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, is leading this tour.
Itinerary
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 displayed tour dates are an indication; the exact dates depend on the availability of the guides.
The costs for this trip are €140,- per group, which may vary from 2-10 persons.
