Bearwatching in Abruzzo

No, no nature excursion can guarantee a sighting of the Marsican brown bear. This is a wild and free animal whose behaviour depends on many factors: the season, weather conditions, and the individual bear's activity at any given moment. By joining our guided excursions with expert local guides, you significantly increase your chances of a direct observation: we know the areas frequented by bears, the best times of day, and the distance-observation techniques that work. But even when the bear doesn't appear, the experience delivers extraordinary encounters — deer, chamois, breathtaking landscapes and sunsets that stay with you long after you leave.

The Marsican brown bear is a naturally shy animal that actively avoids contact with people. In over a century of history of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, there are no recorded attacks on people during hiking activities conducted with proper respect for the environment. Our excursions take place using distance-observation techniques, in small groups, without ever disturbing the animals. The safety of our participants is our top priority: our guides have spent years studying the behaviour and ecology of the Marsican bear, and their deep knowledge of this specific population is the most important guarantee we can offer.

The best period runs from April to September. In spring, bears descend to the valley floors in search of shoots and ants, making them more visible in the open clearings. As the season progresses, they move to the high-altitude pastures. August and September offer particularly favourable observation conditions: bears range across the upland areas in search of berries and ungulate carcasses, building up reserves ahead of their winter rest. Dawn and dusk are the most active hours for bears — which is exactly when our excursions take place.

Of course, a good percentage of the participants to the Bearwatching in Abruzzo are single travellers. 

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

The recommended minimum age for the Bearwatching in Abruzzo is 12. We often stay out until late in the evening, especially in spring and summer. It is also necessary to remain silent for a long time in order to fully enjoy the experience and not compromise the success of the activity.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the Bearwatching in Abruzzo. If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

Outdoor activities are weather dependent. If we are forced to cancel an activity due to extreme weather conditions, an alternative date, gift card or full refund will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.

We can confirm most of the scheduled events due to our intimate knowledge of the area. Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing.

Ask for a private bearwatching tour if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

We are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

Pescasseroli is the most important village of Abruzzo National Park, the oldest Italian protected area. It has guaranteed a life in harmony with nature for almost a century. You can easily reach it by car through three access points. FROM ROME (Highway A24 Rome – L’Aquila): from Rome highway A24 until Pescina exit, proceed on SR83 or on SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM PESCARA (Highway A25 Roma – Pescara): from Pescara highway A25 until Pescina exit, go on towards SR83 or towards SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): from Naples highway A1 until Caianello exit, enter SS85 towards Venafro and then proceed on SR83 until Pescasseroli.

You can arrive by bus thanks to daily connections from Castel di Sangro and Avezzano. Check the timetable on Tuabruzzo. Connections by train are only until Avezzano station. For those who come from Rome it is possible to check the timetable of LineaRoma or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Avezzano.