Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Summit the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada and navigate crystal-clear river canyons while experiencing the mystical Moorish heritage of Granada. From technical mountaineering and Mediterranean sea kayaking to private tours of Granada's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, our Outdoor Adventure program offers a high-energy, staff-led expedition for high school students aged 14-18.
Experience an adrenaline-fueled expedition into the heart of Andalusia, where the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada meet the ancient winding streets of Granada. This high-energy program is designed for the modern adventurer, blending technical outdoor skills—from canyoneering in Río Verde to conquering the Iberian Peninsula's highest summits—with immersive cultural discovery. Whether you are trekking through the white-washed villages of Las Alpujarras or sea kayaking along the tropical coast of Nerja, you will be led by veteran alpine guides and local directors committed to safety and environmental stewardship. Prepare to push your limits in one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes while discovering the mystical heritage and magic of southern Spain.
Program Location: Granada & the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Spain
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: Typical cohort of 5–7 participants (Min: 4 / Max: 10)
Focus: Trekking, Canyoning, Water Sports & Cultural Discovery
Activity Level: High (daily physical activity and mountain exploration)
Accommodation: Vetted Spanish Homestays (Granada) & Mountain Refuge (Sierra Nevada)
Arrival & Departure Airport: GRX (Federico Garcia Lorca Airport)
Room & Board | Onsite Director & 24/7 Support | Outdoor Adventure Activities | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
8:30 AM: Traditional breakfast with your Spanish host family.
9:30 AM: Outdoor Adventure: Canyoneering in the crystal-clear waters of Rio Verde.
2:00 PM: Group lunch followed by a resting "siesta."
4:30 PM: Cultural Activity (Ex. Flamenco Dance Class and Performance in Caves of Sacromonte)
8:30 PM: Dinner and evening reflection with your host family.
11:00 PM: Curfew and get a good night's rest.
At the heart of the Granada Outdoor Adventure is a commitment to physical achievement and mountain safety. Utilizing the dramatic verticality of the Sierra Nevada—home to the highest peaks in mainland Spain—this program challenges students to develop technical skills in a high-support environment. From the vertical challenges of the Via Ferrata to the crystal-clear pools of the Rio Verde, students gain hands-on experience in specialized outdoor disciplines led by expert mountain, ocean and river guides.
The Andalusian journey extends from the alpine tundra of the Sierra Nevada to the ancient white-washed villages of the Alpujarras and the azure waters of the Mediterranean coast. Our excursions are curated to show students the cultural layers and natural diversity that make Southern Spain a world-class destination.
The Alpujarras Heritage Trek: Explore the "Pueblos Blancos" whitewashed villages that cling to the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Students hike between the iconic towns of Bubión and Capileira, visiting traditional looms and learning about the ancient Berber-style architecture and irrigation systems that have remained unchanged for generations.
Mediterreanean Beach Nerja: Transition from the peaks to the Mediterranean for sea kayaking and snorkeling in the protected marine reserves of Maro-Cerro Gordo. Students explore hidden sea caves and visit the famous Balcón de Europa in Nerja, followed by a traditional beachfront chiringuito lunch.
The Sierra Nevada Alpine Crossing: The defining challenge of the program is the Mulhacén & Veleta Expedition. Under the guidance of certified Técnicos de Montaña, students complete a multi-day trek to summit the two highest peaks on the Iberian Peninsula. This high-altitude journey includes an overnight stay at an alpine mountain refuge (Refugio de Caldera), teaching students resilience, pacing, and high-altitude trekking techniques at 11,424ft (3,482m).
Los Cahorros Expedition: Navigate the dramatic limestone gorge of Monachil. Students cross massive hanging bridges and navigate narrow river tunnels, experiencing one of the most iconic and adventurous trekking routes in the Andalusian High Sierras.
Cathedral & Royal Chapel: Explore the transition from Moorish to Christian Spain through an expertly guided tour of the majestic Cathedral and the ornate Royal Chapel, the final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs.
Andalusian Arts & Traditions: Engage directly with the region's artistic pulse through an Arabic Plaster Workshop and a traditional Flamenco performance and dance class in a Sacromonte cave, gaining a sensory understanding of Granada’s unique Roma and Moorish heritage.
Alhambra Palace Tour: Discover the red-walled fortress of the Moorish sultans, a masterwork of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our expert local guide will guide you through the intricate Nasrid Palaces and lush Generalife gardens, gaining an authoritative perspective on the zenith of Al-Andalus history within this architectural marvel.
Our Granada program is designed for seamless transitions between the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean coast. This all-inclusive package covers everything from professional mountain guides and technical gear to the highly sought-after permits for the Alhambra Palace.
Culturally Immersive Homestay: Authentic homestays with vetted Spanish host families in Granada, offering a safe and immersive "home base" within walking distance of the city’s historic center. One night in Refugio de la Caldera on the Sierra Nevada alpine crossing.
