Aragon cultural hvacation in Spain

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The Stone Kingdom has been designed around the principles of slow travel, with fewer accommodation changes, meaningful encounters and more time spent exploring each location rather than traveling long distances every day.

Over nine days, we stay in just three areas of Aragón: the Pyrenean countryside around Lárrede, the historic monastic surroundings of San Juan de la Peña, and the medieval village of Aínsa. This approach helps us avoid unnecessary transfers while allowing guests to develop a deeper connection with each destination.

Our groups are limited to a maximum of eight travelers, sharing ground transportation throughout the experience. We plan our journeys carefully, combining nearby villages and activities to reduce unnecessary driving. There are no internal flights, and we encourage guests to consider traveling by train to Zaragoza, our meeting point, whenever practical.

Walking is an essential part of the experience. Several days include gentle walks of approximately 3–5 kilometres through villages, forests and mountain landscapes.

We favour small-scale, locally rooted accommodation and restaurants serving regional, seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options and individual dietary requirements are considered when organising included meals.

All essential journey information is provided digitally, reducing the need for printed materials.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Aragón's landscapes are among its greatest treasures, and we recognise our responsibility to help protect them.

Our journey introduces guests to mountain valleys, traditional rural landscapes and the protected surroundings of San Juan de la Peña and Monte Oroel. We keep groups small, follow established paths, respect protected areas and encourage guests to observe wildlife without disturbing it.

Travelers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, avoid unnecessary single-use plastics and leave natural environments as they find them. We also promote responsible behaviour around sensitive habitats, including avoiding litter, unnecessary noise and the collection of wild plants.

One of our planned local encounters introduces guests to traditional beekeeping near Aínsa, providing an opportunity to learn about pollinators, biodiversity and the relationship between rural livelihoods and healthy ecosystems.

Through these experiences, we hope guests leave with a greater appreciation of the delicate relationship between people and nature, and the importance of preserving these landscapes for future generations.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

At Be Local, we believe that the most meaningful journeys are shaped by the people who call a destination home.

The Stone Kingdom has been designed around direct encounters with local producers, artisans and rural communities across the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Rather than visiting villages simply to admire their architecture, we want to understand the lives, traditions and livelihoods of the people who inhabit them.

Three encounters form an important part of our itinerary. In the area around Barbenuta, we plan to meet a local wine producer working to preserve mountain viticulture. Near Broto, we hope to discover the traditions of artisan cheesemaking and pastoral farming. And in the countryside around Aínsa, an encounter with a beekeeper will introduce us to traditional honey production and the importance of pollinators.

These are not intended to be brief commercial stops. We allocate dedicated time and a budget for each encounter, recognising the knowledge, hospitality and work of our local partners.

We prioritise independently owned accommodation, family-run restaurants and small businesses rather than international chains wherever possible. We also encourage guests to discover local markets, independent shops and regional products during their free time.

We believe tourism should contribute to keeping rural communities economically active, supporting small enterprises and helping traditional knowledge remain valuable to future generations.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our approach is based on respectful relationships, fair compensation and meaningful collaboration with local people.

We work towards establishing long-term partnerships with producers, accommodation providers, transport operators and other small businesses in Aragón, agreeing professional fees and conditions directly with those delivering our experiences.

Our groups never exceed eight guests, allowing for more personal exchanges and creating opportunities for genuine conversations rather than impersonal visits.

The Stone Kingdom welcomes travelers from different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and identities. Our daily meditation and contemplation sessions are inclusive, secular and entirely optional. No previous meditation experience is required.

We also recognise that we are guests in the communities we visit. We encourage travelers to respect local customs, appreciate regional food traditions and approach every encounter with curiosity, humility and openness.

Our goal is simple: to create journeys that are enriching for our travelers while bringing meaningful economic opportunities and respectful recognition to the people who make these places special.