Tuiza De Arriba: Mountains, Nature and Culture

Tuiza de Arriba is a small settlement at an altitude of 1,210 metres between the mountains of the Parque Natural de Las Ubiñas-La Mesa. The nature park is located in the immediate vicinity of Tuiza de Arriba and has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The altitude is just as much a part of the character of the village as its location between the mountain ranges of the nature park.

Mountain Formations and Peaks in the Surrounding Area

The glacial landscape of the Parque Natural de Las Ubiñas - La Mesa around Peña Ubiña in Lena includes glacial cirques, basins and moraines. Peña Ubiña reaches a height of 2,417 metres and lies in the immediate vicinity of Tuiza de Arriba. The mountain Picos del Fontán is also located in the same immediate vicinity. The summit of Cueto Negro lies in the wider regional area surrounding Tuiza de Arriba. Alongside the peaks, glacial cirques, basins and moraines give the area around Peña Ubiña its own distinctive landscape structure.

Routes to Peña Ubiña and into the Ubiña Massif

The route to Peña Ubiña starts at the nature park information centre. For the first section, it offers two well-signposted options: a summer route and a winter route that avoids avalanche-risk areas when there is snow. The ascent to Peña Ubiña offers panoramic views over the nature park, León's Babia and the Valles del Oso. The Refugio de El Meicín mountain refuge has 54 places. Another route is “Pico Abedulón y peña Arpín” in the Ubiña Massif; it includes the ascent to Pico Abedulón and Peña Arpín. This additional route therefore names two more summit destinations within the Ubiña Massif. For a day in the mountains, the start at the information centre, the option for the first section and the refuge's 54 places are specific planning details.

Church, Architecture and Regional Museums

Tuiza de Arriba is home to the Iglesia de San Juan de Tuíza Riba (IPCA-YA-33-046), a church dedicated to Saint John. The village also preserves a few examples of traditional architecture. The Parque de la Prehistoria de Teverga museum lies in the wider regional area surrounding Tuiza de Arriba. The Poblado Minero de Bustiello museum is located in the same wider regional area. The Museo Costumbrista Benjamín Pumarada is also located there. The Nido del Urogallo museum likewise lies in the wider regional area. The church and the examples of architecture are located in the village, while the four museums are in the wider regional area.

Queso de Bota o Vexiga from Tuiza de Arriba

Queso de Bota o Vexiga is produced artisanally in Tuiza de Arriba. This fermented cow's milk cheese has a strong, spicy and slightly sour flavour.

This gives visitors various points of interest: mountain landscapes, the village's architecture and artisanal cheese production.

You can find more ideas for places in the region via Chanos De Somerón, Pajares, Telledo, Piedraceda, Jomezana, Pola De Lena and Campomanes.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lena.