Wildlife & Photography In The Picos De Europa

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Megan Taylor

  WILDLIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE PICOS DE EUROPA

  

  Written October 2012

  The Picos area has a wonderful range of habitats and Ilja knows the area intimately, so, if conditions are right, he will show you everything from wild flowers, fungi, butterflies, fire salamanders and marbled newts up to chamois, otters, griffon vultures, golden eagles and black winged kites. All set in an area of outstanding landscapes. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Ilja's passion for the animals of the Picos and his determination to protect them.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Ilja is a passionate naturalist and conservationist, who knows the area and its wildlife in detail. He shares his knowledge and enthusiasm freely and is determined to make the most of any trip whatever the weather. Despite pouring rain we found one of only 2 black winged kites in north Spain.

  Ilja is a great photographer and will give tips but only when needed or if asked.

  He is good company and an excellent leader.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't forget to take good waterproof clothes and walking boots as well as a waterproof cover for your camera!The Picos is on Spain's Green Coast - which means it rains frequently!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Hotel Torrecerredo is a good base for the Picos with friendly staff, good food and nice rooms.

   
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  Iris Sauter

  WILDLIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE PICOS DE EUROPA

  

  Written July 2012

  We had a very passionate guide, he knows the area in detail, the countryside/nicest places, the animals, plants and he personally cares about all these things.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Watching a young vulture in his nest, waiting for his parents to come back (through telescope), also a black shouldered kite  ...

  Beautiful limestone mountains in the high Picos. 

   

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He has got extraordinary knowledge about the area (sea above), flora and fauna and culture/people etc.

  He is very patient and ambitiuos to find rare animals. It was always possible to stop and wait to take pictures. 

   

   

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  They should know that watching/taking pix is most important .. so very often 'snail pace' is the only way. I have expected more/faster hiking, but realized that it wouldn't work in another/faster way. And I really enjoyed it. It was a nice change for someone like me who hasn't done birdwatching or something similar before.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Picnic bags should be a bit more 'interesting'.

   
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  Eric Bradley

  WILDLIFE & PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE PICOS DE EUROPA

  

  Written April 2012

  This was a week in the Picos exploring the various different wildlife habitats.  It's less of a photography holiday per se than just being in a place of great natural scenic beauty and having plenty of time to explore it in the company of an expert guide and photographer. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It was all great but I suppose sitting beside a river bank for 45 minutes watching an otter fishing in the sunshine was a highlight.  Of course, wildlife being wildlife, you have to be lucky to see something like that but this trip does maximise your opportunities.  I should point out that, whilst you may find evidence of wolves, you aren't going to see them (or bears) on this trip.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Ilja is a fantastic guide - he loves this area and its wildlife with an infectious passion and is determined to try and make you feel the same way.  You'd never see half of this stuff on your own.  I mean, would you take your shoes and socks off and wade into a freezing murky pool halfway up a remote mountain just to find some newts to show us?  (They were amazing, by the way).  He also has a great sense of humour and enjoys a beer in the hotel bar afterwards.  I find it hard to think how he could have been any better.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Bring binoculars - you are going to be doing a lot of wildlife spotting.  Be prepared for some long (but not arduous) days - you won't be going home while there are still things to see.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It helps if you like birds - these constitute the majority of the wildlife you will see, as they are always around.  If you don't, you will after this trip.