Tzoumerka From Ioannina: How to Plan a Day Trip

Table of Contents

• Is Tzoumerka Worth a Day Trip From Ioannina?
• How Far Is Tzoumerka From Ioannina?
• Do You Need a Car for Tzoumerka?
• The Best Tzoumerka Day Trip Route From Ioannina
• 08:00 – Leave Ioannina Early
• 09:30 – Explore Syrrako
• Should You Visit Both Syrrako and Kalarrytes?
• 11:15 – Stop at Kipina Monastery
• 12:00 – Walk at Kouiasa
• 13:00 – Visit Kalarrytes
• 14:00 – Drive Towards Pramanta
• 15:00 – Visit Anemotrypa Cave
• 15:45 – Continue to Pramanta
• 16:30–17:00 – Late Lunch or Coffee in Pramanta
• 17:30 – Begin the Return to Ioannina
• A Realistic Tzoumerka Day Trip Schedule
• A Better Route if Anemotrypa Cave Is Important to You
• Should You Add Plaka Bridge?
• What About the Syrrako–Kalarrytes Hike?
• Tzoumerka With Children
• Is Tzoumerka Suitable for Travellers With Limited Mobility?
• The Best Time for a Tzoumerka Day Trip
• What to Take With You
• Common Mistakes on a Tzoumerka Day Trip
• Tzoumerka or Zagori From Ioannina?
• Tzoumerka or Metsovo From Ioannina?
• Should You Stay Overnight in Tzoumerka Instead?
• When Should You Skip the Day Trip?
• A Realistic Tzoumerka Day Trip Schedule
• How Tzoumerka Fits Into a Longer Ioannina Trip
• Is a Tzoumerka Day Trip From Ioannina Worth It?

A Tzoumerka day trip from Ioannina takes you into one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Epirus, but it needs more planning than a day in Zagori or Metsovo. Distances on the map are misleading, roads are winding, and the region is far too large to cover properly in a single day.

The mistake is trying to “see Tzoumerka”. You cannot. Tzoumerka stretches across a substantial part of the Pindus mountains, with villages, rivers, monasteries, bridges, hiking trails and waterfalls scattered across difficult terrain.

From Ioannina, the most realistic approach is to concentrate on North Tzoumerka, particularly the area around Kipina, Kalarrytes, Syrrako and Pramanta. These are among the region’s most distinctive places and can be combined into a long but manageable road trip if you start early.

This guide explains how to plan the route, which stops deserve priority, what you should leave for another trip and whether Tzoumerka is genuinely worth visiting from Ioannina for just one day.

Is Tzoumerka Worth a Day Trip From Ioannina?

Yes, particularly if you already have two or three days for Ioannina itself and want to experience a completely different side of Epirus.

Tzoumerka is less straightforward than Metsovo from Ioannina and considerably more spread out than a conventional attraction-based excursion. The journey is part of the experience: deep valleys, steep mountainsides, stone villages and narrow roads dominate much of the day.

It suits travellers who enjoy scenic driving and places where reaching the destination requires some effort. It is less suitable if you dislike mountain roads, want a relaxed half-day excursion or prefer destinations with several attractions concentrated within walking distance.

The region also rewards slower travel. A day trip can introduce you to North Tzoumerka, but it should not be confused with properly exploring Tzoumerka.

If you have time for only one mountain excursion from Ioannina, compare it carefully with a day trip to Zagori. Zagori is generally easier for a first-time visitor, while Tzoumerka feels wilder and requires more driving.

How Far Is Tzoumerka From Ioannina?

There is no single answer because Tzoumerka is a region rather than one destination.

Syrrako lies approximately 52 km southeast of Ioannina, according to the village’s official tourism information. Anemotrypa Cave near Pramanta is around 60 km from Ioannina.

Those distances sound modest, but they do not translate into fast journeys.

Once you leave the easier roads around Ioannina, much of the drive follows mountain roads with bends, elevation changes and sections where maintaining normal highway speeds is impossible. You should think in terms of travel time rather than kilometres.

For most Tzoumerka day trips from Ioannina, allow approximately 1.5 hours or more before reaching your first major stop, depending on your route, road conditions and traffic.

You will then continue driving between villages during the day.

This is why a 60 km destination can feel considerably farther away than the same distance on a motorway.

