The Plazaola Green Route was the principal resource that prompted the founding of the tourism Consortium in 1994. This resource was conceived as being the axis point of the whole region, not only as a means of enjoying the natural environment, but also as a vehicle to attract tourism to the area.

The first 7 km of the route were opened in 2000 (Mugiro – Lekunberri – Uitzi). The work was carried out by the company, PECUNE, at a cost of 98 million pesetas

In 2001, the company, TRAGSA S.A. was awarded the contract at a cost of 193 million pesetas to restore a further 12 km between the northern end of the Uitzi tunnel and the Gipuzkoa border. Therefore, at present almost 20 km of the route have been restored by the Ministry for the Environment.

In addition to the stretches of the route itself that have been restored, 15 tunnels have also been reopened; 4 tunnels are now illuminated: 3 in Leitza, in the Gorriztaran neighbourhood; and 1 in Lekunberri, the Bartolo tunnel. The restoration of the bridges as a characteristic feature of the route is of special interest. Complementary features have also been installed, such as signposts, wooden fences, tables and benches in 4 rest areas, information boards, etc.

The project as a whole respects the original railway route as well as the traditional farming practices and customs of the area that it runs through - the fundamental reason for its preservation and maintenance.