ROCK CLIMB IN SPAIN
Description
An amazing 10 day rock climbing and cultural vacation in the sunny Costa Blanca region of Mediterranean Spain! Spectacular climbing venues, immaculate limestone rock, incredible views, and immersion in Spanish culture await.
The Costa Blanca area hosts a high concentration of quality sport climbing, as well as bigger multipitch routes to the top of incredible formations overlooking the city. Climb the famous Peñón de Ifach, swim in the Mediterranean, and enjoy some of the best sport climbing in Spain. We will visit a different crag everyday with multiple routes for all ability levels. This is hands down some of the finest limestone climbing in Spain!
Costa Blanca
Two hours south of Valencia sits the sleepy little region of Costa Blanca. Steeped in history, a walk through town reveals beautiful white sand beaches, towering castles and fortresses, ancient Roman ruins, the sweet smell of citrus blossoms, and magnificent coastal mountains. The surrounding countryside is home to many vineyards dating back to the 13th century.
Highlights
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Ten days of spectacular limestone sport climbing and sightseeing
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Experience the thrill of climbing within a stones throw from the Mediterranean
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Expose yourself to Spanish culture and cuisine
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Visit Roman ruins, Moorish castles, and white sand beaches
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Climb iconic formations such as the Peñón de Ifach
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Climb with guides you know and trust in an incredible new place
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Alternate activities such as Via Ferrata, canyoneering, and coasteering (deep water soloing)
Price Includes
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Spanish Mountain Guides Association, Certified Rock Climbing Guide (native English speaking, fluent Spanish speaking)
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An AMGA Certified Rock Guide
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Access and entrance fees to all climbing areas
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Accommodations - 10 days and 9 nights
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Transportation
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to and from Valencia Airport (VLC)
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to and from Costa Blanca
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to all climbing areas
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to rest day activities
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All necessary technical equipment (if needed) including harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, belay devices, ropes, and protection
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Professional guiding and instruction throughout the entire trip
Price Excludes
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Food and drink
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International Travel Insurance
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Airfare to Valencia, Spain (VLC)
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Admittance to castle tours, vineyards, museums, etc.
Dates/Price
Trip Dates
October 1 - 10, 2022
Trip Price
$6,600 per person
Location
Costa Blanca, Spain
Trip Itinerary
(May be subject to change based on the group. For example, more rest days may be added.)
Day 1 - Friday October 1, 2022
Meet and greet at Valencia Airport. Explore Valencia while we wait for everyone's flights. Get to know your guides over an included group dinner. Spend the night in Valencia.
Day 2 - Saturday October 2, 2022
Transfer to Costa Blanca via car and set up base camp at our accommodations. Single pitch sport climbing day.
Day 3 - Sunday October 3, 2022
Single pitch or multipitch climbing day based on how the group feels.
Day 4 - Monday October 4, 2022
Single pitch or multipitch climbing day based on how the group feels.
Day 5 - Tuesday October 5, 2022
Rest and sightseeing cultural day.
Day 6 - Wednesday October 6, 2022
Single pitch or multipitch climbing day based on how the group feels.
Day 7 - Thursday October 7, 2022
Single pitch or multipitch climbing day based on how the group feels.
Day 8 - Friday October 8, 2022
Single pitch or multipitch climbing day based on how the group feels.
Day 9 - Saturday October 9, 2022
Single pitch cragging in the morning. Depart for Valencia in the afternoon. Sightseeing in Valencia. Final trip dinner/debrief. Spend the night in Valencia.
Day 10 - Sunday October 10, 2022
Transfer back to Valencia Airport. End of trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of accommodations can I expect on this trip?
Hotel room and rental house, double occupancy rooms. On the night of Day 1 and Day 9 you will stay in a 3-star hotel in the city of Valencia. You will stay at one hotel on Day 1 and at a different hotel on Day 9, each hotel in a different part of the city. The accommodation will be a double occupancy hotel room with either two single beds or one double bed and a private bathroom. Breakfast included at both hotels.
During our stay on the Costa Blanca, we will rent a house and sleep there on the nights of Days 2-8. We’ll check-in to the house on Day 2 and check-out on Day 9. The house will have several bedrooms, each with either two single beds or one double bed. The house will also have a kitchen for cooking, a living room for eating and relaxing, and 1-2 bathrooms. There will likely be more amenities included at the house, however, details of the house will be provided once the trip and the number of participants is confirmed.
Plan on shared, double occupancy sleeping quarters at all accommodations. Single room supplements incur an additional fee.
Should I get Travelers Insurance for this trip?
