Hi, I’m Elena
I was lucky enough to be born in a small paradise between the sea and the mountains: Asturias, in the north of Spain. I’m from Gijón, where I’ve lived almost all my life — a warm, welcoming city with the seafaring charm of Cimadevilla, its old quarter by the harbour, surrounded by beaches and crossed by the Northern Way of St James. And the best part: within just a few kilometres you step into the Natural Parks and Biosphere Reserves that surround Asturias, with the Picos de Europa National Park as its great natural emblem.
My love for the mountains and the outdoors goes back to my youth, but it took me a while to turn it into my way of life. For many years I worked as a foreign trade consultant and as an account executive at a communications agency. I enjoyed my work, but one day things changed and I lost my job. That made me stop and ask myself what I was really good at — and what truly fulfilled me.
The answer had been there all along: the mountains. I trained as a qualified Mountain Leader (Spanish TD2 certification) with one clear idea in mind — to guide people like me, who want to enjoy nature at a calm, mindful pace. That’s how Asturias Planet was born.
How I see the mountains
For me, safety always comes first, along with setting a pace that suits each group and the weather. After that, everything flows naturally. What I enjoy most is the camaraderie that grows as we walk, adapting each route to the group, and sharing what I know about this land and its incredible diversity. I love curious people — those who notice the small details and take an interest in the flora, the fauna, the local traditions.
I believe in travel that respects the place it touches. That’s why I try to support the local economy and take you to the soulful corners that only locals know. Not the postcard spot — the real one.
If I had to choose one favourite place — and it’s hard, because Asturias offers endless options — it would be the Redes Natural Park: somewhere time seems to stand still, where the villages come alive and the mountains are simply breathtaking.
A little more about me
I’ve travelled almost all over the world, and my passion for the mountains doesn’t stop in Asturias — this winter I’m setting off for Annapurna Base Camp, in the Himalayas. I speak Spanish and English, so I can welcome both local walkers and those coming from abroad to discover Asturias.
And I rarely walk alone: Dry, my dog and companion on countless trails, usually comes too. On day hikes he can join us if you’d like — he’s the best companion you could ask for; on multi-day trips he stays at home waiting for me.
If you’re looking to discover Asturias with someone who truly knows and loves it, you’re in the right place. See you on the trail.
— Elena