Wildlife Encounters: Wildlife & Photography in the Picos de Europa

Abundant wildlife and great photography in the Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa is a region of outstanding beauty and has a great variety of habitat types. This dramatic landscape is home to innumerable species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic. On this tour we explore all these different habitats, observing the most important and representative species.

Wolves, bears and boars all still survive here; chamois are often spotted on the hillsides and, due to a total hunting ban, are not shy and allow us to approach well within camera range. Golden eagles and griffon vultures are all often seen roaming the thermals, along with many other species of outstanding birdlife. Around the rocky outcrops, kestrels, snow finches and wall creepers are all equally of interest to ornithology enthusiasts.

Each day we head off from our small family-run hotel, ideally located in the heart of Europe's largest National Park, and return each evening to it's tranquility where the scenery and nature can be observed from the terrace.

Our tour leader for the week, Ilja Schroeder, is an experienced wildlife photographer and an expert in the Picos de Europa National Park, he knows the area and its wildlife like the back of his hand and will guide you in photography, wildlife observation and happily share his wealth of knowledge with you.

What makes this trip responsible?

The hotel we stay in is very conscious of its environmental impact and does a number of things to minimise this. Where possible solar power is used to heat water, and low energy lighting is used where practical. The owners grow some of their own vegetables and you will be able to sample these at dinner. There is a recycling policy throughout the hotel. The hotel also strives to buy the majority of its produce from local suppliers and employ staff from the local area.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Spain

WILDLIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE PICOS DE EUROPA

Day 1

Fly to Bilbao; transfer to Arenas de Cabrales.

Day 2

Spot alpine flowers and eagles through the Andarra Massif.

Day 3

Walk along the Casano River, the perfect habitat for the rare Pyrenean Desman.

Day 4

Free day to visit the Green Coast or relax at the hotel.

Day 5

Starting at the higher station of the Fuente De cable car at 2000m we walk to Aliva Valley, home to colourful flowers and outstanding birdlife.

Day 6

Short drive to La Hermida Gorge, where Dippers and Kingfisher can be seen; continue higher up the canyon through some pastures for a variety of orchids.

Day 7

Explore an alluvial forest by the Deva-Cares River, ideal habitat for Salamanders and Newts. In the afternoon, visit the San Vicente Estuary and the Oyambre Natural Park, a well-known area for waterfowl and the rare Black-shouldered kite.

Day 8

Transfer to Bilbao; fly to London.

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