Ecological tourism , also called ecological tourism , is an alternative form of tourism, different from what we might call traditional tourism.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."
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- Contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.
- It supports the welfare of the local population.
- It includes a learning / interpretation experience.
- Involves responsible action by tourists and the tourism industry.
- It is offered primarily to small groups by small businesses.
- It requires the lowest possible consumption of resources and the use of renewable energy sources, biomass, solar energy, wind energy ...
- Emphasizes local participation, ownership and business opportunity for the rural population.
Ruta del Quesu and Cider
Years ago, two brothers, Manuel and Javier, launched their ecotourism initiative, without really knowing what it was. They decided to stay in their mountain village, Asiegu, in the municipality of Cabrales , and share rural life with visitors, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of this region.
The "rural itinerary" begins at eleven in the morning or seven in the evening. First, a visit is made to a modern cheese factory to learn how artisanal Cabrales cheese is produced. Then, there are explanations about the region and the construction of farmhouses, pastures, apple orchards, the Cabrales cheese aging cave, and finally, the traditional cider tasting (espicha ), which includes a cheese board, Cabrales cheese, hard-boiled eggs, corn tortillas, chorizo cooked in cider, minced meat with potatoes, cod omelet, potato omelet, honey, and cider.
Route of the Quesu and the Cider, Asiegu
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Ecotourism in Onís
Onís is part of the Picos de Europa , the highest peaks in Asturias, extraordinary limestone mountains that the Marquis of Villaviciosa successfully lobbied to have declared the first National Park. Onís belongs to the so-called western massif or El Cornión, crowned by the Torre Santa de Castilla (2.596 m). At a certain altitude, the forests give way to mountain pastures , grazed by livestock during the summer. In these slightly flatter areas, the shepherds of Onís have established their mountain pastures since time immemorial, with stone and tile huts, where they produce Gamonéu del Puerto cheese from cow, sheep, and goat milk.
All of this makes it a 100% recommended space to enjoy nature, combined with its conservation and for the benefit of the local community.
Cheese route through Benia de Onís
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Fun activities with children in Onís
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Route of the mills of the Tabardín river
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Peruyal Glacier Cave
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Guided visits to the Gamonéu cheese factories
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Sleep in rural accommodation
When we want to enjoy our holidays in a way that's close to nature, in rural settings and with respect for the environment, we have many options in Asturias. We have a wide variety of accommodations in rural areas, well-connected but with that extra touch of peace and quiet that our mountains provide.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
