Spotting Alpine Birds in the heart of Picos de Europa

Some of the highest mountains in Northern Spain are located in Picos de Europa National park with peaks of more than 1500 m above sea level. The combination of meadows, low vegetation and barren rocks at such a high altitude makes it the perfect place to spot alpine birds, which is the goal of this tour.

The tour starts at the ‘Teleférico de Fuente Dé ‘, or Fuente Dé cable car. The cable car brings us in four minutes to a height of more than 1800 m above sea level, right into the habitat of the Picos’ alpine birds.

The most sought-after alpine species here in the Picos de Europa are Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria), Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis) and Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris). Our experienced birding guide knows their nesting and foraging places. Hence, there is a high chance to spot them during the relatively easy walk.

Other species that we may encounter are Yellow and Red-Billed chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus and Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata), ravens (Corvus corax) and Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta). The walk also leads through the habitat of the Cantabrian Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva).

A local licensed and experienced birding guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, leads this tour.

The tour starts at the Fuente Dé cable car. From here, we will walk a few kilometers at a slow pace and stop regularly to observe the alpine birds. The whole route is fully accessible for anyone with a basic physical condition.

This tour is available in May, June, September and possibly October (depending on the weather).

The trip cost includes:

  • Private, experienced and licensed guide
  • Use of binoculars and telescope
  • Insurances

The trip cost excludes:

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • Costs of the cable car (17 euros p.p. two-way)
  • Food and drinks

FAQS

How do I book this tour?

Send us a message via the enquiry form below or via info@intoasturias.com indicating the desired tour date, number of persons (adults and/or children) and whether you need transportation or not. We’ll check the availability of our guides and come back to you within 24 hours to confirm the tour date or propose another date, in case our guides are not available.

How do I pay for this tour?

You pay the full amount directly to the guide. Once the tour date is confirmed, we’ll get you in touch with the guide and (s)he will explain when and how to pay for this tour.

I am no longer able to participate in this tour. How do I cancel it?

The possibility to cancel a tour depends on the reasons and timing. For more information, please check ‘Cancellation Policy’ under the Terms and Conditions on this website.

I am not able to join this tour on the selected dates. Is there a possibility to select another date?

Yes! Contact us at info@intoasturias.com, tell us about your preferred dates and we will do our best to meet your preferences!

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Spotting Alpine Birds in the heart of Picos de Europa

Trip Facts

  • Own transportation
  • 2-10 persons
  • 1800 m
  • 1-5 km
  • 8 hours
  • English (fluent), Spanish (fluent)
  • 9 am- 5 pm
  • May, June, September and October
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