
Climbing, plants and relaxation in Elche de la Sierra
Active Ecotourism / Flora Observation
Region of Sierra de Segura Elche de la Sierra
The experience offers to stay in CASAS RURALES VICORTO, in a village where peace is abundant, and admire with AKAWI SIERRA DEL SEGURA the biodiversity and environmental wealth that we have in Elche de la Sierra.
Two activities will be offered: an interpretive botanical route in Elche de la Sierra and climbing in the Sector de La Encantada in Elche de la Sierra.
In this activity we will follow an itinerary that includes a great variety of flora species with traditional uses that are still used today by the inhabitants of Elche de la Sierra.
In the botanical route we can learn about the great importance of plants in the ecosystems in which they live and the traditional uses associated with each botanical species.
We will learn to differentiate the diversity of flora species that we can find, in detail and in a practical way. We will focus mainly on those species with recognized medicinal and gastronomic uses.
The route runs through places of great scenic beauty and intricate terrain, being several of the most botanically rich enclaves of Elche de la Sierra.
On the Corral Colorao-Umbría (Las Canales) route, the forest has native vegetation of the area as well as repopulated specimens.
The early spring can give us surprises with wild Peonies, Gamones and Jaras.
In our interpretive hiking route we will learn to use the tools offered by Internet search engines, botanical guides and traditional uses of medicinal plants that we find in our little tour.
The trip lasts approximately three hours, with stops to explain and observe the species of flora and, if we are lucky, also some species of fauna that may cross our path.
A route suitable for children from 6 years old, without any difficulty, where we will discover magical places of Elche de la Sierra.
Another complementary activity will be Climbing, an activity in which climbing through walls has very little environmental impact, since only the climber’s strength and some non-motorized equipment are used.
The climbing activity will take place in perfect routes for beginners very close to the town of Elche de la Sierra.
The sector is divided into two groups, one for experts and the other for beginners:
The first group consists of 10 routes of varying degrees of difficulty, but generally of easy difficulty, all routes are of difficulty VI, some of them being 6b+.
The second group is an area where 6 initiation routes have been installed, ranging from grade III to V+, ideal routes to get you started in this sport.
During the activity we will enjoy the natural environment and learn about the formation of the rock and the species of flora and fauna that live near the sector.
We will enjoy a stay in the Vicorto cottages, where you will find all the comforts and even a barbecue area and two swimming pools, one for pets.
It also offers an impressive view of the Peña San Blas and the Cerro de la Cueva.
Casas Rurales de Vicorto is a group of five lodgings: Cantero, Gil, Salera, María and Barquero, all of them the result of a thorough restoration of an old building dating back to the 19th century.
The houses are located in the heart of the Sierra del Segura in Albacete, specifically in the hamlet of Vicorto, belonging to the municipality of Elche de la Sierra, from whose center our lodgings are only four kilometers away.
The whole area is surrounded by an exuberant nature, being located very close to the Natural Park Los Calares del Río Mundo y de la Sima, one of the most valuable natural enclaves of Albacete and all Castilla-La Mancha for its ecological and environmental wealth, being the habitat of a great variety of animal species at the time that also stands out for its high botanical and landscape value.
For all these reasons, here in Vicorto, you will find the ideal place to rest, surrounded by a peaceful, pleasant and quiet natural environment. In addition, you will enjoy maximum comfort and all the services you may need, leaving behind the stress, noise and pollution to enjoy the tranquility, silence, the smell of nature, the incredible sunsets and the clear skies, which at night are full of stars.
1. 3-day activity package (2 nights – Weekend)
DAY 1 FRIDAY: Arrival and reception.
- Video presentation of the experience and the environment accompanied by a glass of homemade arbutus liqueur. Dinner and lodging at the Sierra Madrona Hotel.
- Baños de Fuencaliente” Spa (thermal bath 30′) NOTE: only in season 2022 from April to December 10. Consult under reservation.
DAY 2 SATURDAY: From Fuencaliente to Solana del Pino.
- Photographic safari “Berrea y más” by Alma Wild Nature, a photographic activity in which the deer during the rutting season will be the main protagonist but not the only one. These are 4×4 routes in small groups (3pax) whose main objective is to observe and listen to the bellowing of the deer. NOTE: reservation is required between September 19 and October 7 during sunrise and sunset. Two different itineraries are available (according to choice).
