Walking vacation in Grazalema, Andalucia, Spain

Planet

The area of Grazalema Natural Park is exceptionally rich in fauna and flora, which is why walking in the area is so fulfilling. Birds of prey and their conservation are of special interest.The local colony of Griffon Vultures, the nesting pairs of Golden and Bonelli´s eagle and the vulnerable but locally present Egyptian Vulture. We also encourage the interest in flora, especially the 35 species of wild orchids present in Grazalema Park.
All walkers are informed about our policy of leaving absolutely no rubbish behind, including organic remains. We discuss noise pollution and visual pollution and their effect on both wildlife and other walkers. We also discuss the impact of forest fires on the area of Grazalema and what individual walkers can do to help prevent them.
On our walks we explain the importance of water to the area especially during the long and hot Andalucían summers. All natural springs encountered on the walks are always checked for any rubbish or obstacles that could be blocking them so that birds and other animals have access to clean water.
The necessity of driving to the starting point of the walks is reduced to an absolute minimum. The route chosen to take the walkers to the starting point forms part of the experience and we include points of interest in the village.

People

Tourism is the only major industry in this isolated part of Spain. By encouraging tourism we are contributing to the local economy and protecting jobs at a time of great unemployment and economic downturn.
The walking vacations here in Grazalema are an important aspect in regards to supporting the local community. Our clients eat in local restaurants and stay in the village thereby creating and assisting the local economy. The village of Grazalema depends 100 percent on tourism and we believe our guided walking vacations are helping in a sustainable way many of the businesses in the area.
Protecting our environment and sustainable tourism is a priority here in Grazalema. All of the hotels and accommodations we use for our clients are locally owned and/or run and have a policy of waste recycling and use biodegradable cleaning products that are 100 percent organic. Walking routes are selected to avoid foot traffic impact and guidelines are given to our walking clients to remain on the paths, not collect wild plants and to respect in general the wildlife that exists in the area which helps preserve this important area for the locals.