The Dolomites, the Mecca of Mountaineering

Quimera Travel Experiences' trip to the Dolomite Mountains in July/August 2025 was a journey to the heart of Italian trekking. It was an activity planned with respect for the mountains and to ensure the safety of everyone who accompanied us. We were fortunate to have assembled a participatory group that was wonderfully supportive of one another, which ultimately became like a new family.

With their breathtaking landscapes, the Dolomites are a true paradise for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. With technical trails, challenging routes and options for all levels of experience, this region is a dream destination for trekking and climbing enthusiasts.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, the region enchants visitors with its unique rock formations, crystal-clear lakes and the fascinating phenomenon of Enrosadira — when, at sunrise or sunset, the mountains are tinged with shades of pink, red, orange and violet. The spectacle occurs thanks to the geological composition of the dolomite rock, rich in calcium and magnesium, which reflects the reddish light of the first and last rays of the sun.

Day 0 - The day of arrival

The adventure began in Venice, where we were welcomed by our local partner and continued our journey to near Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Later that day, we went on a short acclimatisation hike in one of the most beautiful places in Italy – the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or “Three Peaks of Lavaredo”), one of the most famous symbols of the Dolomites. They are a group of three impressive peaks, lined up side by side:

• Cima Grande (2.999 m) – the highest

• Cima Ovest (2.973 m)

• Cima Piccola (2.857 m)

These peaks are special because they are conical and vertical in shape, and are one of the best places to observe the Enrosadira. They are also a paradise for trekking and climbing.

Faced with that sublime landscape, we felt our hearts racing with pure excitement. We spent the night in a charming hotel on the shores of Lake Misurina, another Italian icon. After a delicious pizza accompanied by local beer, we went to bed, ready to begin our great journey.

Day 1 - Farewell to Lake Misurina and departure in semi-autonomy

We began our trek at an altitude of 1,000 metres, with the aim of spending the night in a refuge at 2,600 metres.

The climb was demanding, especially when, in the final stretch, fog and rain challenged us. We arrived safely at our refuge thanks to the excellent guidance of our local mountain guide, who is very knowledgeable about these mountains.

Despite these weather conditions, you could see smiles on the faces of every member of the group. The weather cleared up and we were able to dry some clothes for the next day.

The rest of the day was spent socialising at the refuge, especially sharing a lovely meal.

Day 2 - One of the longest and most challenging parts of the journey

We started our day with a good breakfast and an encouraging briefing. We had our first technical descent, luckily without rain at this stage. The landscape is completely rocky, the pure essence of the Dolomites. With extra care, we continued on our way. Once we reached the Lagazuoi Valley and finished the most demanding part, the rain began to accompany us uninterruptedly for about 85% of the remaining route.

From here, the green and blue of the streams and waterfalls stood out, and we had the opportunity to observe a lot of alpine flora and fauna, including the grey wolf. We crossed bridges and streams near waterfalls, and had lunch under the structure of a waterfall, which provided shelter from the rain.

We then crossed the border into Austria, into the South Tyrol region, where glaciers, snow-capped peaks and green forests were ever-present in the surrounding landscape. The final part of the route was downhill, with the rain returning, albeit more timidly this time.

Upon arriving at the Lavarella refuge, located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, the group was tired but happy. We dried our clothes for the next day, rested, socialised, and ate typical Tyrolean dishes accompanied by craft beer. This refuge is famous for being the highest alpine refuge in Europe with its own microbrewery.

We knew that the following days would be sunny, which made us even more excited.

Day 3 - Between Secret Lakes and Bucolic Landscapes

On this day, the route was balanced between ascents and descents and was the most peaceful day, coinciding with the moment when our path joined Alta Via 1, a less technical but much busier trail. Along the way, we passed breathtaking viewpoints and beautiful lakes such as Lago Verde (Lè Vert) and Lago Negro (Lè Vërt de Fanes), located in a glacial valley surrounded by the impressive rock formations of the Fanes massif.

We stopped for lunch at an iconic refuge and restaurant, the Pederü refuge, located in the Vale di Rudo, surrounded by impressive rock walls that create an atmosphere of an enclosed valley, and continued along paths of bucolic beauty: small alpine wooden houses, meadows blooming with flowers in summer, and an impressive silence.

We spent the night at the best refuge in the Dolomites, the Fodara Vedla refuge, with its rustic and picturesque atmosphere. We had no mobile phone reception, but we had a great location and the food was fantastic.

Day 4 - A day full of challenges

Our walk that day was long and challenging, quite technical, with several tunnels and stairways with steel cables to hold on to. The members of the group who suffered from vertigo put their fears aside, such was the beauty of the trails. The temperature was mild and the surrounding beauty left us in a state of peace.

We stopped at a refuge for a typical pasta lunch and, at the end, we were offered a typical drink from the Italian Alps, Grappa, which in Portugal we know as Bagaço. Our energy to continue the trek was restored.

The journey was long, and every second was lived intensely. At the end of a long path, we could see what would be our last refuge.

As soon as we arrived, we went straight to dinner, a delicious mountain meal, and the group was in high spirits. It was a well-deserved rest.

Day 5 - Last day and return home

After breakfast, we set off on the final leg of our journey, a walk through an area that was the scene of fighting during the First World War, where military trenches and tunnels can still be seen today.

It was undoubtedly a grand finale, with memories that will remain in our hearts forever. In total, we covered 76 km, crossing two countries: Italy and Austria.

We then returned to Venice, some for their return flights, others to enjoy a few more days in the Pearl of the Adriatic.

Conclusion

The resilience of this group was remarkable. Every day we continued with renewed energy, with more desire for adrenaline and with a greater sense of satisfaction for overcoming physical and mental difficulties. A great spirit of unity made us a more cohesive and friendly group.

I am immensely grateful for sharing such special moments with extraordinary people and for having visited such magical places. I bring with me many experiences, memories and lessons learned.

Thank you, and see you on the next adventure!

Michael Guerreiro