Belate Peat Bog

Atlantic and Mediterranean influences converge in the landscape of Belate, making it a secret refuge for habitats and species of high ecological and historical value. One of its oldest treasures is the peat bogs, wetlands that have existed for thousands of years and store valuable information about past climates and landscapes. These moist and marshy soils are not only natural archives but also vital ecosystems in the fight against climate change, acting as vast carbon sinks.

A diverse and species-rich landscape

In addition to its peat bog, Belate offers a network of trails that invite visitors to explore its lush oak and beech forests, green communal pastures for livestock, and ancient chestnut groves. These forests host rich biodiversity, including rare species like the stag beetle and the Rosalia alpina, a striking blue-grey beetle. The continuous balance between nature and human activity is evident in the pastures, which are traditionally and sustainably managed by local herders, helping preserve this unique ecosystem.

Sanctuary for birds and mammals

The mountains of Belate serve as a strategic passage for many migratory birds. The white-backed woodpecker, an endangered species, finds refuge in these woods, while bats and other species also make use of the landscape during migration periods. Additionally, the region's strong hunting culture and game reserves reflect the historical relationship between the local community and its environment.

The peat bog: a vital ecosystem

The Belate peat bog, one of the best-preserved in Navarre, is a true natural gem. Its marshy appearance, covered in moss and plants, hides an ecosystem thousands of years old and several meters deep. Within it, plant remains are preserved that allow researchers to study the climate and landscape dating back to the last ice age. The peat bog not only regulates the water cycle by absorbing large amounts of rainfall, but also plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Among the peat bog vegetation, mosses are the main protagonists, along with carnivorous plants like Drosera (sundews). The fauna includes insects, and amphibians such as palmate newts, the common frog, and the common toad, which find in this humid environment an ideal habitat to thrive.

History and culture at the heart of Belate

Beyond its natural richness, Belate has long been a historic passage for warriors, travelers, and pilgrims. As a mountain pass connecting the Baztan Valley and the Pamplona Basin, it has been crossed by armies and thousands of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Today, visitors can still find traces of this history, such as remnants of Roman roads, menhirs, and the monumental ensemble of the Santa María de Belate hermitage and the pilgrims’ hostel of the Urdax-Baztan Camino de Santiago.

This protected area is also home to the Basajaun Etxea Nature Reserve, a cave on Mount Aierdi (Lantz) with blue-green aragonite formations, housing a unique troglobitic fauna. Although access to the cave is restricted to scientific study, its mystique adds yet another layer to Belate’s rich history.

A visit to this area can be completed with a stop at the nearby Leurtza Reservoirs Natural Recreation Area, another natural site that captivates with its beauty.

Those seeking a full experience in the area can also visit the Hotel Restaurante Venta de Ultzama, the perfect place to rest and enjoy the local cuisine. The restaurant serves traditional dishes made with regional ingredients — ideal for anyone looking for a great place to eat in a stunning natural setting. The hotel also offers a great place to sleep, providing comfort and peace. Whether you're looking for a guesthouse or accommodation during your visit to Belate, Venta de Ultzama is a choice that combines tradition, hospitality, and a strategic location to enjoy the natural surroundings.