Full Board (All Meals): Three daily meals provided by your host family and local restaurants, featuring traditional Andalusian cuisine and fresh Mediterranean ingredients.
Expert Adventure Guiding: All professional fees for certified mountain guides in the Sierra Nevada and coastal instructors for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Professional Gear & Equipment: Use of high-quality technical equipment for all activities, including trekking gear, kayaks, life jackets, and safety helmets.
Private Regional Transport: All transportation for scheduled excursions to the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Tropical Coast, and the Alpujarra white villages.
Comprehensive Insurance: Full international medical and accident coverage, supported by our 24/7 emergency response network.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Granada (GRX) and personal spending money for souvenirs or additional snacks.
The Outdoor Adventure and Cultural Exploration program is built on a foundation of professional mountain safety and 24/7 supervision. Because our itinerary moves from high-alpine summits to coastal marine reserves, we maintain a high-support 'Group Bubble' model for all expeditions, ensuring students are guided by Arcos directors and certified local experts at every turn.
Every high-adventure activity—from summiting Mulhacén to canyoning in Rio Verde—is led by Técnicos de Montaña (Certified Spanish Mountain and River Guides). These experts specialize in the specific limestone and alpine terrain of the Sierra Nevada, ensuring the highest standards of safety, technical instruction, and environmental awareness.
Students enjoy the stability of a Spanish homestay in Granada, providing deep cultural and linguistic immersion. During the overnight hiking expedition, the group transitions to a secure alpine refuge maintaining 24/7 staff oversight in a cohort-based environment.
At Arcos Journeys, we believe that true adventure requires a foundation of absolute support. Our 'Active Discovery' programs are built around a high-supervision, staff-led model that allows students to push their boundaries within a secure 'Group Bubble.' From the moment you land in Spain to the final summit of the Sierra Nevada, every logistical detail is managed by our veteran team.
Every student is covered by a premium international medical insurance policy with Cigna Global. We have established relationships with local hospitals such as Hospital Vithas Granada to ensure immediate care if needed.
Our headquarters team and on-site Program Directors provide a seamless, high-support arrival and departure experience in Granada. From real-time flight monitoring and professional airport transfers to direct WhatsApp communication with parents and students, every aspect of your transit is supervised by our veteran staff to ensure a safe, coordinated journey from the moment you land until your final departure home.
A native of the Andalusian town of Dúrcal, Germán is an elite outdoor specialist with over 25 years of experience leading international students through the rugged landscapes of Europe and North Africa. Holding a Master’s Degree in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Granada, Germán is a Certified Guide of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and a veteran mountain leader who has guided expeditions through the Alps and the Atlas Mountains. His technical expertise is matched by his professional background in sports management, including work for the World Alpine Skiing Championships and the Mountain Biking World Cup. Germán’s deep commitment to Andalusian culture is reflected in his work as a documentary producer for the BBC, focusing on the region’s unique heritage and ecology. A true polyglot and outdoor enthusiast, he is as comfortable navigating a technical rock climb as he is discussing the linguistic nuances of the Mediterranean. For Arcos students, Germán provides a high-authority gateway into the Sierra Nevada, combining world-class mountain safety with a passion for helping the next generation of explorers discover the spirit of Southern Spain.
"I’ve traveled to Europe before, but I’ve never seen Spain like this. Summiting Mulhacén was the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done—reaching the highest point in the country with my group is a memory I'll never forget. Our mountain guides were total pros who made us feel safe throughout the whole experience." — Anna, 11th Grade, The Wheatley School, Albertson, NY
"The balance of this program is incredible. I loved having a home base with my Spanish host family in Granada, but the expeditions to the Alpujarras and Nerja felt like true adventures. Canyoning and the Via Ferrata pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in a good way. It’s a trip where you actually learn the history of the places you are trekking through." — Kiann, 12th Grade, Redwood High School, San Rafael, CA
"This isn't a typical summer camp. It’s an outdoor expedition. Arcos handled all the logistics and made sure we were always prepared for the day's activities. We were always moving. If you want a program that combines serious outdoor skills with the best parts of Spanish culture, this is the one. I came home feeling stronger and more independent." — Sarah, 10th Grade, Los Altos High School, Los Altos, CA
This is our most active program in Spain. You should be prepared for daily physical activity, including hiking 5–8 miles on mountain terrain. The summit of Mulhacén is a significant physical challenge, but we use a "pacing-first" approach led by professional guides to ensure every student in the cohort can reach the top safely.
No. Arcos provides all specialized technical equipment, including helmets, harnesses, and wetsuits for canyoning. You only need to bring high-quality hiking shoes, a daypack, and the items listed on our 2026 Packing List. We conduct a thorough gear review on the first day to ensure everyone is prepared for the mountains.
While both programs are based in Granada, the Outdoor Adventure program prioritizes physical exploration and technical skills over formal classroom hours. You will still live with a Spanish family and practice your language skills daily, but your 'classroom' will be the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Rio Verde canyons, and the Mediterranean coast.
