Join Ecotur for an unforgettable weekend tracking the elusive Marsican brown bear in Italy's protected national park. Wilderness hikes, cozy refuges, and close wildlife encounters await.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required for hiking on uneven terrain and forest trails
Wildlife
History
The park has been a protected zone since 1922, safeguarding its diverse ecosystems and legendary wildlife.
Conservation
Ecotur emphasizes minimal impact visits, contributing to ongoing efforts to preserve this critical habitat.
Ecotur
Join Ecotur for an unforgettable weekend tracking the elusive Marsican brown bear in Italy's protected national park. Wilderness hikes, cozy refuges, and close wildlife encounters await.
Ecotur is a Pescasseroli-based guide service specializing in wildlife observation and interpretive hikes within Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo. Focused on responsible, small-group experiences, Ecotur leads trips that prioritize respect for wildlife, habitat protection, and authentic natural encounters. The company organizes a variety of day and multi-day outings including dedicated bearwatching excursions for the Marsican brown bear, wolf-focused weekends, evening wolf-tracking walks, and interpretive hikes through UNESCO-recognized beech forests.
Guides use field knowledge to locate animal signs, explain local ecology, and present cultural connections such as the Arteparco installations in the beech woods featured in the film "La Volpe e la bambina." Many trips include interpretive stops along trails like the Vallone Lampazzo-Cicerana and the Scerto stream in the Riserva Integrale della Camosciara. Selected weekend programs offer an overnight stay at Ecorifugio della Cicerana, providing a rustic refuge experience and local seasonal meals.
Ecotur operates from Pescasseroli in Abruzzo and works within the regulations of Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo. Activities are designed for varied fitness levels: easy evening treks, full-day wildlife tracking, and multi-day refuge stays. Emphasis is placed on minimizing disturbance to wildlife, following park rules, and delivering informative, safe excursions that connect visitors to the unique biodiversity and landscapes of the central Apennines.
Base Location
Pescasseroli, Abruzzo
Gateway to Abruzzo National Park
National Park
Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo
Italy's oldest national park
Tours Offered
7 experiences
Guided wildlife and nature trips
Overnight Option
Ecorifugio della Cicerana
Refuge stay on selected weekends
Choose a day hike, evening wolf walk, or weekend bearwatching stay — dates fill quickly, book early to secure a spot.
Stay alert for bear signs
Watch for tracks, scratched trees, and feeding sites to understand bear activity.
Bring layered clothing
Weather can vary rapidly in the mountains; pack moisture-wicking and insulating layers.
Respect wildlife distances
Maintain safe viewing distances to avoid disturbing the animals.
Practice quiet hiking
Move slowly and speak softly for better chances of sightings.
Hiking boots
Durable footwear with good traction for forest and uneven terrain.
Binoculars
Essential for spotting wildlife from a distance.
Headlamp or flashlight
Necessary for nighttime wildlife viewing and safe refuge stays.
winter
Camera with zoom lens
Capture close-up photos of wildlife and scenic vistas.