Searching for Bearded Vultures in Picos de Europa

This guided tour will bring us to the Picos de Europa National Park where we will search for Bearded Vultures.

The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as the lammergeier, can only since recently be 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 astonishing scavenger bird could only be observed in the Pyrenees.

In 2005, the Bearded Vulture Foundation (Fundación para la conservación del Quebrantahuesos, or FCQ) developed 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. These allow researchers to reconstruct the routes, feeding areas and the habits of each individual in great detail. Since 2010, young birds are released every year and adult vultures visit from the Pyrenees. Since a few years, pairs started to lay eggs in the Picos as well.

This tour starts in the Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development ‘Mountains of the Bearded Vulture’ in Benia de Onís. Here, a biologist of the FCQ provides a guided visit and shows us the most interesting aspects about the Bearded Vulture and the reintroduction project. After that, our specialized guide will lead us through the Picos de Europa National Park, trying to find the Bearded Vultures.

Other birds that we may encounter 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 many other alpine species.

This tour starts in the Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development ‘Mountains of the Bearded Vulture’ in Benia de Onís. Here, a biologist of the FCQ provides a guided visit and shows us the most interesting aspects about the Bearded Vulture and the reintroduction project. After that, our specialized guide will lead us through the Picos de Europa National Park, trying to find the Bearded Vultures.

This tour is available all year round. Depending on the dates, we will go to Sierra del Cuera or the Covadonga lakes.

The costs for this trip are €140,- per group, which may vary from 2-10 persons.

The trip costs includes:

  • Private, experienced and licensed guide
  • Guided visit to the Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development 'Mountains of the Bearded Vulture' in Benia de Onís
  • Use of binoculars and telescope
  • Insurances

The trip costs excludes:

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
  • 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 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!

“Hartelijk dank voor de tip om met Arantza te gaan vogelen. We hebben twee fantastische dagen gehad én hebben haar het woord ‘Prachtig’ geleerd”.

Marjolein, The Netherlands, April 2023

De birding tour met Javier is aan te bevelen! Hij weet niet alleen veel van vogels en weet daar enthousiast over te vertellen, maar weet je ook mee te nemen in de achtergronden en historie van de streek. Ondanks de kou, we begonnen de tour om 9.00 uur met 8 graden Celsius, hebben we veel gezien. O.a. de vale gier, roodborsttapuit, kneu, zelfs een slangenarend, maar het hoogtepunt waar mensen tot ver in het buitenland voor naar de Picos komen om hem te spotten: de rode rotslijster! Bovendien is Javier een gezellige gids om een dag mee op pad te zijn”.

Wim and Susan, The Netherlands, July 2021

     “We had a great day with Javier and enjoyed the tour immensely. Javier was a charming guide and so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his subject. The sites that we visited were easily accessible. The planning of our tour went very smoothly and we felt that we were made welcome in our desire to see these beautiful birds. The day was definitely the highlight of our holiday”!

Michele and David, UK, May 2019

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Searching for Bearded Vultures in Picos de Europa

Trip Facts

  • Own transportation
  • 2-10 persons
  • 8 hours
  • English (fluent), Spanish (fluent)
  • 9 am- 5 pm
  • All year round
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