With nearly 6,000 hectares and nestled in the Central Massif of Ourense, O Invernadeiro extends through green, undulating mountains or abrupt rocky landscapes.

These are the domains of the wolf, the wild boar, the stoat and the marten. Also deer, roe deer and wild goats. A paradise that must be preserved. To visit it it is necessary to request a permit. But the experience is unforgettable.

There are 6 routes. This way, even if you are not an expert, you can stalk roe deer and deer up close… A magical moment. You can see holly, rowan or yew, the sacred trees of the Celts, flown over by eagles and falcons.
There are no human settlements within the limits of O Invernadeiro. Everything is nature.

Its history dates back to ancient times, always as an undivided property since the Middle Ages, dedicated at that time to grazing and hunting. In the middle of the last century it became an authorized reforestation area until 1979 when it suffered a fire and its destiny changed. From the ashes it was reborn with a commitment to environmental recovery that was definitively consolidated in the summer of 1997 with its declaration as a Natural Park. Currently it is one of the best nature classrooms in the community to learn intensely about the life of the Central Massif of Ourense.

The old Galician mountains, which exceed 1,500 meters in altitude within the limits of the Park, combine the rugged charm of the rock with the softness of the large rounded volumes. The mountain ranges are conducive to hosting a large part of the wildlife represented mainly by the wolf and its prey, roe deer and wild boar. The rivers, just like the glaciers in primitive times, live in this space the great moment of the mountain. The twin channels Ribeira Grande and Ribeira Pequena set the river rhythm.
It is necessary to request an access permit in advance and carry out all routes on foot along the marked routes. Group visits are made from a minimum of five people. The Ribeira Grande Nature Classroom and its activities are highly recommended for school groups and other groups.
O Invernadeiro is the heart of a vast mountainous area that is practically unpopulated. The highest elevations are found in the Queixa mountain range, which has the highest point in the mountain station of Manzaneda (1,782 m), and in the San Mamede mountain range (1,619 m). They record abundant precipitation in the form of rain and snow, but also important seasonal periods of drought.

From A Proba de Trives we can ascend to the winter resort of Manzaneda with multiple tourist options since it does not limit its activity only to the ski season. It is the starting point for several hiking routes in search of the mountain’s ancient glacial activity. We can also choose to continue to Celeiros, municipal capital of Chandrexa de Queixa.

On the other side of the massif, there are two possibilities. On the one hand, in the town hall of Vilariño de Conso, the enclaves of Pradoalbar, where the river fills the valley with great beauty, and Chaguazoso, where we will see a spectacular glacial moraine and the Cenza River waterfall.

At medium altitude, wooded areas are common. Native forests of botanical interest due to the joint presence of Atlantic and Mediterranean species such as the common oak and the melojo oak. One of the most curious tree spots is the Bidueiral de Montederramo, of about 250 hectares in the parish of Gabín, created by the need for this wood for the formerly numerous “zoqueiros” (craftsmen who made clogs) and carpenters in the area.

On the other hand, in the lands of O Bolo, the Bibei River canyon. The quintessential photograph is framed with the baroque sanctuary of As Ermidas hanging from the mountain between slopes of vineyards and a good climate definer such as the presence of olive trees. The landscape of the terraces to overcome the steep slope gets one of its best examples here. The river assists and resists this long history of humanization that dates back to ancient times, like the solid Roman bridge of the Bibei capable of still supporting modern traffic.