Do You Need a Car for Tzoumerka?

For the itinerary in this guide, yes.

The main sights are scattered between mountain villages, and public transport is not practical for joining them together as a sightseeing route within one day.

A rental car gives you the flexibility to leave Ioannina early, stop at viewpoints and adjust the itinerary according to weather and daylight.

You do not necessarily need a 4×4 for the standard village route in normal conditions, but you should be comfortable driving on winding mountain roads.

Take particular care after rain, in poor visibility and during winter. Snow, ice, landslides or road works can affect mountain access, so conditions should be checked locally before setting out during unsettled weather.

If you are travelling around Epirus without a vehicle, see our guide to Ioannina without a car before deciding whether this excursion is realistic.

The Best Tzoumerka Day Trip Route From Ioannina

For a first visit, I would build the day around four areas:

Ioannina → Syrrako → Kipina Monastery → Kalarrytes/Kouiasa → Pramanta → Ioannina

That is already a substantial day.

The exact order can be adjusted depending on opening hours, weather and whether you want to enter Anemotrypa Cave.

Do not treat every stop as compulsory. If you leave Ioannina later than planned or spend longer in Syrrako, remove something rather than rushing through the remainder of the route.

A successful Tzoumerka day trip should include time to actually walk around a village, stop for lunch and appreciate the scenery.

Spending eight hours repeatedly parking, taking a photograph and getting back into the car defeats the purpose of coming here.

08:00 – Leave Ioannina Early

An early departure makes a significant difference.

Aim to leave Ioannina by approximately 08:00, or slightly earlier if you are comfortable with a long day.

Have breakfast before leaving or pick something up in the city. Do not rely on finding a café open exactly when you need one in a small mountain settlement, particularly outside summer weekends.

Make sure you have fuel before heading deeper into the mountains and carry water in the car.

Navigation is straightforward with a mapping app, but download the area for offline use if possible. Mobile coverage can become less dependable in mountainous sections.

The first part of the drive quickly leaves urban Ioannina behind and provides an early indication of what makes this excursion different from visiting places such as Ancient Dodoni or Perama Cave.

This is not a quick attraction outside the city. Tzoumerka is a full mountain road trip.

09:30 – Explore Syrrako

Syrrako is one of the strongest reasons to make the journey.

Built high above a steep ravine, the village is characterised by stone houses, slate roofs, narrow lanes and dramatic views towards the surrounding mountains. The settlement is around 52 km from Ioannina and sits at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level.

Cars remain outside the historic core, so exploring Syrrako means walking.

Allow around 60–90 minutes if you are making a day trip. Walk down into the village, spend time around its central areas and follow some of the lanes rather than simply stopping at the entrance viewpoint.

The steep gradients are worth considering if anyone in your group has reduced mobility.

Syrrako also connects with Kalarrytes via a historic mountain path. The official local tourism site describes the route as suitable for beginners but notes that the descent and climb need to be considered in both directions.

For this itinerary, however, I would drive rather than hike between the villages.

Should You Visit Both Syrrako and Kalarrytes?

If you have a full day and enjoy traditional mountain villages, yes.

At first glance they may appear similar: both are historic stone settlements set high in the mountains. But they occupy different positions in the landscape and exploring both helps you understand the geography of North Tzoumerka.

The important point is not to spend two hours in each.

Choose one as your main village stop — I would normally give slightly more time to Syrrako — and treat the other as a shorter exploration combined with a nearby attraction.

If you want to hike between them, that changes the entire itinerary. The historic Syrrako–Kalarrytes trail is recognised by Visit Greece as one of the notable outdoor experiences in Tzoumerka.

In that case, skip Pramanta and possibly Anemotrypa Cave. A mountain hike should be the focus of the day, not another item squeezed between sightseeing stops.

11:15 – Stop at Kipina Monastery

Kipina Monastery is one of the most memorable sights in Tzoumerka.

The monastery appears almost built into the vertical rock face above the road near Kalarrytes. According to regional tourism information, its origins are associated with the early 13th century, while the complex later developed further and played an important role in local religious life.

From the road, access continues on foot along a path carved against the rock before crossing a small wooden bridge to reach the monastery.

Even if you are not particularly interested in religious monuments, the setting alone makes Kipina worth including.

Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, although access arrangements can change. In some periods, obtaining the monastery key locally has traditionally been necessary, so do not build the entire day’s timing around being guaranteed entry to the interior. The local Syrrako tourism site advises visitors to ask locally about the key.

The exterior and position of the monastery remain impressive even if you cannot enter.

12:00 – Walk at Kouiasa

If you want to include a short nature stop without committing to a major hike, Kouiasa is one of the best choices.

The area near Kalarrytes contains running water, stone paths, woodland, bridges and an old watermill, providing a change from the village-focused sections of the itinerary.

Visit Greece describes the Kouiasa–Pouliana circular route as approximately 2 km, with the complete ascent and descent taking around 1 hour 45 minutes.

You do not need to walk the entire route on a day trip.

A shorter walk towards the watermill and surrounding scenery can give you a good impression of the landscape without consuming two hours.

Wear shoes with decent grip. Paths around water can be slippery, particularly after rain.

If you are visiting during poor weather, skip the walk rather than forcing the timetable. Tzoumerka gives you enough scenery from the road and villages without needing to complete every outdoor stop.

13:00 – Visit Kalarrytes

Kalarrytes is another historic stone-built settlement and one of the most atmospheric villages in North Tzoumerka.

Allow approximately 45–60 minutes to explore.

As with Syrrako, the appeal is not a single major monument. It comes from the overall setting: stone houses, traditional lanes, mountain views and the sense of a settlement adapted to difficult terrain.

Kalarrytes has a particularly strong historical association with silversmithing, part of a craft tradition that also connects this wider region with Ioannina.

If you have already visited the Silversmithing Museum in Ioannina, the cultural relationship becomes easier to appreciate.

Do not rush directly back to the car after reaching the centre. These villages make sense when you walk through them slowly enough to notice their architecture and orientation.

By this point, however, you should also check the time. If it is already well into the afternoon, consider shortening the remaining itinerary.

14:00 – Drive Towards Pramanta

After Kalarrytes, begin making your way towards Pramanta and Anemotrypa Cave.

This is the point in the day when keeping an eye on the clock matters. If visiting the cave is one of your priorities, do not plan a long lunch before reaching it.

The official North Tzoumerka tourism site currently lists Anemotrypa Cave as open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, so the safer approach is to visit the cave first and leave Pramanta, lunch or coffee for afterwards.

Mountain driving times can vary, and you should not rely on arriving just before closing. Aim to reach the cave comfortably before 15:30 if possible.

If the earlier stops have taken longer than expected, skip Kouiasa or shorten your time in one of the villages rather than rushing the drive.

15:00 – Visit Anemotrypa Cave

Anemotrypa Cave lies approximately 3 km from Pramanta and makes a good final scheduled attraction of the day.

Around 270 metres of the cave are accessible to visitors, with underground water, stalactites, stalagmites and several chambers along the guided route.

The official North Tzoumerka tourism site currently lists opening hours of 10:00–16:00 every day. Guided visits last approximately 20–25 minutes, and current admission is listed as €3 for adults and €2 for children.

Because opening arrangements can change, check the current official information before travelling, particularly outside the main visitor season.

Try to arrive well before 16:00 rather than treating that time as the last possible entrance.

If you miss the cave, do not attempt to compensate by rushing. Continue to Pramanta and enjoy a slower end to the afternoon instead.

15:45 – Continue to Pramanta

After the cave, continue the short distance into Pramanta.

Pramanta feels different from Syrrako and Kalarrytes. It is a larger, lived-in mountain settlement and functions as an important service centre for North Tzoumerka rather than primarily as a preserved historic village.

Allow approximately 30–60 minutes, depending on whether you stop for food.

This is a better point in the itinerary for a late lunch, coffee or something light to eat because you no longer have a time-sensitive attraction ahead of you.

Take a short walk around the village centre, rest after the day’s driving and enjoy the views towards the surrounding mountains.

If you are already tired, there is no need to extend the stop simply to fill the itinerary. The return journey to Ioannina still involves mountain roads.

16:30–17:00 – Late Lunch or Coffee in Pramanta

Pramanta is one of the most practical places in North Tzoumerka for a meal because it has more services than the smaller villages visited earlier in the day.

Traditional Epirote cooking is the natural choice. Depending on what is available, expect local pies, meat dishes, dairy products and seasonal cooking.

