09 August 2012 | Mountain Magic in MallorcaExplore the wild terrain around Deià with La Residencia's mountain guide. |
One of the great ways to experience the breathtaking scenery surrounding La Residencia is to go on a guided walk. Our experienced mountain guide, Eduardo Casajuana Godoy, will lead you through the most stunning terrain, teaching you about the environment along the way, and bring you back re-energised and brim-full of new knowledge. | |
Eduardo, who comes from the local village of Sóller, has been a mountain guide since 1999, leading expeditions to the Pyrenees and the Alps and further afield to the Andes, Atlas Mountains, Slovakian Tatras and the Himalayas. | |
 Mountain guide, Eduardo Casajuana Godoy But it is Mallorca's Tramuntana mountains, which form the majestic backdrop to La Residencia, that hold a special place in Eduardo's heart, for this is not only his birthplace but the inspiration for his vocation. "Mallorca, and particularly the Sierra de Tramuntana, is a land of contrasts", he says. "Positioned in the heart of the Western Mediterranean, we enjoy many benefits, from the legacy bestowed by different cultures who have passed through the island, to the wealth of flora and fauna, and the weather, which enables us to enjoy mountain sport all year round." | |
Eduardo's charisma and charm make him very popular with guests. His walks last from two to seven hours and are tailored to all levels of fitness. "What is great is that the groups are small - usually between one and four people - which allows me to focus on areas of particular interest to my guests. I think of my work as interpretive guiding." | |
The best times to walk are in the spring and autumn. In autumn the days are cooler; in spring there are spectacular torrentes, underground springs that surge above the ground after the winter rains and are big enough to be used for canyoning or rafting. | |
The most popular walking trails are Camino de los Pintores, Camino del Archiduke and Camino de Castello. "All have a common denominator", says Eduardo: "the beauty of the fusion of the sea and the mountains. For me," he sums up, "the best part of being a mountain guide is seeing the looks on my walkers' faces when they experience a marvel of nature - such as the Tramuntana mountain range." |