Portal de Turismo de Castilla y León

Welcome to the Picos de Europa Visitors’ Centre "Valdeburón". Just like the rest of the park visitors’ centres, all throughout the region of Castilla and León, this is the recommended access point for these nature areas. At this information centre, monitors will provide information about the Regional Park and help you to plan your visit.

Here, you can find information about the signature species and habitats, to help you identify and appreciate the cultural and natural heritage in a respectful way. It promotes the conservation and appreciation of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The Valdeburón Visitors’ Centre is located in the old Barracks in Lario, in the north-east of the province of León. The barracks are military installations where people stationed there worked and lived, generally with their families.

In Spain, the Civil Guard usually worked and lived in these types of barracks for long periods of time. These military bases are generally known as "cuartelillos", especially when they are small and in more remote areas. There are lots of barracks all over Spain, just like the one in Lario. They have been remodelled as museums or information centres. These barracks were built in 1943.

Lario is a district of Burón, located in Valdeburón, and has 80 residents. This region runs along the upper part of the Esla river, which flows from North-east to South-east and makes up the main valley.

The Riaño and Mampodre Mountain Regional Park Visitors’ Centre is in the Northeast of the León province. Together with the ‘Picos de Europa’, they form the most extensive limestone formation in Western Europe. They stand out due to their significant karstic processes, vertical caves with heights over 1000 metres, and an evident glacial erosion. It has an area of 120,760 hectares.

The Picos de Europa National Park is located in the Cantabrian mountains, across the provinces of Asturias, León and Cantabria. It is one of the main reserves in the world with ecosystems linked to the Atlantic forest and includes the most extensive limestone formation in Atlantic Europe.

With an area of 67,127 hectares, the Picos de Europa National Park was named as a UNESCO nature reserve in 2003. Strangely, it was the first protected area in Spain, having been named as a national park in 1918 by Alfonso XIII.

To the left when you go in, where the Visitors’ Centre employees will assist you. The green shop is to the right, with souvenirs and other objects for sale.

In front of the entrance and to the right are the stairs, and to the left is the lift.

To start the tour, go down the corridor to the left of the entrance, until you get to the room at the end.

You will pass through a door and find a room with travelling exhibitions. The posters on the walls are changed depending on the current exhibition. This room usually has exhibitions related to the network of nature areas in Castilla and León.

There is a totem with a small screen to the right of the door.

Follow the arrows on the floor to continue the tour.

The next room you will enter has a permanent exhibition. It is titled "A journey over 2000 metres of incline, diversity and contrasts", and it recognises this entire nature area, from the depths of the valleys, to the forests and the higher peaks.

Continue down the corridor until you come to the first section of the exhibition. The tour follows the work of José Ramón Lueje, a mountaineer who travelled the entire area between the 1930s and 1970s. Over these years, he documented mountain profiles and all of the land. Due to his close relationship with this area, his family donated some objects belonging to him, and you can see them in the display. Throughout the exhibition, you will see some of his drawings, records and notes about the area.

Follow the arrows on the floor.

This exhibition is about the valley floors. Valleys are the areas that are most changes by mankind because they are where you find towns, farmland and pasture for animals. The riverside forests are also found here, and, of course, the rivers that formed them.

The riverside forests are made up of flora that grows next to the rivers. In these areas there are trees like black poplar, ash, willows and linden. The most well-known part of these last trees are their flowers, used to make the famous linden tea.

Willows are deciduous trees that grow very quickly. These trees need moist environments and cannot tolerate extreme temperatures, although in some cases they can resist freezes of up to -15ºC and temperatures of up to 35ºC. They reach heights of 25 metres, and their leaves are serrated with a greyish-silver colour. Their bark is white or grey and salicylic acid can be extracted from them. It was used to flower fevers in the past.

Turn the boxes on the wall to your right to see interesting information about the plant and animal species that live in the riverside forests.

An animal that can be found in this forests is the palmate newt, a species of amphibian that is found in lagoons, lakes and canals, as well as other habitats.

In the display on the bottom of the panel, there is a section of the river. On the model you can see different fish, such as the Northern Iberian chub and the brown trout, as well as moss and other vegetation that grows in areas with a lot of moisture.

Another animal that lives in these riverside forests is the Iberian desman. It is a small mammal, about 10cm in size, with slightly webbed paws and a long tail that it uses as a rudder to swim in water. Its snout is like a small trunk, they use it to dig in search of insects. They have nasal valves that they close to plunge into the water and dive.

