Abruzzo – Trekking “Men and Wolves”

DAY 1

Arrival in Villetta Barrea in the afternoon and meeting with the guide.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Introduction to the trekking programme and screening of the documentary Men and Wolves.
Dinner and overnight stay in Villetta Barrea.

DAY 2

Hike to Civitella Alfedena and visit to the Apennine Wolf Wildlife Area, including observation and insights into the ecology and behaviour of this iconic predator.
Continuation to the Camosciara Integral Nature Reserve, the original core of the National Park established in 1922, with visits to the Nymphs’ Waterfall and the Three Springs Waterfall.
Packed lunch.
In the afternoon, hike through the Decontra Forest to Villetta Barrea and visit the Museum of Transhumance.
Dinner and overnight stay in Villetta Barrea.

Stage 1: 16 km • 5 hours • +200 m / -200 m • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

DAY 3

Hike through Val di Rose, a typical habitat of the Abruzzo Chamois and Red Deer.
The trail climbs to Passo Cavuto, offering panoramic views over much of the National Park, then reaches Forca Resuni Hut before descending through the beautiful Jananghera Valley, another important deer habitat, returning to Civitella Alfedena.
Dinner and overnight stay in Villetta Barrea.

Stage 2: 16 km • 5 hours • +900 m / -900 m • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 4

Excursion to Lago Vivo, another important deer habitat.
The route follows the Vallone dell’Inferno to the karst basin of Lago Vivo (1,561 m), an important watering site for wildlife. After a stop for wildlife observation, the trail continues via Fonte degli Uccelli and along Monte Serrone, crossing the remarkable limestone formations known as the “Libraries” before returning through beech forest.
Dinner and overnight stay in Villetta Barrea.

Stage 3: 16 km • 5 hours • +500 m / -500 m • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 5

Short public bus transfer to Opi.
Hike through Valle Fredda and the high pastures of Macchiarvana, crossing the distinctive karst sinkholes of Camporotondo before descending to Pescasseroli through the magnificent ancient beech forests of the Difesa Woods.
Dinner and overnight stay in Pescasseroli.

Stage 4: 15 km • 5 hours • +500 m / -500 m • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

DAY 6

From Pescasseroli, a short vehicle transfer leads to Passo del Diavolo, where the hike begins towards the remote Vallone di Lampazzo, habitat of the endangered Marsican Brown Bear.
The trail continues to the vast Cicerana Plateau, an important grazing area for both wild and domestic animals, ending at the Cicerana Eco-Refuge.
After a short break, we continue to a wildlife observation point, remaining there until dusk in search of bears.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

Stage 5: 16 km • 5 hours • +300 m / -0 m • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

DAY 7

Breakfast at the refuge and departure.
The route first reaches the Lampazzo Shepherds’ Settlement, a historic site symbolising the long-standing relationship between humans and wildlife, especially wolves.
The trail continues to Fonte Puzza, a karst spring frequently visited by wild animals. After a panoramic stop overlooking Monte Marcolano, we retrace part of the route before descending through the beautiful beech forests of Vallone di Cavuto and returning to Pescasseroli.
Dinner and overnight stay.

Stage 6: 15 km • 5 hours • +300 m / -600 m • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

DAY 8

Breakfast and departure.

Please note: The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the control of the tour leader.

Tour Operator: Natura da Vivere by A.R.D.E.A. s.c.r.l. – Nature Travel Specialists.

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