Frequently Asked Questions (Thanks Carol, for obtaining most of this information!)

Are other people going? Yes, eight (or more) of us have already put our deposits down! Total group size is limited to 16, so if you want to get in, let Pico Verde know ASAP.

Will there be non-BCO people on this trip? There could be, because the trip is open and published on the Pico Verde website. HCO has also posted the trip. However, the fun of these trips is getting to meet people from all over the world.

Can I get my deposit back? You cannot get your deposit back, but Pico Verde has allowed us to transfer it to another participant in our group, if someone else can take your place.

How do I indicate that I am traveling with a group (BCO)? You can e-mail Pico Verde info@picoverde.com to tell them you are with BCO, but then apply on-line as an individual (or couple), i.e., just enter your information. You can add comments on-line as well.

How do I select a room and roommate? From Pico Verde: “If you are booking just for yourself you need only choose 1 from the number of rooms drop down box. Then choose the type of room you want. For example if it is just you and you want a single room then choose 1 for number of rooms and 1 for single room. If you are sharing, then choose 1 for the number of rooms and then 1 for either double (bed) or twin (beds). If you are booking just for yourself but are happy to share then put 1 for the number of rooms and 1 for shared.”

How do I indicate my roommate preference? From Pico Verde:” If you take the sharing option and know who you want to share with buy don’t want to book for them then send me an email with the names but still only fill in 1 room and 1 for shared.” We can coordinate our roomate preferences

If I book just for myself, how do I know if there are enough slots for all of my travel companions? From Pico Verde:” If you know you are 4 people and want to be sure that you are all on the trip, then let me know by email and I’ll hold you the places while everyone gets round to booking.” Thus, we can coordinate through BCO how many people will join the trip, and can let them know. But they will need commitment soon, or lese would release those spots to other participants.

Do you recommend a particular provider for travel insurance? From Pico Verde: “Travel insurance has to be bought in country, so you will need to get a USA based company and I don’t know any that I can recommend. Sometimes you can get good deals as add ons to you flights here in the UK – they are often good value and with reputable companies.” Also, if you are a student (or teacher), you can get travel insurance through an International Student (Teacher) ID card, available at many locations. Other insurance providers are available.

Is there a single supplement amount if someone signs up and does not have a roommate? From Pico Verde: “If you end up with a single room either by choice or because there is no one else who wants to share, then yes, there is a single supplement.”

Do you send an information packet (itinerary, suggested packing list) to people who have paid for the trip? From Pico Verde: “Yes, we will send you and an itinerary and suggested things to bring list when the balance is paid about 60 days before departure.” Also, you can find a lot of information on their website listed above.

Do you know the amount one can expect to pay in tips? From Pico Verde: “Generally people don’t tip in hotels in Spain and we look after the meals. Once we pick you up in country we take care of everything – transport, meals, guides, any extras such as the cable car etc are all included. The only thing not included is on the non-walking day we usually drop people in the local town or take you to a nearby place of interest for some sightseeing and people do their own thing and get their own lunch. We meet up later on for the evening meal which is included in the price. There are no other extras, only spending money for yourself. Most of the walks end in a village where we stop for a cold drink after the walks. For this we usually get a kitty together (something like 30 dollars lasts the whole week.) - but that is totally optional or people buy their own.”

I want to extend my stay in Bilbao or nearby areas. Can Pico Verde help with those arrangements? Yes, Pico Verde can reserve extra nights hotel, and even help with rental cars if requested. I don’t know if they will charge extra for that service – they did not when I reserved extra nights hotel in Bilbao.

Does anyone else want to stay longer and explore Spain with me? Probably. We can try to coordinate these arrangements through BCO, and coordinate flight arrangements as well.

Do I need to know Spanish to go on this trip? It would help, but is not at all necessary. Barry and Kate are fluent and make all of our arrangements, and the Spanish people are very generous when you don’t speak or understand. I know this from much personal experience! But I recommend purchasing a phrasebook and at least trying, and smiling a lot.

How good a condition do I need to be in to participate in this trip? See notes on the info page (above) and on the Pico Verde website. This trip is listed as level 2, i.e., up to 7-11 mi/day, 900-1100 feet of elevation gain/day. So you should feel comfortable walking these distances; stair climbing and biking might help to get used to the elevation changes. However, the pace is comfortable, with multiple breaks, allowing you to get used to the conditions.

What kinds of gear do I need? Pico Verde will provide information on this. But I recommend good walking/hiking shoes that are well broken in. Perhaps walking sticks if you like them. A comfortable day pack. Water bottles or camelback. Comfortable clothes – generally shorts, but it can get cool in the evenings. Sunscreen and sunglasses for sure. And a camera!!

Is there anything else I need to know? I’m sure there is! Keep asking questions, and we’ll find out the answers as best we can.