The common kingfisher, nicknamed the blue arrow on the water, it stands out due to the blue plumage on its back, and the red on its chest. You can find it on branches above the rivers, lying in wait for the fish that swim below.

The Riaño and Mampodre Mountain Regional Park has the highest level of butterfly diversity in the whole peninsula. Butterflies are bio-indicators of environment quality due to their sensibility to factors such as air and water pollution, as well as their specific habitat requirements. The abundance and diversity of butterfly species in an area can provide valuable information on the general health of an ecosystem. Monitoring these populations can contribute to the evaluation of environmental quality and the implementation of conservation methods.

The most common butterfly species in this are the apollo and the erebia.

The apollo butterfly is a species from mountain ranges in mild and cold climates. They are large butterflies, having a wingspan of up to 8cm. They are easily spotted due to their predominantly white wings, which are translucent, with a parchment-like texture.

Erebia butterflies have dark brown or black wings with spots of stripes in reddish-brown, orange and, occasionally, yellow. This species is capable of easily adapting to try and particularly cold environments. The majority of these butterflies are found at high altitudes, in forest clearings or at high latitudes and the tundra. One interesting fact about these butterflies is that they can even be found in the Arctic.

This section has a typical valley floor landscape, meadows. If you look into the binoculars in front of the image, you will see various flora and fauna species in these areas: the common hawthorn, orchids, bees, the common reed bunting and hedgehogs.

Orchids are an extensive and diverse collection of flowering plants, with 25,000 to 30,000 species. Known for their exquisite flowers in various shapes and colours, orchids have developed strategies to facilitate their pollination, often imitating insects or producing attractive smells. They live in habitats from tropical to the Arctic. Orchids are appreciated al over the world for their beauty, cultural significance and relevance in cultivation for ornamental uses.

Bees have an essential role in the pollination of plants. They are vital for the reproduction of numerous species, including food crops. With more than 20,000 known species, European honey bees are known for their honey production and hive organisation. Conservation of bees is not only crucial for biodiversity, but also for food security and the health of the ecosystems. Did you know that bees communicate by dancing? This curious dance is used to show the others where they can find food sources.

Hedges, called "sebes" in this area, are vegetation which grows on the edges of fields, meadows and paths. They are usually short plans, like bushes and short trees. They are essential ecological passages which create paths for animal populations to travel between the forests on one side of a river or field and the other. These hedges offer refuge for small animals and allow them to move around from one area to the next, without having to go out into the open countryside where they would be at mercy of predators.

This allows populations to mix and survive. As well as providing refuge, their fruits, seeds and berries provide food for small mammals and reptiles around these passages.

Continue down the corridor, following the arrows on the floor. This next section informs about the mid-mountain forests.

The mid-mountain forests, at elevations of approximately 600 and 2000 metres above sea level, represent a transition from low altitude forests to high mountain forests. They are characterised by diverse plant life which includes perennial and deciduous trees, with a variety of fauna who are adapted to moderate elevations. These forests have cooler climates and greater changes during different seasons.

Discover the wide range of colours that these forests offer by spinning the boxes to the left, to create images of these landscapes in different seasons of the year.

The colour change in Autumn is physiological and chemical process in reaction to seasonal changes. With less sunlight and cooler temperatures, they cause the reduction of chlorophyll, the green pigment which is crucial for photosynthesis. As the level of chlorophyll goes down, other pigments in the leaves become more visible. The combination of these factors causes the variety of colours in Autumn, caused by the trees adapting to changing conditions before winter.

On the screen to the right of this section, you can watch a documentary about the forests, sun and shade.

In this section you can learn more about some of the animal species that live in the mid-mountain forests.

Lift the covers of the interactive display in front of you to find out more about the animals that leave each track.

Common reed bunting are galliform birds. They are distinguished by their dark grey plumage with black around their head and neck. They have a long rounded tail, an off-white beak and a red mark above their eyes. This species is at critical risk of extinction. In 2022 their population was estimated at less than 300. The main factors that contribute to their extinction is deterioration, loss and fragmentation of their natural habitat.

They are small mammals from the deer family. They are known for their slender appearance and the branched antlers the males have, called steeds. They prefer forest and meadow habitats, being mostly nocturnal and herbivorous. They are easily recognisable due to the white coat on their back.

The tawny owl is a medium-large sized owl. With a camouflage plumage in tones of brown, grey and beige, they live in different forest and wooded environments. Nocturnal by nature, they hunt for prey like rodents, small birds and insects, using their sharp sight and hearing.

