Bardenasaventure

Who they are

Bardenasaventure is a tourism company in Arguedas, the village that presents itself as the "gateway to the desert" of the Bardenas Reales. Its owner, according to the legal notice, is José María Samanes, based on calle Eras Bajas. It combines rural accommodation, which it markets on a separate website, with guided activities in the natural park, some 40,000 hectares of ravines, hills and plains. It also sells a map of 37 routes through the Bardenas with its explanatory book. The website does not give the start year or a tourism registration number.

What activities they do

On horseback. Six guided routes: the Vedado de Eguaras from the Landazuría hut; the Pisquerra, the Cambrones ravine and the Rallón; the Rincón del Bú; La Nasa, Tripa Azul and the Bardena Negra; the Bardena Negra via Punta del Alba and Val del Chan; and, in summer, a swim with the horses in a reservoir. Outings of three to four hours cost €150 per person and those of five to six, €220, VAT included. There are sunset routes with a bivouac and return the next morning, and crossings of three or four days at €300 per person per day, with horse, meals, accommodation and luggage carried by 4x4. You sleep in the Landazuría, Cubilar and Nemesia huts, with paddocks, water and food for the horses, toilet, shower and light. They hire out horses to riders of a good level.

On foot. Seven routes of three to four hours, from the Vedado de Eguaras and Peñaflor castle to the Bardena Negra or the Las Cortinas reservoir, easy or more demanding.

By mountain bike. Five routes, from simple to others that require fitness, through the Pisquerra, the Rincón del Bú, Castildetierra or the Bardena Negra, with a full-day option and picnic. They hire out bikes for €25 and electric ones for €50. You meet at the information centre at the park entrance.

By 4x4. Excursions of two and a half to seven hours in a Toyota HZJ 105 or a Range Rover, with departures at 10:00 and 16:00 and pick-up at your accommodation in Arguedas. They cost €160 to €450 for four people, with optional meals in the countryside. They also hire out the 4x4 without a driver for half a day or a full day, to people over 30 with more than ten years of licence.

Prices, groups and rules

Walking and bike routes cost €250 for groups of two to five people and €50 per person for six to ten, excluding VAT; larger groups are on request. They include a guide and activity insurance. The website does not give a minimum age for horse riding or the equipment lent, so ask about the helmet. Some routes change during the birds' nesting season, and in the park you may not light fires, leave the tracks or disturb wildlife.

How to book and languages

You book on 609 772 450 or at [email protected]; the website does not publish cancellation conditions. It is in Spanish, with automatic translation into other languages, and does not say in which languages they guide.