Restaurant opening days and hours can vary, particularly outside busy periods, so avoid structuring the entire day around one specific establishment unless you have checked that it will be open.

A late meal here works particularly well because the day’s only attraction with a firm closing time — Anemotrypa Cave — is already behind you.

If you ate earlier in Syrrako or Kalarrytes, simply use Pramanta for coffee before starting the journey back to Ioannina.

17:30 – Begin the Return to Ioannina

From Pramanta, begin the return journey to Ioannina.

Do not underestimate this final part of the day. After several hours of driving, village walks and mountain roads, fatigue can become more important than the number of kilometres remaining.

Allow plenty of time and avoid trying to add another major attraction on the way back simply because there is daylight left.

Depending on your pace, road conditions and stops, you should expect to reach Ioannina during the early evening.

If you are travelling in autumn or winter, shorter daylight hours make an earlier departure from Tzoumerka even more sensible.

A Realistic Tzoumerka Day Trip Schedule

A practical version of the full itinerary could look like this:

• 07:30–08:00: Leave Ioannina
• 09:30: Arrive in Syrrako
• 09:30–10:45: Explore Syrrako
• 11:15: Continue towards Kipina
• 11:30–12:00: Visit Kipina Monastery
• 12:15–13:00: Short Kouiasa walk
• 13:15–14:00: Explore Kalarrytes
• 14:00: Drive towards Anemotrypa Cave
• Around 15:00: Arrive at Anemotrypa Cave
• 15:00–15:30: Guided cave visit
• 15:45: Continue to Pramanta
• 16:00–17:00: Explore Pramanta and stop for a late lunch or coffee
• Around 17:30: Begin the return journey
• Early evening: Arrive back in Ioannina

Treat these times as a framework rather than a strict timetable.

The important fixed point is Anemotrypa Cave before 16:00. Everything before it should remain flexible enough that you can shorten a stop if necessary.

If the itinerary begins running late, remove one stop rather than trying to recover time on mountain roads.

A Better Route if Anemotrypa Cave Is Important to You

If the cave is one of your priorities, adjust the itinerary:

Ioannina → Syrrako → Kipina → Kalarrytes → Anemotrypa Cave → Pramanta → Ioannina

Keep the first village stops reasonably short and aim to reach Anemotrypa well before its final admission time.

You can then have a late lunch in Pramanta and return to Ioannina without another deadline.

This version is particularly useful for families because the cave gives children a more varied day than visiting three historic villages consecutively.

If you are travelling with younger children, however, I would probably remove either Syrrako or Kalarrytes.

Several hours of mountain driving combined with multiple steep village walks can make what looks like an exciting itinerary surprisingly tiring.

Should You Add Plaka Bridge?

Not to this itinerary.

The historic Plaka Bridge over the Arachthos River is one of Tzoumerka’s major landmarks and absolutely deserves consideration on a longer visit. Visit Greece also highlights the bridge area as an important location for walking and outdoor activities.

But Plaka lies in a different direction from the Syrrako–Kalarrytes section of North Tzoumerka.

Trying to include Syrrako, Kalarrytes, Kipina, Pramanta, Anemotrypa and Plaka Bridge turns the day into a driving exercise.

If Plaka is a priority, build a separate southern route around:

Ioannina → Plaka Bridge → Pramanta → Anemotrypa Cave → surrounding villages → Ioannina

This provides a more balanced alternative for travellers who are less interested in visiting several traditional settlements.

Tzoumerka is one of those regions where removing stops usually improves the trip.

What About the Syrrako–Kalarrytes Hike?

The walk between Syrrako and Kalarrytes is one of the most interesting ways to experience the area, but it should be treated as a hiking day rather than squeezed into the sightseeing itinerary above.

The route descends into the Chrousias gorge before climbing towards the opposite village.

Local tourism information estimates approximately 1–1.5 hours in one direction for the route and reminds walkers to account for the return as well.

Even if the distance is not extreme, the elevation changes matter.

If you want to hike, leave Ioannina early, choose Syrrako or Kalarrytes as your main base and devote several hours to walking.

Add Kipina or a meal afterwards if time allows.

Do not combine the hike with Anemotrypa Cave, Plaka Bridge and an extensive driving circuit.

The objective should be experiencing the landscape rather than maximising the number of pins visited.