Pine marten are small carnivorous mammals, similar to polecats and beech marten. Known for their agility and dexterity, they have long bodies and dense brown and black coats. They prefer forest habitats, but they can adapt to different environments.

Brown bears are an important bear species which can adapt to a variety of habitats, such as forests, tundras and mountains. Characterised by their robustness and variable coat, which can vary from light to dark, brown bears are omnivores, eating a wide range of foods, from plants to fish and small mammals. They are solitary animals, although they sometimes congregate in areas rich in food.

This display shows the metamorphosis stages that a butterfly follows, from eggs to when they become adults.

Butterfly metamorphosis is an impressive biological process which involves four different stages of their life cycle. Start with the egg-laying by adult butterflies, leading to small caterpillars hatching and actively feeding and growing. Once they have developed enough, the caterpillar turns into a chrysalis, where significant changes happen inside. Finally, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, ready to reproduce.

The central column shows some of the most common mid-mountain trees. Spin the cylinder on each side of the column to see the fruit from these trees and a comparison of their size and a human.

Birch trees are characterised by their silvery-white bark and serrated leaves. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, birch trees have historically been used for craftwork, due to the flexibility of their bark.

Holm oak trees are perennial, known for their leathery leaves and think bark. As well as their practical importance, holm oaks are culturally significant and symbolise resistance and longevity in different traditions.

Beech trees are deciduous trees known for their oval leaves with serrated edges which have vibrant colours in autumn. As well as their practical value, beech trees contribute to the biodiversity of the forest and have historically been used for their edible fruits, known as beechnuts.

Sessile oak trees are a species of oak tree found in forests in Europe, especially in areas with a mild climate. It is a deciduous tree with lobulate leaves, narrower than normal oak trees, and their greyish and relatively smooth bark. Their high quality wood stands out. It is dense and durable, used in construction, for building furniture and for making barrels for aging wine and liqueurs. Sessile oak trees play a crucial role in the regeneration of the forest as they produce acorns. These species is the most common in the area, although there are also Pyrenean oak and pedunculate oak.

Behind you, there are images of two of the protected forests in the Riaño and Mampodre Mountain Regional Park: Sabinar de Crémenes and Bosque de Hormas.

Sabinar de Crémenes is near the areas os Las Salas and Crémenes. It is a juniper forest populated by Spanish juniper, and stands out as one of the most western in Eurasia, and is considered a relic of the forests from the cold and try periods of the Quaternary era. The Sabinar de Crémenes is regulated as a Reserve, which highlights its ecological importance and the need to protect it due to the representativeness and uniqueness of its fauna and flora.

Bosque de Hormas is on the southern slope of the Hormas mountain range, between Riaño and Boca de Huérgano. It is a forest mainly composed of beech and sessile oak trees. The Bosque de Hormas is a refuge area for species like brown bear and wolves. It is the largest Regional Park Reserve, at more than 2,600 hectares, and access is restricted.

Go up the ramp, you will find the next section of the exhibition. Go on to find out about the flora and fauna who live in the higher parts of the mountains.

These places present a totally extreme climate, with temperatures below zero, abundant snowfall and strong winds. The species that live in these areas are adapted to survive all of these conditions. Among these species are the gossamer-winged butterflies.

This butterfly species has a symbiotic relationship with ants. This relationship starts when the butterfly lays its eggs on a flower called a "sanguisorba", which the caterpillars each when they hatch.

When the caterpillar is big enough, they fall to the ground and start to secrete a sweet substance which attracts ants. The ants carry the caterpillar to ant hills and feed it, while the caterpillar keeps secreting the substance that the ants like.

A short while later, the caterpillar encloses itself in its chrysalis, which continues to secrete the sweet substance. Completing its development, the butterfly emerged from the chrysalis and starts to search for the exit of the ant hill. It does so at daybreak, while the ants are sleeping, because as an adult it can no longer secrete the substance and would be immediately devoured by the ants.

Once they are out, they spread their wings and fly, starting the cycle over.

On the floor, you will see boxes with images of the different plants that grow on the rocky ground of the high peaks, such as lichens, and high mountain pasture.

Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed by the association between a fungus and a seaweed or cyanobacteria. This mutual relationship allows lichens to colonise different habitats, from rocks to trees, and to adapt to extreme conditions like droughts and high UV radiation. Their ability to extract nutrients from the atmosphere and their sensibility to pollution turns them into environmental bio-indicators.

