Bearwatching in Abruzzo

A complete bear experience in the Central Apennines

PERIOD
April-September

DURATION
6h

LOCATION
Pescasseroli, Abruzzo

GROUP SIZE
8 people

LENGTH
7-10 km roundtrip

ELEVATION GAIN
400 m per day

DIFFICULT
Moderate

Participants should be able to walk in the mountain without difficulties however, there are plenty of stops as you wait silently with binoculars to view wildlife.

Dates & Prices

Evening hike dedicated to the Marsican brown bear, the symbol species of Abruzzo National Park. We will take advantage of twilight and digiscoping techniques to optimize the chance to see bears. Packed dinner and return to the valley with the aid of torches and moon.

Our aim is to observe bears of course, but also provide to our clients information about bear ecology, food resources, threats and conservancy status, getting a complete bear experience in the Central Apennines.

Small groups for more genuine experiences: maximum 8 participants per guide ensuring an intimate experience respecting environment and wildlife.

We aim for our clients to offer an exclusive experience searching for and learning about keystone species such as bear.

A concrete help to preserve the marsican bear: 5% trip cost goes directly to Salviamo l’Orso a no profit local association working on a series of initiatives aimed at protecting the bear as an umbrella species.

Those who have packed far up into bear country know that the presence of even one bear on the land elevates the mountains, deepens the canyons, chills the winds, brightens the stars, darkens the forest, and quickens the pulse of all who enter it.

John Murray

Itinerary

Meeting at our headquarters in Largo Molinari to register and receive binoculars. Short transfer with private cars and departure for the excursion. Along the way we will learn more about the biology of the Marsican brown bear and highlight the signs of its presence. After about two hours of walking, we arrive at the observation points where the group will stay until sunset. A packed dinner is recommended while waiting. The return to the valley floor is late in the evening, marked by the light of the moon and stars.

Costs

Prices
€ 35 / adult
€ 25 / young (10-14 year-old)

What’s included
Guide and organization
Binocular Nikon Prostaff 8×42
Headlamp

What is not included
Dinner
Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance

Customer reviews

When can i do this?

During the winter normally bears are sleeping, it’s from april to august that we see most of them: during the spring they move downstream looking for sprouts and ants. July and August is when they find fruits and food in altitude, it could be easier to see bears, take photos enjoying the silence of the sunset.

Booking available on selected dates: each tuesday, friday, saturday starting from April to August. See booking calendar for available dates.

Kit list

On a typical bear watching tour we hike for almost 2 hours before reaching the spotting area. Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Rucksack (25-35 litre)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Lightweight trousers
Lightweight t-shirts
Hiking boots or shoes
Warm hat
Thin gloves
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder
Packed dinner

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Binocular
Headlamp

Il nostro team di guide conosce perfettamente il territorio e come farvi sentire sempre al sicuro

Make it private!

Are you looking for an exclusive experience in nature? Are you already in a group or are you simply a hiker looking for unique emotions?

Gift this tour

Exciting and unique experience gifts create memories for years to come. Give. Receive. Experience!

Expert Local Guide

Our local guides know the mountain perfectly, what to do and how to be safe.

Frequently asked question

Can i book on my own?

Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Bearwatching with kids

This activity is especially designed for young (12+) and adults as we need to spend evening in high mountain and wait silently a few hours. To find kid’s activities click there

Private tour

Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Send us an e-mail and we’ll answer you back with the quotation.

Refreshment point and toilet services

Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your packed dinner and you may go in the forest… looking for your private toilet.

Bad weather condition

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

Need to add travel insurance

Our guides are registered at the list of Collegio Guide Alpine Abruzzo and subscribed a professional insurance.

We suggest you to book on line travel insurance with World Nomads. They offer insurances designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

How to get there

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 Flixbus or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Abruzzo.

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