The best seasons to observe the Cantabrian brown bear are in spring and summer. The bears that come out of hibernation need to feed themselves and in these seasons, they can be seen in green areas because herbaceous plants are their main food source, together with some carrion. After hibernation they need to put on weight in order to recover from hibernation, which is why it’s common to see bears roaming in open spaces. 

The fact that it is rutting season plays an important role; the males chase the females and the activity and movement of bears is higher than in any other season in the year. During the first weeks of autumn the deer start to bellow. This is, without a shadow of doubt, a very special time to come to the Cantabrian range and enjoy this magnificent mating ritual of the deer.

This is a responsible trip  on the wildest and most spectacular trekking routes through the Cantabrian range. One of the most authentic enclaves of the Cantabrian Range, in the environment and habitat of the brown bear. We will see different types of ecosystems, food, tracks and trails of wild animals. Enjoying a walk and the unique environment is something essential to each route that we go on in Cantabrian Range. 

Our wildlife guide and tour leader  is responsible for accompanying you all the time on the trails and teaching you about anything to do with the sighting of animals in the natural park. Furthermore, we will advise you about the places of interest, the typical gastronomy of the region and other possible excursions. 

Enjoy the amazing Madrid; discover the beautiful and impressive Leon’s Cathedral and the Avila’s Wall.

Arrival at Madrid airport. Meet and great for your tour leader and wildlife guide.  Pick up and transfer to Cantabrian Natural Park.  

We recommend you arrival time before 11.00 am . During the route, we will make a brief stop in Leon to visit the most beautiful cathedral in Spain. Its construction started in 1205, it was built under Gothic style and inspired in the French Cathedral from Reims. Typical local  dinner and rest. – RURAL HOTEL 

Breakfast and excursion in the morning to observe the Cantabrian brown bear. After the sighting we will trek towards the famous and authentic Braña de Mumian, where it is not difficult to see chamois, roe deer and many species of birds. The trail is slightly up-hill with spectacular views of the  area and valleys. When we get to the Braña de Mumian we will observe some “olleras” (ancient ice-boxes built of stone), which were used in the past to preserve milk at a low temperature. We will then stop to enjoy the view and have a picnic lunch.  

Return to the hotel and free time.  In the afternoon, we will have the privilege of receiving in our hotel one of the best specialists in Europe in the conservation of the brown bear in the wild, who, from it’s prestigious FAPAS organization, studies and protects species in danger of extinction.  We will carry out an activity in favor of conservation and the environment. 

Trek to Lagos de Saliencia-Valle del Lago. Marvellous route through one of the most authentic enclaves of Cantabrian Range. We will see impressive lakes, luxuriant woods, green fields and wild nature all along this route. We will start the walk by way of an old path to an iron mine. We will pass by the famous Lago de la Cueva, here the horizon unfolds and the splendid fields of Cerveriz and its Lago (lake) can be seen. We then go to the great lake of Calabazosa, the largest of the three. En route it is not difficult to observe chamois, roe deer and many species of birds. (Area and habitat of the Iberian wolf). When we finish the trek we will end at the genuine and pretty village of the Valle del Lago where we will have a reservation in a typical Asturian restaurant, to taste the exquisite dishes, stews, butter beans, chops and excellent desserts. All accompanied by Asturian cider. (4:30 hour trek approx.).   

 Farewell meal in the Cantabrian Range. For those interested (optional) , at the end of the afternoon we can visit the “Wolf House”, an interpretation centre that puss in value one of the most emblematic species of Spain. The visit can be completed with a guided walk of approximately 1.5 km on the banks of the Pigüeña River to the enclosure where three Iberian wolf specimens live and you can see first hand what was explained in the center (Optional visit at the afternoon)  

Departure to Madrid in our private vehicle. En route, we will make a brief stop in Avila, to visit the impressive wall; a Romanesque military fence that surrounds the old town of the Spanish city of Avila.  Free time for lunch and photos.  Check in Madrid and walk tour in the afternoon (2 hours) .  

Check out and  transfer to the airport. Farewell  

BEST TIME TO CANTABRIA 

SPRING – SUMMER – AUTUMN 

EXTRA ACTIVITIES 

horseback riding , visit The House of Wolf , …  

We will provide information about other possible activities and recommendations of local cuisine, restaurants, treks and trails, for people to do in their free time. 

All activities and itineraries of this program may be altered at the time or, in extreme cases, suspended due to weather conditions or other causes preventing safe execution.