Montserrat: Sant Jeroni Hike & Cave Bivouac Night Tour

Summary

Hike Montserrat’s peaks sleep in a hidden cave and greet sunrise

You’ll hike Montserrat’s wild trails up to Sant Jeroni’s summit with a local guide, spend a night bivouacked in a hidden mountain cave-refuge, and wake to sunrise above the clouds. Expect simple meals, honest conversation, and views you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“This mountain always surprises you,” Pau said, grinning as he adjusted his battered hat at the Santa Cecilia trailhead. I didn’t know if he meant the weather or the way the light hit those strange rounded rocks — maybe both. We started up with our packs bumping against our backs, the air already scented with wild thyme and a bit of dust. I’d heard about this day trip to Sant Jeroni from Cusco (well, more like Barcelona, but my brain kept mixing trips), but nothing really prepared me for how quiet it felt once we left the last road behind. Every few minutes Pau would stop, point out some tiny violet flower or a hawk circling way above us, then just keep walking like it was all perfectly normal.

The climb to Sant Jeroni — 1,236 meters up — is slow and steady. I remember scraping my hand on one of those weirdly smooth rocks (they call them “needles” here) and thinking how old everything felt. At the top, we all just stood there for a while not saying much. The view is… well, it’s not something you can put in a photo. You see Barcelona off in the haze and the sea beyond that if you squint. Pau handed around some dried fruit and cheese; I still think about that salty bite with wind whipping past my ears.

Afterwards we wound down to this cave refuge — honestly I expected something colder or less cozy, but it felt safe somehow tucked into the mountain. There was this moment after dinner (simple stuff: bread, olives, more cheese) when someone started telling stories about old hermits who lived up here. The cave smelled faintly of smoke and stone. I barely slept but waking up before sunrise — stepping outside to see clouds below us and everything pink with first light — that’s what sticks with me most. And then coffee from Pau’s battered thermos before heading back down toward Santa Cecilia again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ascend Sant Jeroni and bivouac night

• Hike to Sant Jeroni peak
• Pass Sant Joan viewpoint
• Overnight in mountain refuge

Day 2 — Return and visit Montserrat Abbey

• Descend from refuge
• Visit Montserrat Abbey
• Have farewell drink

Top questions

How difficult is the hike to Sant Jeroni?

The hike is suitable for all physical fitness levels but includes steady climbs up to 1,236 meters.

Where do you sleep during this Montserrat tour?

You’ll spend the night bivouacked in a mountain cave-refuge on Montserrat.

Is pickup included for this Montserrat hiking tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are meals provided during the overnight stay?

The experience includes simple food such as bread, cheese, fruit, and drinks at the refuge.

What should I bring for an overnight hike in Montserrat?

Bring comfortable hiking gear and anything you need for sleeping outdoors; details are shared after booking.

Is this tour recommended for travelers with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Does this include insurance?

Your booking includes accident and civil liability insurance during the activity.

Will there be photos or videos from the tour?

Yes, photos and videos of your activity are included as part of your experience.

What’s included

Your overnight adventure includes accident and civil liability insurance plus photos and videos of your hike; simple meals are provided at the mountain refuge along with guidance from a local expert throughout your journey on Montserrat.