Welcome to the northernmost area of the Community of Madrid, the Sierra Norte. And right there, wedged between two mountain ranges, the Montes Carpetanos and the Cuerda Larga, is the Valle Alto del Lozoya, where the river of the same name tries to make its way along a winding route. And we, among oak, pine, oak and riparian forest, we will move in a weekend of immersion and disconnection.
Our days will be spent around the village of Rascafría, where we will visit ancient yew trees, embrace nature with the five senses through the practices of Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku, and immerse ourselves in our celestial vault through a unique experience such as the Star Bathing.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Village of Rascafría
From Madrid capital to the village of Rascafría is about 50.952 mi, which will take you about an hour and a half by car.
Arrival in the afternoon at the lodge.
**Accommodation in rural hotel.
Day 2 - Route to the Millenary Yew - Star Bathing
Duration: 2 hours
In the morning, at 9:00 am, we will meet at the established meeting point, from where we will begin our interpretative route of the Millenary Yew Tree.
We will pass by the stream of La Angostura, which will later take the name of Lozoya River and we will walk through very little traveled trails to our precious gift: The Yew of Barondillo. This impressive specimen of Taxus baccata about 1,800 years old is one of the longest-lived trees known in the Iberian Peninsula.
Distance: 10,9km – Elevation gain: 350m – Duration: 4h 30m – Route type: circular – Difficulty: moderate
Lunch and free afternoon to rest and explore the fantastic area of the Alto Valle del Lozoya.
In the evening, very close to the lodge, we will arrive to the next activity that will start at 11:00 pm: our Star Bathing.
A look at the immensity of the celestial sphere from the amazement, curiosity and the feeling of being part of that infinite history written from the silence of the night. We propose an immersion in that starry sky that has fascinated you since childhood. We will show you the outline of the constellations and the myths that lie behind their shapes, the origin of that immensity that we call Cosmos, of our galaxy, of our solar system. We will learn more about the planets, stars and other celestial bodies.
It is not only astronomy, it is an experience towards the Universe and towards ourselves.
Duration: 2 hours
**Accommodation in the rural hotel.
Day 3 - Forest Bathing - End of services
At 10:00 am our next experience awaits us: the Forest Bathing.
The Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku is an immersive experience in nature, where the protagonists are you and the forest. Now is the time to relax from the rhythm of everyday life, reconnecting with the natural environment. The senses are sharpened to discover a new language, emotions flow to connect with the environment and achieve a full awareness of the present moment.
Distance: 1km – Duration: 2 hours
*End of services
** Accommodation subject to availability
Important information
We are in a mountainous area, so the use of appropriate footwear for the terrain (hiking or mountain shoes-boots) is mandatory. It is also necessary to carry at least a liter and a half of water or other valid hydration, there are no fountains during the experiences. Warm clothing and a raincoat is recommended. Do not forget to bring sunscreen and a hat. It is advisable to carry some food in your backpack: fruit, nuts, chocolate… whatever you need to replenish your strength at any given moment.
The activities of this program can also be booked separately. For more information, please contact us.
Important Notes
✔ Two nights accommodation at the Rural Hotel in Rascafría.
✔ Interpretation route to Tejo de Barondillo.
✔ Star bath activity.
✔ Forest Bathing Activity.
✔ Qualified guides in all activities.
Does not include:
✘ Breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
✘ Personal expenses.
✘ Tips.
✘ Transfers by vehicle to the contracted activities and lodging.
✘ Any services not specified in the above itinerary.
Accomodation
Accommodation located in a rural area.
Nature
Hiking trails to connect with nature. We are located in an area of great ecological value: Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and Biosphere Reserve Cuencas altas de los rios Manzanares, Lozoya and Guadarrama.
Sustainable tourism
Proximity tourism and Km zero.
Environmental commitment
In the interpretation route we will provide training on the importance of conservation and protection of the environment and the value of natural resources. In the forest and star baths we will value the natural connection between us and nature, extolling our environmental commitment.