We'll begin with a visit to a family-run cheese factory where they make artisan cheeses using milk from cows that graze in these high mountains. At the dairy, we'll receive an educational explanation of the artisan cheesemaking process, including an audiovisual presentation, and participate in a tasting of raw milk cheeses. The owners will explain the characteristics of the three types of cheese they make: pressed cheese, soft cheese, and cottage cheese, while we pair them with various wines.
After the visit, lunch will be served at the cheese factory to sample a typical Cantabrian dish, cocido montañés.
After lunch, we'll take a guided tour of the Collados del Asón Natural Park's most iconic viewpoints: Aja viewpoint, the Gándara River viewpoint, and the source of the Asón River viewpoint.
Interpreting the landscape features derived from glacial action during the Quaternary Era, fluvial dynamics, and karst processes developing on the limestone. At the same time, we discover the uses and rural culture associated with this spectacular landscape.
Accommodation:
Casa Rural Alvarado, a full rental house for groups of 8 or 4 people minimum.
Category: Tourist accommodation in Cantabria.
15th century building, declared of municipal historical interest.
Travel Guide
Lunch time
Support for the Local and Sustainable Economy:
The purchase of local products and participation in activities that support Cantabrian artisans and producers are actively encouraged.
This will not only contribute to the local economy, but will also help preserve traditional practices and ancestral knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
We promote a variety of activities that cater to different tastes and interests, thus contributing to economic progress.
Conservation of the Natural Environment:
Companies are committed to respecting and protecting the natural environment throughout their activities, in order to preserve Cantabria's natural beauty throughout the year.
The responsible use of natural resources will be promoted, and measures will be established to minimize environmental damage, thus ensuring a sustainable tourism experience in harmony with nature.
During outdoor activities, we encourage our guests to leave no trace. This means taking everything they bring with them to avoid negative impacts. We use marked trails or spaces whenever possible to avoid disturbing the environment and negatively impacting conservation and the experience of other visitors. We avoid damaging vegetation, eroding soil, and disturbing sensitive habitats.
Promotion of Local Products and Deseasonalization of Tourism:
The companies commit to promoting and using local products in all experience activities, thus contributing to the local economy and encouraging the deseasonalization of tourism.
By offering an engaging cultural and natural experience year-round, dependence on the peak season will be reduced, benefiting both local residents and tourists.
Support for the Local Community:
The companies will work closely with the local community to ensure that tourism activities equitably benefit all stakeholders and promote the deseasonalization of tourism. The hiring of local guides will be encouraged year-round, thus strengthening the local economy and promoting a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits in the region.
Environmental and Cultural Awareness:
Both companies will make ongoing efforts to educate and raise awareness among participants about the importance of environmental and cultural conservation in Cantabria.
Information will be provided on the threats facing both the environment and local traditions, and actions that tourists can take to minimize their impact and contribute to the
sustainability throughout the year.
Responsible use of energy and waste management:
The management of Casa Rural Alvarado will promote responsible energy use, providing a guide to best practices to guide guests toward achieving this goal and reducing the impact of tourism on the environment.
A rigorous waste management system will also be implemented both during the stay and throughout the experience, with the goal of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials in all operations. The use of biodegradable products will be promoted, and the use of single-use plastics will be minimized to reduce the environmental impact and preserve Cantabria's natural beauty for future generations.