Highly Recommended. International Travel Insurance is always a good idea when traveling outside of the USA. On this adventure travel climbing trip to Spain, it is highly recommended that you purchase an international travel insurance. This will give you peace of mind while you travel in Spain and to other parts of Europe if you plan to continue your vacation afterwards. More so now with the global Covid-19 pandemic, protecting yourself against any health and safety risk and/or changes in your travel itinerary would be a wise investment.
Your best bet would be to purchase a comprehensive travel program that covers adventure trips like the one you are about to embark upon. Some important factors to take into consideration when contracting international travel insurance are things such as repatriation to the USA in case of medical or surgical needs that may arise while in another country, trip and flight cancellation protection, medical care outside of the USA, medical and rescue services from your location to your hospital of choice.
For example, two companies that provide comprehensive international travel insurance which cover the activities that we will do are:
Global Rescue (https://www.globalrescue.com/)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance (https://redpointtravelprotection.com/plan/ripcord/)
Is payment in full required at the time of booking?
We require a 25% deposit at the time of booking to hold your spot on this trip. The remaining balance owed is due 30 days prior to the start of the trip.
What documents do I need to travel to Spain?
PASSPORT VALIDITY: 6 months recommended, 3 months beyond your date of departure is required
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: 1 page per stamp
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: None required for less than 90 days
VACCINATIONS: None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT: None
Is a COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Required? Any other vaccine requirements?
As of April 2021, Covid19 vaccine passport is not required. This may change in the coming months.
However, as of November 2020:
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
U. S. citizens travelling from the United States or certain other countries will need to show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. The negative test result should be in Spanish or English and should be presented in original paper or electronic record, containing the name of the traveler, passport or national ID number, date of the test, and name and contact information of testing center.
For more information about Covid-19 related to travel to Spain, click on the following links (current in January 2022. Modifications and updates will occur in the coming months).
https://es.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
How much should I budget for this trip?
Budgeting for an international trip is always tricky. On average, most people spend about 115 Euro's per day while in Spain. Of course, this is on the high end. To be safe, plan for around 1,200 Euro's in spending money for the entire trip.
How much should I tip my guides?
Tipping is a very personal decision. We always say that 20% is customary, however, if you feel your guides did a fantastic job, then tip accordingly.
Is Spain safe to travel to?
In general, Spain is a safe travel destination. Tourism is the driving force of Spain’s economy and therefore safety and security for tourists is important for the country. However, like almost every country in the world, minor crimes do occur. Vigilance and situational awareness should be part of your routine wherever you travel.
What's the client to guide ratio?
The client to guide ratio for this trip will be 2:1, meaning for every two guests, there will be one guide.
Who will be my guide?
Ben Coryell, Owner/AMGA Certified Rock Guide at Golden Mountain Guides. Ben has been guiding for over ten years and loves to share the mountains with people. For him, climbing is journey and he love to share it with others.
Rich Griffeth, Owner and Guide at Bigtime Aventura. A Colorado native living in Spain since 2009. Member of the Spanish Mountain Guides Association and certified rock climbing guide in Spain. For more about Rich, click here: https://bigtimeaventura.com/rich-griffeth/
How many days of actual climbing will we be doing?
5 to 7 days of climbing, depending on the rest day needs of the group.
What is a traditional Spanish meal?
Although Spain is a relatively small country, there are large regional and cultural differences. These differences play a role in the gastronomy of the country; therefore, each region produces and enjoys distinct culinary delights.
One of the most famous Spanish dishes is paella. There are several types of paella but they all share in common a base of rice. Paella originated in Valencia. The Costa Blanca is part of the Autonomous Community of Valencia (the state of Valencia). Therefore, a traditional Spanish meal in the Costa Blanca is paella.
enjoy World class climbing & spanish culture
Climb with a Certified Spanish Rock Guide and AMGA Certified Rock Guide in breathtaking venues.
Experience Spanish culture, Mediterranean beach life, incredible food, and architectural wonders.
Alternate activities such as Via Ferrata, canyoneering, and coasteering (deep water soloing) for rest days from climbing.
TESTIMONIALS
"Rich, with BigTime Aventura, was an awesome guide and a super cool dude. He knows the area extremely well and made the process of getting on some of the classic multipitches effortless. He is easily one of the best climbing guides I have ever climbed with anywhere in the world!"
MAX W.
"I've been climbing with Golden Mountain Guides 3-4 times now, and every experience has been so awesome. They have the most knowledgeable guides who cater the experience for anyone from complete beginners to advanced climbers. I will use Golden Mountain Guides for any future trips, and highly recommend to anyone looking to climb!"
TRIPADVISOR USER @cnavarrete1
Golden Mountain Guides strives to provide the absolute best and highest quality international climbing trips possible. In doing so, we partner with local companies and guides to give you a more in-depth experience you won't forget.
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