Go to the gap to the right of the panels you have just seen. Inside there are backlit images of the flora that grows on the alpine floor.

They are usually rock vegetation which is characterised as being adapted to make its way through the gaps between rocks, with thick strong stalks. Among these species are the saxifraga, harebell, sempervivum and the potentilla nivalis.

Saxifraga is a plant genus known for its adaptability in extreme environments, like mountain regions, rocky hillsides and stony grounds. They have fleshy leaves and different colours of flowers.

Sempervivum are succulents with dense rosettes, and are popular in rock and flowerpot gardening. These plants are appreciated for their resistance and adaptability. Did you know that sempervivum keep their shape and colour even when dried up?

Go back out to the corridor and look at the images to the left. There are photos of the towns in the area, taken by José Ramón Lueje. As well as photos, there are some illustrations and hand drawn maps done by the mountaineer.

Egyptian vultures are a species of birds of prey that are easily identifiable due to their black and white plumage, naked yellow head and neck, and their large downward-curved beak. Currently they are on the list of endangered species due to the significant threats they are facing, such as eating poisoned bait, and the loss of their natural habitat.

Right above this panel, hanging from the ceiling, there is a real-size model of this bird.

Turn the spheres of the next panel to see information about different animal species living in these mountainous areas.

Wallcreepers are small and colourful birds that live in mountainous regions, especially in rocky and steep environments. Their distinctive plumage includes tones of red, grey, black and white, wallcreepers are agile when moving along vertical surfaces.

Pyrenean chamois is a bovine animal adapted to mountainous environments and characterised by their robustness and dense coat which changes during the seasons. They are agile on steep and rocky land, showing a notable ability to climb cliffs.

Leave the room, following the corridor to your right. At the back you will find the last exhibition room.

This room shows life in the Riaño and Mampodre Mountain Regional Park.

To the left there are a number of images of the architecture of the area. Under the images, there are three small displays with models of some of the typical buildings found in the region. The displays also have some small interactive covers. When you lift them, you will see an image and different characteristics of each of the structures.

The first display has a series of buildings known as winter-lodging. These winter-lodgings are combinations of cabins and shelters on the mountains and are used to keep livestock in the winter. On the upper floor, shepherds store straw to feed them.

The second display has a raised granary. It is a traditional granary, made mainly from wood, and sometimes, from stone. Its structure is elevated from the ground by wooden or stone pillars and it is rectangular. It is covered by a gabled room with pronounced eaves. All of these characteristics mean that food can be protected from moisture and rodents.

The last display has a model of a bothy. Bothies are shelters made from branches and stone, they were built both in open mountain areas and in forests, on barren land or pastures. This refuge was used by shepherds and farmers in the mountains, to sleep alongside their sheep or protect themselves from adverse climatic conditions. They are circular with a conical roof to prevent rainwater from leaking in.

If you turn to the right, there is a panel in front of you. You will find information about transhumance.

In Spain, transhumance when livestock and shepherds move each season from summer pastures to winter pastures, or vice versa. These moves are done to avoid desertification of the land due to overgrazing. In December 2023, seasonal transhumance was named as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Go over to the central display. Each side has an explanation of the aspects and traditions of the area. Turn the top circular piece to show information on the rest of the related objects.

"Leonese wrestling" is a traditional sport which combines physical skill and the preservation of local culture. With deep historical roots, it is practised in circles called "corros", with fighters whose goal is to knock their opponent to the ground. The discipline is characterised by its simple attire and the lack of additional protection.

Wooden clogs are traditional shoes worn in rural areas. Carved from a single block of wood, usually beech. Their sole form around the foot to protect normal shoes from mud and water.

Leave the room, following the corridor to your left.

Go down this corridor until you come to a large display on the wall to your left. This display has a model of a wolf trap.

Wolf traps are fences built to hunt wolves. They are usually conical with high walls made from stone. The residents in the area went after the wolves until they fell into the traps, where they were slaughtered.

Keep going down the corridor. The audiovisual room is at the end, through the last door on the left. Here a 10 minute documentary with images of the region in different seasons is shown.

The corridor ends at the green shop, in the reception area.

On the next floor, which you can reach via the stairs or the lift, there is a viewpoint with a panel showing the different peaks in the area which you can see from here.

This audio track ends your visit to the "Valdeburón" Centre, where you have learned a little more about the landscapes, flora and fauna in the region, as well as how the area’s residents live. If you wish to receive more information, go to the reception desk or consult any of the visitors’ centres employees.

Thanks for your visit.