The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as the lammergeier, has only recently been observed in Asturias. It became extinct in Picos de Europa National Park in the early 20th century due to poisoning and hunting. Since then, this stunning scavenger bird has only been seen in the Pyrenees.
In 2005, the Bearded Vulture Foundation (FCQ) initiated a project to reintroduce Bearded Vultures in Picos de Europa. As a result, the Bearded Vulture returned to these mountains. Part of the reintroduction efforts are the use of colored markings on their wings and radio tracking devices, which allow researchers to reconstruct the routes, feeding areas and the habits of each individual. Since 2010, young birds are released every year and adult vultures visit from the Pyrenees. Couples have recently started to lay eggs in the Picos as well!
How will you be searching for bearded vultures in Picos de Europa?
Your English-speaking guide transports you in a private vehicle from Cangas de Onis and surroundings high into the mountains of Picos de Europa. Here, you search for Bearded Vultures. Also, you explore breathtaking mountainous landscapes, including the Covadonga lakes.
Depending on the season, birds that are around are:
- Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
- Short-Toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus).
- Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus).
- Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
- Red-Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).
- Yellow-Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus).
- … and other alpine species!
Next to observing these species, the private guide tells you everything about the shepherds’ work shaping the unique landscape and the art of making and curing Gamoneu cheese.
Interested in Discovering Asturian Wildlife with us?
Send us a message via the form below or contact us via info@intoasturias.com indicating the preferred tour date(s), which tour you prefer, the group size, and any other important details.
Note that the maximum number of persons you can book from our website is 3. Please send us a message if you want to do this tour with a larger number of people, as it is possible!
You can also book your tour via the booking form on our website*.
And… if you want to see more birds or other wildlife in Asturias and Cantabria, have a look at all our Wildlife Tours!
*Although we do our best to update the availability on our website regularly, before booking we recommend you to send us a message. This can be done via the inquiry form below or via info@intoasturias.com. Indicate the desired tour date, number of persons (adults and/or children), and whether you need transportation or not. We’ll then check the real-time availability of our guides and come back to you within 48 hours to confirm the tour date or propose another date, in case our guides are not available.
This tour starts in Cangas de Onís and surroundings. You can either drive to the meeting point yourself or arrange for the guide to be picked up. This excursion takes either four or eight hours. Your guide tells you everything about the curiosities of life of Bearded vultures, Golden eagles and Griffon vultures while you discover their habitat. The best time to do the activity is from April onwards as migratory species have already arrived.
The price of this private tour varies throughout the year, and depending on whether it is a half-day or full-day tour. When you go to the desired trip date in the booking form, you can select the duration, then the corresponding price is displayed.