- Observation and learning about wildlife. Together with ÁGata Verde we will spend most of the experience getting to know emblematic species of the area such as the mountain goat, the deer, the mouflon, the wild boar, or birds as interesting as the griffon vulture or the black vulture, the golden eagle, among other endangered bird species, such as the black stork, etc… and we will make walking tours for the collection of seasonal fruits of autumn “the strawberry tree or emborrachacabras”. If it is not the strawberry tree season, the observation and identification of the shrub and the Mediterranean flora that accompanies it, heather, mastic, cornicabra, holm oaks, gall oaks and oaks will be carried out. (4h)
- Traditional meal at local restaurant “Anka Loren” with a typical local main course and a touch of arbutus “arbutus deer meat” and as a vegan option “eggplant with arbutus jam”.
- Visit to Embutidos Artesanos El Lucero, a family business for more than 50 years, specialized in sausages with game meat. A workshop will be held to demonstrate the preparation and tasting of local sausages “hamburger of bush meat with strawberry tree” (1h).
- Return to Fuencaliente and evening “Stargazing-Starlight Viewpoint” (2h), guided tour to discover the secrets of the night sky of the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona with ÁGata Verde as a Starlight Foundation accredited instructor. Travel through the stars and planets, observing galaxies that are millions of light years away, the marvelous rings of Saturn, the lunar surface, Jupiter and its moons, enjoying the Milky Way. Unique experiences to enjoy in nature, learning in a fun way.
DAY 3 SUNDAY: Scenic route. Sierra Madrona and Solana del Pino.
- Guided tour “Cave paintings in Peñón del Águila” (1h) The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park treasures a large number of shelters with cave paintings. It is thought that most of them may have been made from approximately 4,500 to 3,000 years ago. Surely the most famous and best preserved are those of Peña Escrita, we will talk about other more modest and less known paintings: those of the Collado del Águila, in Solana del Pino, a paradise of biodiversity and geodiversity. The paintings are located on a quartzite rock wall, facing north. And beyond the wall, absolutely fascinating views of the Alcudia Valley. Simply intoxicating, to spend a minute absorbed, observing the grandeur of the landscape, while with luck, the vultures glide several tens of meters above our heads.
- A holm oak bath against stress, “The power of the forest” all the keys to this exercise of contemplation in which the five senses are involved and whose objective is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees. During the forest bath we will walk about one kilometer for two hours, making stops and exercises that reconcile us with mother nature. We will see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings (1h). We will walk along the Robledillo River board along the Robledillo River approximately 1km round trip. Art therapy workshop, healing in nature through the five senses. Appreciation of flora, footprints, remains and signs of fauna.
- Workshop of elaboration of jams and preserves “La Alacena de la Abuela” (2h), we will carry out with ÁGata Verde a workshop of traditional preserves, we will elaborate different recipes and delicious jams, compote or ratatouille. In arbutus season, “Chutny de madroño”.
- Traditional lunch at local restaurant Anka Loren to taste “Migas manchegas”, and as a vegan option “gachas de pito” with aromas and flavors of the mountains.
- Farewell and group photo
Ecotourism commitment
Company in the process of joining the System for the Recognition of Sustainable Tourism in the Natura 2000 Network.
Our commitment is to ensure that all visitors are aware of the environment in which we are located, value it and are committed to discovering and visiting it by practicing good practices and creating the minimum environmental impact.
Services
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Price per person
95€ BOTANICAL ROUTE/ BAPTISM CLIMBING PER PERSON
30€ PERSON/NIGHT (FROM 4 PERSONS)
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Services included
ACCOMMODATION 2 NIGHTS
ACTIVITY BOTANICAL ROUTE LAS CANALS ELCHE DE LA SIERRA
BAPTISM CLIMBING ELCHE DE LA SIERRA
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Additional Services
No
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Minimum and maximum group size
4 PERSONS MINIMUM MAXIMUM 12 PERSONS
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Recommended time of year
ALL YEAR ROUND
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Accessibility
IS SUITABLE FOR FAMILY AUDIENCES AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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Supplier companies
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Email and telephone contact for information and reservations
AKAWI SIERRA DEL SEGURA
cristina@akawisierradelsegura.com
664 009 313
CRISTINA GUERRERO CANO
VICORTO’S RURAL ASAS
marisol@casasruralesdevicorto.com
677 507 858
MARISOL GARCIA GARCIA
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Ecotourism commitment
Our commitment is to ensure that all visitors are aware of the environment in which we are located, value it and are committed to discovering and visiting it through good practices and creating the minimum environmental impact.