All year round
Spanish, German
We are committed to the environment and work towards sustainable tourism.
That is why we are taking measures in this direction. More information
The entire trip is led by a professional tour guide/mountain guide. As such, the guide is responsible for the group and will ensure that the group does not disturb the natural surroundings at any time.
- Asturian Ways is a travel agency certified as sustainable with the Biosphere seal, meaning it meets sustainability requirements in environmental, social, and economic areas. Notable among its practices are the low environmental impact of its activities, minimal CO2 emissions, a commitment to local suppliers, and support for sustaining local economies and cultures in the areas where it operates.
- Bear watching will be conducted by Somiedo Experience, a highly reputable company that actively participates in and collaborates on various initiatives and projects for the study and conservation of biodiversity in the Somiedo Natural Park.
- The accommodations are family-run hotels that prioritize local and cultural aspects. The Hotel Genestoso is located in one of the park’s most unspoiled valleys—Cangas del Narcea, Degaña, and Ibias. The Palacio Florez Estrada actively supports local cultural movements and exhibitions and participates in humanitarian projects in developing countries.
- The trip is conducted in a single vehicle, thereby minimizing carbon emissions as much as possible.
- Optionally, customers will be offered the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint.
Open map Somiedo, Somiedo (Asturias), España
The Habitat of the Cantabrian Brown Bear
A 5-day getaway designed to immerse you in the region with the highest density of bears on the entire Iberian Peninsula: southwestern Asturias.
This trip is for lovers of guided hikes. A guide accompanies the group throughout the trip, and it is intended for people with a minimum level of physical fitness. The primary focus of the getaway is not the bear itself, but rather the bear serves as a common thread and an opportunity to explore and appreciate a geographic setting with its own distinct character, culture, geology, history, and traditions. Therefore, the trip combines elements of nature, culture, and bear watching.
We work with the best local guides and stay in charming rural inns: the Hotel Rural in Xenestoso in Fuentes del Narcea and the Palacio Flórez Estrada in Somiedo. Bear-watching activities in Somiedo are available through Somiedo Experience.
DAY 1.
Pickup at the visitor arrival point (Oviedo, Asturias Airport; other locations available upon request)
Transfer to accommodations in Genestoso, with bed and breakfast.
DAY 2.
Hike to Mount Cabril in Xenestoso. At 1,920 meters, it forms a natural boundary between the Cangas de Narcea National Park and the Somiedo National Park.
It serves as a natural vantage point to explore and appreciate this iconic landscape of southwestern Asturias. Depending on how the route unfolds, this activity may be extended or replaced with a visit to the area around Cangas del Narcea—the main town of this former mining region—as well as a cultural visit to the Monastery of Corias.
DAY 3.
Cangas de Narcea Natural Park Area. Hike around the Arbas Lagoon, on the border of the Cangas de Narcea, Degaña, and Ibias parks and the Llaciana region of León. A highly significant bear migration corridor. Observation of typical habitat, featuring scrubland, blueberry thickets, and a glacial lagoon.
Transfer and overnight stay in Pola de Somiedo, with lodging for the night only.
DAY 4.
Bear watching in Somiedo. This activity depends on the time of year; therefore, if the season is not suitable, it will be replaced by a hike to some of Somiedo’s best-preserved mountain pastures, with an explanation of the culture of the pastures and the traditional thatched-roof huts of Somiedo.
Overnight stay in Somiedo.
DAY 5.
Hiking route through the Saliencia Valley area, along the Camín Real de la Mesa. Historical and cultural significance of this trail, as well as geological observations and a tour of vantage points overlooking the glacial valley and examples of folding.
Return to the starting point of the trip.
Prices
Starting at €750 per person
The price will vary depending on the time of year and changes in accommodation rates, as well as whether or not bear sightings are possible.
The price includes
- 2 nights' lodging at the rural hotel in Xenestoso (Cangas del Narcea)
- 2 nights' lodging at the Hotel Palacio Florez Estrada (Pola de Somiedo)
- Visit to Cangas del Narcea / Corias Monastery (optional)
- Bear watching in Somiedo (seasonal only)
- Specialized guide
- Local transportation
Dates
All year round
Activity details
Where does it take place?: Fuentes del Narcea and Somiedo
Approximate duration of the getaway: 5 days / 4 nights
Minimum number of people per group: 4
Maximum number of people per group: 8
Accessible activity: NO
Suitable for families with children
Available languages guide
Spanish, German