The botanical garden contains over 120 distinct species of plants from all five continents.
The highest point in the park is the Aizkolegi summit, reaching an altitude of 841 meters.
Pedro Ciga Mayo, the last private owner, is buried within the park grounds at his own request.
The estate remained in private hands from the 14th century until its state acquisition in the mid-20th century.
The palace ruins at Aizkolegi were originally constructed as a summer retreat for the Ciga family in the early 1900s.
The forest is a prime example of a 'climax' beech forest, rarely disturbed by human intervention.
Parque Natural Señorío de Bertiz is a 2,040-hectare woodland preserve located in the Baztan valley of Navarre, Spain. It contains a significant 3.4-hectare botanical garden established in 1847, featuring exotic species like ginkgo biloba, sequoias, and camellias. The estate was donated to the Provincial Council of Navarre by Pedro Ciga Mayo in 1949 with the stipulation that it be maintained as a natural park. The terrain is characterized by humid Atlantic forest dominated by beech and oak trees. Visitors can access a network of marked hiking trails that traverse the mountain slopes of Aizkolegi. The park serves as a protected habitat for endangered species, including the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and the Pyrenean Desman. A historic palace, the Palacio de Bertiz, stands near the entrance of the botanical garden area. The climate is Atlantic, resulting in lush, year-round vegetation. The site functions as a managed nature reserve rather than a public recreational park, requiring adherence to strict environmental protection protocols.
The central pond area of the botanical garden, framed by the exotic architectural bridges.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, as the Atlantic climate keeps paths muddy even during dry spells.
Carry a physical map or GPS, as cellular reception is inconsistent within the deeper valley sectors.
Visit the visitor center before entering to confirm trail conditions and current ecological alerts.
Attempting to drive private vehicles beyond the designated parking area near the entrance.
The visitor center may have reduced hours or closures on Mondays or during the winter off-season; always check official status for seasonal maintenance.
Strictly pack out all trash, stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora, and maintain silence to avoid disturbing wildlife.
