UN PARADISO NASCOSTO A 1875 METRI

First of all, I want to thank everyone who believes in my abilities and supports my channel with donations... Thank you so much! If you'd like to contribute, click on the link below: https://www.paypal.me/mazzolenifrancesco Hiking to Alpe Cima via the historic Mulattiera del Benefattore Last weekend, I hiked one of the most fascinating routes in Valchiavenna, starting from Donadivo, above the village of Gordona, and reaching the splendid Alpe Cima, located at approximately 1,880 meters above sea level. How to get to Gordona For those arriving from outside the province, Gordona is easily reached by taking the SS36 Lake Como and Spluga road towards Chiavenna. Just before Chiavenna, you'll find the Gordona turnoff. After crossing the village, head up towards Val Bodengo following the signs for Donadivo. In my case, the hike started directly from Donadivo, a town accessible via a consortium road (permit required). From here, one of the best-preserved and most spectacular stretches of mule track in the valley begins. The Benefactor's Mule Track The so-called "Benefactor's Mule Track" was built between 1928 and 1929 thanks to the contribution of benefactor Giovan Battista Mazzina, a key figure in the Gordona community. Built with incredible skill, it still allows you to ascend through woods, dry stone walls, and ancient mountain pastures, climbing over a thousand meters in altitude. From the very first steps, the trail offers magnificent views of the lower Valchiavenna and the majestic Pizzo di Prata. The mule track climbs through the forest at a constant but never dull gradient, alternating long traverses with hairpin bends built directly into the rock. In some places, you literally walk on ancient stones worn by the passage of men and animals that for decades connected Gordona to the upper mountain pastures. From Donadivo to Alpe Cermine After passing through Donadivo, located at approximately 737 meters, the trail continues through the woods, maintaining the typical stone pavement of the mule track. The route first reaches Alpe Orlo and then Alpe Cermine, a splendid panoramic mountain pasture where the historic mule track officially ends. Here, a plaque commemorates Giovan Battista Mazzina and the completion of the work in 1929. The final climb to Alpe Cima From Alpe Cermine, the route changes completely: the comfortable mule track gives way to a decidedly steeper path that winds through larch trees and alpine pastures. This is probably the most challenging section of the hike, with steep inclines that require good fitness and a steady pace. The effort, however, is rewarded by increasingly expansive views of the Bodengo Valley, the Bregaglia Valley, and the great peaks of the Masino group, including Pizzo Badile and Pizzo Cengalo. After reaching Dosso Mottone, at an altitude of over 1,900 meters, the Alpe Cima valley finally opens up: a small Alpine gem with perfectly preserved stone huts, a quaint little church, and an authentic atmosphere that makes this place one of the most evocative in Valchiavenna. Hike Specifications Departure: Donadivo Arrival: Alpe Cima Maximum altitude: approximately 1,880 m Elevation gain: over 1,100 m Difficulty: E (hiking) Average ascent time: approximately 3-3.5 hours from Donadivo Terrain: historic stone mule track, forest path, and steep final sections A challenging but incredibly rewarding hike, ideal for those who love historic trails, ancient mountain pastures, and the sweeping views of Valchiavenna.