Maritime Alps Park | "Ciciuvagando" to discover stone mushrooms

The Reserve is located at Via Ciciu 43, Villar San Costanzo (CN).

From Cuneo, reach Dronero (Via Caraglio) following the SS 22 for about 20 km; pass through Dronero and turn right towards Busca, following the Provincial Road 24 for over 2 km until you reach a left intersection for Villar San Costanzo. Continue for another 2 km, following the signs for the Reserve. From Turin: after passing Saluzzo, follow the SS 589 towards Busca, continue towards Dronero on Provincial Road 24, arriving after about 8 km at the intersection for Villar San Costanzo. Turn right and continue for another 2 km following the signs to the entrance to the Reserve.

The area is open to visitors year-round and is equipped with restrooms and picnic areas. During the Reserve's public services period (April to October), visitors will find free promotional, informational, and educational materials, and staff will be available to provide further information on the protected area and other tourist attractions..

New services have also been available since 2026, including e-MTB rentals and the sale of Valle Maira-branded merchandise, maps, guides, and books on local history and culture, as well as materials related to the territories of the Alpi Marittime Protected Areas Management Agency (two parks, eight nature reserves, and 20 Natura 2000 Network areas).

The entrance fee to the protected area is €4; admission is free for children up to 10 years old, seniors over 65, and people with disabilities, along with any accompanying adults. The contribution is intended to guarantee the opening of the Visitor Center, the tourist information service, and the maintenance and cleaning of the equipped areas.

Guided tours, experiential workshops, and citizen science workshops for schools of all levels and organized groups are always available by reservation.

In a subsequent phase, corporate team building and equestrian tourism options will be developed, respecting the site's naturalistic vocation and the principles of environmental sustainability.

INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

consorzio@vallemaira.org

+39 379 1789427

The Reserve's southern exposure favors the growth of vegetation that thrives in hot, arid climates, such as broom and other Mediterranean species. Dense woodlands also exist, making it an ideal habitat for many species of birds and birds of prey, particularly the peregrine falcon, which has nested in the surrounding areas for several years.

The tourist route is marked with the "Ciciuvagando" sign and takes about thirty minutes to complete, excluding stops. Along the route, which initially coincides with the hiking trail, three small rural buildings ("ciabot") have been renovated, once used as tool sheds when vineyards were common in the area. Decorated with information panels, the three buildings dedicated to "History," "The Ciciu," and "Nature," now serve, along with the reserve's visitor center, as useful rest stops for those undertaking the short walk independently.