Tzoumerka With Children

A Tzoumerka day trip can work well for families, but the itinerary needs to be shorter.

Children who enjoy mountains, caves and rivers may find the region far more interesting than a day dominated by conventional museums.

A good family route would be:

Ioannina → Kipina Monastery → Anemotrypa Cave → Pramanta → one short nature stop → Ioannina

Alternatively, include Syrrako but remove another stop.

Remember that the historic villages have steep lanes, uneven stone surfaces and considerable changes in elevation. They are not particularly stroller-friendly.

There are also long periods in the car between attractions.

For families with younger children, combining two or three strong experiences is likely to produce a better day than attempting the complete route.

For easier activities closer to the city, our guide to Ioannina with kids includes options that require much less driving.

Is Tzoumerka Suitable for Travellers With Limited Mobility?

Tzoumerka can be challenging.

Many of the region’s most appealing villages developed on steep slopes long before accessibility was a consideration. Expect steps, cobbled lanes and uneven surfaces.

Syrrako and Kalarrytes in particular require walking from parking areas into their historic centres.

Kipina Monastery also involves pedestrian access along the rock face rather than step-free entry directly from a vehicle.

Pramanta is generally easier for a short stop, but the wider region should not be considered an accessible sightseeing destination in the same way as a modern town.

Travellers with reduced mobility can still enjoy the mountain scenery and scenic drive, but individual stops should be researched carefully in advance.

The Best Time for a Tzoumerka Day Trip

Late spring, summer and early autumn are usually the easiest periods for a first Tzoumerka road trip.

Longer daylight hours are particularly valuable because driving takes up so much of the day.

Summer provides easier road conditions in normal weather, although afternoons can still become warm at lower elevations. Mountain villages are generally cooler than Ioannina.

Spring brings abundant water and greener landscapes but can also mean rain and slippery paths.

Autumn is particularly attractive for driving and walking, although daylight gradually becomes shorter.

Winter completely changes the experience. Snow can make the mountains spectacular, but road conditions become more demanding and some businesses or attractions may operate on reduced schedules.

If you are planning your wider trip, our guide to the best time to visit Ioannina explains seasonal conditions across the region.

What to Take With You

You do not need specialist outdoor equipment for the sightseeing route, but come prepared for mountain conditions.

Take comfortable walking shoes with decent grip, water, a light extra layer even if Ioannina feels warm in the morning and a waterproof jacket when rain is possible.

A power bank is useful because you are likely to rely heavily on navigation and photographs throughout the day.

Download your route before leaving and keep some cash available. Card payments are widespread in Greece, but small mountain businesses are not where you want to discover that a payment terminal or mobile connection is temporarily unavailable.

Most importantly, avoid filling the car with unnecessary luggage. You will probably enter and leave it repeatedly during the day.

Common Mistakes on a Tzoumerka Day Trip

The biggest mistake is trying to cover the entire region.

Tzoumerka appears relatively compact when viewed on a map, but travelling between attractions involves far more time than travellers often expect.

Another mistake is planning the day around exact Google Maps driving estimates. Those times cannot predict whether you will encounter slow vehicles, poor visibility, road works or simply want to stop for photographs.

Do not schedule every 30 minutes.

You should also avoid leaving Ioannina at 10:00 and expecting the same itinerary. A late departure means either returning after dark or rushing the most enjoyable parts of the day.

Finally, do not underestimate the difference between driving 200 km on a motorway and driving a similar distance through mountains.

If the driver is tired, remove the final attraction.

Tzoumerka or Zagori From Ioannina?

This is a genuine decision rather than a case where one destination is universally better.

Choose Zagori if this is your first trip to Epirus and you want famous stone villages, Vikos Gorge viewpoints and an easier introduction to the region.

Choose Tzoumerka if you enjoy mountain driving, want a wilder landscape and are particularly interested in Syrrako, Kalarrytes, Kipina Monastery or the Arachthos region.

Zagori usually has a clearer sightseeing structure for first-time visitors.

Tzoumerka feels more exploratory.

If you have enough time, they complement rather than replace one another. Spend separate days in each instead of trying to combine them.

Our detailed guide to planning a Zagori day trip from Ioannina explains what you can realistically cover there in one day.

Tzoumerka or Metsovo From Ioannina?

