Private guided hikes in the French Basque Country, led by an English-speaking, state-certified hiking guide based in Bidart, next to Biarritz. Pick a summit, a date and a format — sunrise, sunset picnic, family outing — and I build the route around your pace. Only your party on the trail.
The summit that fits
Gourmet Picnic
A basket of local products from our basque producers enjoyed along a ridge or at the summit, matched to the pace of your hike.
Sunrise or Sunset
Departure before dawn or at the end of the day, with headlamps provided for the return.
Living heritage
Forts, shepherds pens, local memory: every peak has a story to tell.
Formats
Solo, Family, corporate committee, seminar, bachelorette/bachelor party, friends, birthday.
Adapted Pace
From occasional hiker to seasoned athlete, the format adjusts to you.
Iconic summits to start with – Three Peaks, Three Hikes
Each peak can be hiked in a short, family-friendly version, or a full, athletic version — and can be combined with another peak or a additionnal services, such as a gourmet picnic or a sunset outing.
La Rhune — and its multiple trails (905 m)
La Rhune is the iconic peak of Labourd, and the most visited, with streams of visitors taking the famous rack railway. Fortunately, less traveled trails allow you to venture there through forests, ridges, and moorlands to enjoy splendid views of the ocean and the Basque Country countryside.
On a custom hike, we choose the itinerary according to the time of day and desired atmosphere: set off before dawn to enjoy breakfast while watching the sunrise over the Pyrenees, or hike up in the late afternoon to enjoy a gourmet local picnic as the sun sets into the ocean?
- Altitude: 905 m
- Elevation gain: from 520 m up to +900 m
- Hike duration: from 4 hours to a full day
- Starting points: Ibardin, Olhette, Trabenia, Ascain, Bera, or Sare
- Group size: 15 people maximum per guide
Jaizkibel — Hondarribia (545 m)
Jaizkibel towers over Txingudi Bay bordering Hendaye and Hondarribia, with the Three Crowns and La Rhune in the background. A wild coastline crafted into sandstone lace by wind and spray, offering turquoise coves on calm days and spectacular displays of oceanic power when the Atlantic unleashes.
Its varied atmosphere with routes for all tastes makes it an ideal spot for everyone, whether nature lovers or history enthusiasts. You can even extend the experience by splitting the journey from Hondarribia to San Sebastián / Donostia over several days.
- Altitude: 545 m
- Duration: from 4 hours to a full day
- Starting points: Guadalupe Sanctuary, Cape Figuier, or Pasaia
- Group size: 15 people maximum per guide
Three Crowns — Peñas de Aya (832 m)
Seen from the Basque coast, these three crown-shaped peaks have to be earned : Erroilbide (832 m), Txurrumurru, and Irumugarrieta form a 300-million-year-old granite massif at the heart of the Aiako Harria Natural Park. The full ridge traverse requires mountain experience. Families can also opt to simply climb two of the peaks. The reward will be a stunning view over the ocean and the Pyrenees in that typical Basque mountain atmosphere.
In a custom version, the length adapts: a short climb up to the first peak for a family, or a full, technical traverse for an experienced group. A morning outing for those seeking effort, or a full-day trip to savor every single viewpoint.
- Altitude: 832 m
- Elevation gain: up to +700 m
- Hike duration: from 3 hours to a full day
- Group size: 4 people maximum per guide
- Terrain: granite
More on request
La Rhune, Jaizkibel, and the Three Crowns are initial favorites to start with — but the region features many other peaks to explore upon simple request, from Labourd to Lower Navarre: Baïgura (897 m), Artzamendi (926 m), Mondarrain (749 m), Ursuya (679 m), Iparla (1049 m), and more according to your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions — Before Crafting Your Itinerary
How does a custom hike with CarlitoRando work?
Send me your preferred summit (or just your wishes), date, group size and fitness through Email or WhatsApp. We talk about what you’d like to do, then I propose a route, timing and options such as a gourmet picnic, sunrise or sunset. On the day, it’s just your party and a state-certified hiking guide.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker to join a guided hike?
No. Each summit has an accessible version and a more athletic one, and the route adapts to your fitness, not the other way round. Some outings, such as the full Three Crowns ridge traverse, do require mountain experience: I’ll tell you honestly which version suits you.
Can we choose a peak other than the three featured on this page?
Yes. La Rhune, Jaizkibel and the Three Crowns (Peñas de Aya) are good starting points, but I also guide on Baïgura, Artzamendi, Mondarrain, Ursuya, Iparla and more, on request. Moreover I’ll take into account your global preferences to point you towards the best hike arround, may it be one of these or another more confidential one.
How far in advance should I book a custom hike?
For sunrise, sunset or group outings, allow several days to a few weeks so we can design the hike together, especially in summer and September.
Do you offer private guided hikes in English?
Yes. I’m an English-speaking, state-certified hiking guide (UIMLA), based in Bidart, next to Biarritz. All outings can be run in English or French.
Can you guide hikes near Biarritz?
Yes. Most trailheads are within 30min to 45min drive by car, and some hikes, such as Jaizkibel and the Three Crowns, are just across the border in Spain. We agree on a meeting point when you book. Transport to the meeting point is not included.
How much does a private guided hike cost?
Private hikes are priced per group, not per person, from €240. A gourmet picnic is optional and adds 28 €/pers depending on the group size.
Is lunch included?
No, meals are not included. A gourmet picnic with local products can be added to any outing, or you can bring your own food and water (at least 1.5 L per person).
What if the weather is bad?
Your safety comes first. I may adjust the route, change the start time or suggest another date depending on weather, terrain and the group.
Are family hikes possible?
Yes. Each summit can be done in a short, family-friendly version. I also know kid friendly hikes for them to discover animals of the basque country, from the Pottok ponies to the vultures.
Your Summit, Your Way
Tell me the summit, the date, the format — and I’ll craft the itinerary, services, and schedule that suit you.
I’m Charles, an International Mountain Leader (IML) with the French State Diploma Accompagnateur en Montagne, based in Bidart, next to Biarritz. I’ve spent 30 years in the mountains and outdoor sports, and I know these trails: the best times to go, the quiet corners, the views worth the effort.
Every hike is built around you: your pace, your summit, your picnic, in English or French.
International Mountain Leader (IML) · French State Diploma Accompagnateur Moyenne Montagne · UIMLA international standard · Leave No Trace trained