Ponga Natural Park 2-day hike in autumn

The Ponga Natural Park is a reserve of about 20,000 hectares, located in the Asturian council of Ponga, in the central-eastern region of the Cantabrian Mountain Range (2,648m). It lays between the Redes Natural Park and the Picos de Europa National Park, offering amazing views to them.

Ponga Natural Park is an isolated mountain area mainly covered by dense beech forests, as well as by woods of yew, oak, birch, maple, alder, and chestnut. It comprises the famous Peloño Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful beech wooded masses in the Principality of Asturias. It stretches over 15km2, containing about 200,000 trees. The area hosts the largest amount of typical alpine Asturian species, such as the brown bear, deer, roe deer, chamois, wild boar, otter, muskrat, golden eagle, griffon and Egyptian vulture, goshawks, Cantabrian capercaillie, and black woodpecker.

​​During the tour, we will travel a total distance of 24 kilometers, with a 1,790-meter ascent. We will meet at the City Hall Square of the parish of San Juan de Beleño, Ponga’s capital, and begin the tour from the Les Bedules gazer. During two days, we will hike across Ponga Natural Park’s valleys, rivers and steep hills, enjoying stunning views. If we are lucky, we might even see some fascinating local wildlife along the way!

Accommodation will be in the medieval farmhouse of Ventaniella (1,158m), located close to the Asturian village of Sobrefoz, almost on the border between Asturias and the province of Leon. These ancient shelters used to serve as refuges for people traveling long days across the Cantabrian Mountains and for cattle. Please note that Ventaniella does not provide any bedding service, so you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

I will take groups of a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8 on this tour. Below you will find a detailed itinerary. However, please note that this can be slightly adjusted depending on the weather conditions, as well as on Ventaniella’s availability.

Join this fascinating getaway in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains! Book your trip now.

In case you are interested in a longer hike, I also offer a 5-day trekking tour in Ponga Natural Park, which includes ascents to a few iconic peaks in the area. If you would like to learn about other similar outings in the area, check out the 5-day program in Picos de Europa National Park and the Redes Natural Park fall trek in 3 days.