Rifugio Benigni: from Piani dell'Avaro into upper Val Brembana
Cusio, Bergamo · Lombardia•1 day · Saturday•Hiking · 2,349 m
Difficulty ?
INTERMEDIATE
Where?
Bergamo, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+18
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Pine woods, alpine cheese and a hut at 2,349 metres
We start on the trail leaving the road that climbs from Cusio towards the Piani dell'Avaro. In about two hours we reach Rifugio Benigni, one of the most panoramic huts in upper Val Brembana, set at 2,349 metres in an amphitheatre of peaks.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
The first stretch is almost level and crosses a beautiful pine wood, before emerging at Casera Valletto at 1,782 metres: here we can take a short break and buy fresh alpine cheese, one of the reasons this hike is so popular.
We then cross the Valletto stream, running down from the slopes of Monte Avaro, and keep climbing along the waymarks to the hut. It is 9 kilometres and 840 metres of ascent: a steady climb, never hard, with the setting changing constantly.
This is an intermediate hike: 840 metres of ascent over nine kilometres, on a marked trail with no technical sections. Some regular walking helps. Bring boots, water and a windproof jacket for the altitude.
Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb to the Benigni.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
For the selected date: by 13 October, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Recommended age 25–45
It's not a rule: it just tells you what kind of group to expect. You can still sign up if you're outside this range.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+18 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
840 m D+ · 9 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 840 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Cusio
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
840 m
Max altitude
2,349 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
5 h
Saturday
17 Oct
9 km · D+ 840 m · 5 h
The stops · 9 km
Meeting point 9:00approximate
provincia di Bergamo, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
We meet the Guidders in Cusio (BG), where we leave the cars along the road climbing towards the Piani dell'Avaro. From here the trail begins, almost level at first, crossing the pine wood. The exact time is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
11:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Rifugio Benigni (2,349 m)
After Casera Valletto, where you can buy fresh cheese, and the stream crossing below Monte Avaro, we reach Rifugio Benigni. We stop for a well-earned lunch break and, for those who fancy it, to try one of the hut's specialities.
14:30RETURN
Back to Cusio
After the break we head back to the cars along the same trail, through the pine wood again with the valley opening ahead. We take the time for a toast before saying goodbye.
How do you get to Cusio? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for the selected date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Guiddy Experience
Saturday 17 October
Hikes picked for you
Guides and coordinators we pick for you.
Upcoming Guiddy Experience outings
Picked for you, with guides and coordinators we choose.
Percorso bellissimo in primavera, ancora innevato, il rifugio era ovviamente ancora chiuso. Percorso lungo ma molto bello in quella stagione. Il gruppo come sempre bellissimo, ci siamo divertiti, ringraziamo ancora Dario per l'aperitivo in quota😂
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Federica L.
Outing on 12 July 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Bellissimo sentiero panoramico, il famoso "canalino" dà quel tocco di adrenalina speciale all'escursione, per questo penso sia stata una delle uscite più appaganti in assoluto.
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 840 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before (for this date: 13 October, 23:59)
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Rifugio Benigni: from Piani dell'Avaro into upper Val Brembana
Cusio, (BG) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 2,349 m
36 Guidders have already done it
Elevation gain
840 m
Max altitude
2,349 m
Distance
9 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
5 h
Guiddy points
+18
▣ 2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Pine woods, alpine cheese and a hut at 2,349 metres
We start on the trail leaving the road that climbs from Cusio towards the Piani dell'Avaro. In about two hours we reach Rifugio Benigni, one of the most panoramic huts in upper Val Brembana, set at 2,349 metres in an amphitheatre of peaks.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
The first stretch is almost level and crosses a beautiful pine wood, before emerging at Casera Valletto at 1,782 metres: here we can take a short break and buy fresh alpine cheese, one of the reasons this hike is so popular.
We then cross the Valletto stream, running down from the slopes of Monte Avaro, and keep climbing along the waymarks to the hut. It is 9 kilometres and 840 metres of ascent: a steady climb, never hard, with the setting changing constantly.
This is an intermediate hike: 840 metres of ascent over nine kilometres, on a marked trail with no technical sections. Some regular walking helps. Bring boots, water and a windproof jacket for the altitude.
Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb to the Benigni.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
INTERMEDIATE
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
840 m D+ · 9 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate — this outing
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 840 m of ascent ahead, if you go to the mountains a couple of times a month, you're fit enough
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Cusio
Itinerary
Saturday · approximate times
Stops · 9 km
Meeting point 9:00Cusio
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
We meet the Guidders in Cusio (BG), where we leave the cars along the road climbing towards the Piani dell'Avaro. From here the trail begins, almost level at first, crossing the pine wood. The exact time is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
11:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Rifugio Benigni (2,349 m)
After Casera Valletto, where you can buy fresh cheese, and the stream crossing below Monte Avaro, we reach Rifugio Benigni. We stop for a well-earned lunch break and, for those who fancy it, to try one of the hut's specialities.
14:30RETURN
Back to Cusio
After the break we head back to the cars along the same trail, through the pine wood again with the valley opening ahead. We take the time for a toast before saying goodbye.
How do you get to Cusio? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Guiddy Experience
Saturday 17 October
Hikes picked for you
Guides and coordinators we pick for you.
Reviews
Only from people who completed the outing.
4.8
★★★★★★★★★★
2 reviews
Itinerary5.0
Organisation5.0
Overall experience4.5
Giacomo D.
Outing on 9 May 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Percorso bellissimo in primavera, ancora innevato, il rifugio era ovviamente ancora chiuso. Percorso lungo ma molto bello in quella stagione. Il gruppo come sempre bellissimo, ci siamo divertiti, ringraziamo ancora Dario per l'aperitivo in quota😂
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Federica L.
Outing on 12 July 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Bellissimo sentiero panoramico, il famoso "canalino" dà quel tocco di adrenalina speciale all'escursione, per questo penso sia stata una delle uscite più appaganti in assoluto.
Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 840 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
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