Bear footprints in Asturias - Ecotourism reserve

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The bear's footprints in Asturias

A 5-day getaway designed to immerse you in the territory with the highest density of bears in the entire Iberian Peninsula: southwestern Asturias. Guided hiking throughout the trip, suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Description

The getaway's primary purpose isn't the bear itself, but rather a guiding thread and an excuse to explore and reflect on a geographical environment with its own unique character, culture, geology, history, and traditions. Therefore, it combines aspects of nature, culture, and bear watching.
We have the best local guides and offer accommodations in charming rural houses: Hotel Rural en Xenestoso in Fuentes del Narcea and the Palacio Flórez Estrada in Somiedo. Bear watching is available in Somiedo with Somiedo Experience.

The experience in detail

Activities

Visit to Cangas del Narcea / Corias Monastery (optional)
Bear watching in Somiedo – Seasonal only

Programme

Day 1

Pick-up at visitor arrival points (Oviedo, Asturias Airport, optional at other locations). Transfer to accommodation in Genestoso, with bed and breakfast.

Day 2

Route to Mount Cabril, in Xenestoso. At 1920 meters, it forms a natural boundary between the Cangas de Narcea Park and Somiedo National Park. It provides a natural gateway to explore and explore this iconic spot in southwestern Asturias. Depending on the route's progress, this activity could be extended or replaced with a visit to the area surrounding Cangas del Narcea, the main town of this former mining region, as well as a cultural visit to the Corias Monastery.

Day 3

Cangas de Narcea Natural Park area. Route around Arbas Lagoon, on the border of Cangas de Narcea National Park, Degaña and Ibias, and the Llaciana region of León. This is a highly important bear crossing corridor. You'll see a typical habitat, including scrubland, blueberry fields, and a glacial lagoon. Transfer and overnight stay in Pola de Somiedo, with overnight accommodation only.

Day 4

Bear watching in Somiedo. This activity depends on the season. During off-seasons, it will be replaced by a hike to some of Somiedo's best-preserved brañas (grass pastures), with an explanation of the brañas (grass pastures) and teitos (teitos) culture. Overnight stay in Somiedo.

Day 5

Hiking route through the Saliencia Valley, near the Camín Real de la Mesa. This trail offers historical and cultural significance, as well as geological observation and a tour of glacial valley observation sites and fold samples. Return to the starting point of the trip.

Included services

Rural Hotel in Xenestoso – Cangas del Narcea
Rural House in Pola de Somiedo

Travel Guide
Inland transport

Additional Services

Transfer from the travelers' arrival point (Oviedo, Asturias Airport, with the option of other arrival points)

Ecotourism Commitment

The entire trip is guided by a professional tour guide/mountain guide.
Therefore, the guide is responsible for the group and will ensure that it does not alter the surroundings at any time.
– Bear watching will be carried out with a certified company, Somiedo Experience, which is highly regarded for its observation and environmental protection.
– The trip is made in a single vehicle, so it is avoided as much as possible
carbon emissions.
– Optionally, customers will be offered the possibility of compensation
of the carbon footprint.

Sustainable tourism

ASTURIAN WAYS. Travel agency, active tourism company, mountain guide, and tour guide. Project promoter. Certified sustainable company with the Biosphere seal, meeting environmental, social, and economic sustainability requirements.
Customers can verify compliance with the requirements through the certification itself, which is public and posted on the company's website. Its practices include low impact activities, low CO2 emissions, commitment to local suppliers, and support for the sustainability of economies and cultures in the areas where it operates.

– HOTELS. In both cases, they are family-run hotels that prioritize local and cultural aspects. The Hotel Genestoso is located in one of the most pristine valleys of the Cangas del Narcea, Degaña, and Ibias National Park. The Palacio Florez Estrada actively supports cultural movements in the area, exhibits, and participates in humanitarian projects in developing countries.