Metsovo is the easier excursion.

You can reach one town, park and spend most of the day exploring on foot. Restaurants, museums, shops and cafés are all concentrated within a relatively small area.

Tzoumerka requires significantly more time in the car.

The reward is greater landscape variety and a much stronger sense of travelling through remote mountain country.

Choose Metsovo if you want a comfortable day combining food, architecture and a mountain-town atmosphere.

Choose Tzoumerka if the road trip itself appeals to you.

If you are travelling with older people, very young children or someone who dislikes winding roads, Metsovo will usually be the simpler choice.

Read our complete Metsovo from Ioannina day trip guide before deciding.

Should You Stay Overnight in Tzoumerka Instead?

If your itinerary allows it, yes.

One night transforms the experience.

You can explore Syrrako and Kalarrytes without watching the clock, walk part of one of the local trails, visit Pramanta and Kipina separately and include Plaka Bridge without constructing an exhausting driving loop.

Two nights are even better for travellers interested in hiking, rafting or more remote villages.

Visit Greece specifically highlights hiking, climbing, cycling, rafting, kayaking and canyoning among the outdoor activities available across Tzoumerka.

Those activities require time and, in some cases, experienced guides.

A day trip is best viewed as an introduction. If Tzoumerka turns out to be one of the parts of Epirus you enjoy most, returning for a dedicated mountain stay makes far more sense than forcing everything into twelve hours.

When Should You Skip the Day Trip?

Skip Tzoumerka if the weather is poor enough to make mountain driving uncomfortable.

Heavy rain, low cloud, snow or icy conditions can turn an enjoyable scenic route into a stressful day.

It is also worth reconsidering if you have only two days in Ioannina.

Ioannina itself deserves enough time for the castle, Its Kale, lakefront, island and museums. Leaving for Tzoumerka during a very short stay means using the city primarily as accommodation rather than actually seeing it.

For most first-time visitors, I would spend at least two days exploring Ioannina before adding long-distance excursions.

Our guide to how many days you need in Ioannina can help you decide how much time to allocate.

A Realistic Tzoumerka Day Trip Schedule

A well-paced day could look approximately like this:

• 07:30–08:00: Leave Ioannina
• 09:30: Arrive in Syrrako
• 09:30–10:45: Explore Syrrako
• 11:15: Continue towards Kipina
• 11:30–12:00: Kipina Monastery
• 12:15–13:00: Short Kouiasa walk
• 13:15–14:00: Explore Kalarrytes
• 14:00–15:00: Lunch
• 15:00 onwards: Continue towards Pramanta
• Afternoon: Pramanta and, if timing allows, Anemotrypa Cave
• Early evening: Return towards Ioannina
• Evening: Arrive back in Ioannina

Treat those times as a framework rather than reservations.

Mountain roads, meals and village walks are difficult to time precisely. If you fall an hour behind schedule, remove the least important remaining stop instead of attempting to recover the time by driving faster.

How Tzoumerka Fits Into a Longer Ioannina Trip

Tzoumerka makes most sense once you have already given Ioannina enough time.

A strong Epirus itinerary could include two days in Ioannina itself, one day in Zagori and one day in Tzoumerka.

If you have another day, add Metsovo or Ancient Dodona rather than cramming those excursions into the same routes.

Travellers with a full week should consider changing accommodation instead of returning to Ioannina every night. Spend part of the trip in Ioannina and then move into one of the mountain regions.

Ioannina remains an excellent starting point because it combines easily accessible urban sightseeing with several completely different landscapes within the wider region.

See our three-day Ioannina itinerary if you are still deciding how to divide your time before adding day trips.

Is a Tzoumerka Day Trip From Ioannina Worth It?

A Tzoumerka day trip from Ioannina is worth making if mountain landscapes and traditional villages are among the reasons you came to Epirus.

But it is not a day for travellers who want to collect attractions quickly.

The distances, roads and geography force you to slow down. Choose Syrrako, Kipina, Kalarrytes and one final stop around Pramanta rather than attempting to see every famous location in Tzoumerka.

Leave Ioannina early, expect several hours of mountain driving and be prepared to remove stops if the day begins to feel rushed.

If you return to Ioannina wishing you had stayed longer rather than feeling that you have “completed” Tzoumerka, you have probably approached the region correctly.