember, you are trekking for three consecutive days and in hot temperatures – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this challenge.

During the trek you will be required to carry your own kit including packed lunches & snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear, and personal items such medication, sun-screen and cameras.

The walking hours stated are given as approximates only.  Timings include lunch and photo stops though will vary depending on the pace of your group and weather conditions.

Altitude
This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our itinerary is designed to enable you to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Whilst you may feel some initial effects of this you are unlikely to have any serious AMS issues.  It is very important to drink plenty of water and maintain a good hydration level.

Training

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join this trek to help you with your preparations and make sure you reach the start line knowing that you’re ready for the journey ahead.

We strongly recommend doing both cardio and strength training in preparation for this challenge.

We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and the Bath Kettlebell Society. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Kit & equipment

A full kit list will be provided when you book onto this trip or you can simply download the ‘Trip Notes’ for this trek. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. Well worn in waterproof hiking boots are essential together with a good quality waterproof jacket AND trousers.

An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for the independent outdoor retailers Joe Brown, The Climbers Shop and ashmei athletic apparel on registering for this winter trek.

Exclusive kit discount codes

To help you get the very best from your Spanish 3 Peaks Summer Trek we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in Joe Brown / The Climbers Shop and ashmei, sustainable performance apparel, both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you.

Accommodation

Local hotel
2 nights in a local 3 star hotel based on twin share with en-suite washing facilities. Single rooms are available on request for an additional cost. Please let us know on booking if you require a single room.

Mountain refuge (hut)
3 nights in the remote Refugio Poqueira at 2500m. Rooms are mixed dorms with bunk beds, blankets and pillows are provided though we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag. There is a shared bathroom and cold showers are available for free but for a few extra Euros, you can enjoy a hot shower. There is a shared communal area with a terracotta stove for warmth as well as a terrace. Perfect for enjoying a glass of ‘vino caliente’ while watching the sunset after a long days trek.

Food & drinks

Food
Expect traditional Andalucian food throughout. At the hotels, breakfasts will be continental style and dinner will be 3 courses making the most of local produce. While staying at the mountain hut you’ll grab breakfast before heading off each day – there will be a wide range of homemade bread, cheeses, honey, cakes and cereals and muesli to fuel you up for the morning. A packed lunch can be purchased which is typically sandwiches, fruit and nuts, and a 4-course hearty mountain meal in included which is typically soup, pasta, a protein and vegetable-based dish, bread, cheeses and desserts to end the day!

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please let us know your requirements on booking or via the online travel platform.

Drinks
Please bring your own water bottles or camelbaks/platypus (or similar) and flasks (if you wish to take a hot drink during your challenge) and refill to avoid the need of purchasing plastic water bottles.

Water-to-go bottle

Adventurous Ewe has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – for more info please click here.

Adventurous Ewe trekkers will receive a free Water-to-Go bottle when departing on our Spanish 3 Peaks trek, and better still, 15% of the purchase value for replacement filters will be donated to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth. Please note that if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

Payment info

Deposit: £130 per person payable on booking

Remaining balance: £595 per person payable 4 weeks prior to start of trip

Book & Travel with Confidence

As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible. 

For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.

Fundraising
You’re welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.

Stay connected

All your trip info will be sent to you through a travel mobile platform which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.

For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: @adventurousewe
Twitter: @adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)
May 27, 2024
May 31, 2024
5 Days Available £130.00 £725.00 Book Now
Sep 09, 2024
Sep 13, 2024
5 Days Available £130.00 £725.00 Book Now

What's Included?

Pre-trip:

  • Personalised trip support in the lead up to your trek from Adventurous Ewe
  • Trek training guide
  • Discount on personal kit from Joe Brown, The Climber’s Shop and ashmei athletic apparel both in shop and online
  • Trip info supplied via our free mobile travel platform
  • Public liability insurance
  • Financial Protection for your booking
  • Monthly payment plan available
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning
  • Free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go Bottle

During your trip:

  • Adventurous Ewe Leader (for groups over 10 people)
  • Local Mountain Guide
  • All ground crew per your
  • VHF radio
  • Road transfers within Spain per your itinerary
  • Accommodation – 4 nights. 3 nights in a hotel (twin or triple share) and 1 night in a mountain refuge (dorm rooms)
  • All meals as stated in the itinerary (all breakfasts and dinners)
  • Medical kit and supplies
  • All logistical and safety management whilst in Spain
  • All trip management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post trek.

What's Not Included?

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Return flights to Malaga Spain. These can be arranged for you at an additional cost through our Flight Agent who is ATOL protected
  • Vaccinations
  • Any COVID-19 entry/exit requirements per the UK and Spain Governments 
  • Personal spending money and drinks
  • Meals not listed in your itinerary (packed lunch x 3)
  • Snacks, electrolytes, water purification tablets
  • Kit and equipment as listed on your kit list and medication
  • Tips for local crew
  • Single room supplement where available
  • Any associated costs with leaving the trek early.

 

TRIP EXTENSION

If you wish to extend your stay in Spain, we can help you with plenty of recommendations of things to do and see. For more information, please contact us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.

Responsible Tourism

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering our trips in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at its core. We respect and aim to operate our adventures to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Some of the ethical features embedded in our Spanish 3 Peaks Summer Trek are:

  • Using local crew who are qualified Guides, support crew and drivers 
  • Staying in smaller-scale locally owned accommodation
  • Buying locally produced food and drink, and dining in locally owned restaurants
  • Minimising plastic waste wherever possible
  • Free Water-to-Go Bottle given to each trekker to help eliminate our plastic footprint
  • Careful management of limited energy and water resources
  • Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding
  • Operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
  • Adventurous Ewe will make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of our business partnership.

As Sir David Attenborough said:

“Helping Cool Earth to halt tropical deforestation makes a real difference. Perhaps the biggest difference we will make in our whole lives.”

We will continue to invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth and we invite you, our valuable flock, to do the same. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by simply clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. 

Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.

 

Location
Europe
Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Difficulty
Cost From
£725.00