Searching for Bearded Vultures in Picos de Europa

4 Hours

This privately guided tour will bring you to the Picos de Europa National Park where you will search for Bearded Vultures and other alpine species!

The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as the lammergeier, is only recently 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 was only 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. These 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. Since a few years, pairs 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 to search for Bearded vultures in Picos de Europa 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.

The trip costs includes:

  • Private, experienced and licensed guide.
  • Transportation to the meeting point if you are staying in Cangas de Onís and surroundings
  • Guided visit to Covadonga Lakes, La Vega de Enol and Mirador (viewpoint) de La Reina
  • Use of binoculars and telescope
  • Insurances

The trip costs excludes:

  • 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!

Overall Trip Rating:
5.0
- Based on 4 travel reviews
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  1. The highlight of our holiday
    By Michele and David
    from United Kingdom
    June 11, 2019
    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!
    Date of Experience: June 09, 2019
  2. Highly recommended tour!
    By Wim and Susan
    from The Netherlands
    July 25, 2021
    The birding tour with Javier is highly recommended! He not only knows a lot about birds and knows how to talk about them enthusiastically, but also knows how to take you into the background and history of the area. Despite the cold (we started the tour at 9 am with 8 degrees Celsius), we saw a lot. Among others, the griffon vulture, stonechat, linnet, and even a short-toed snake eagle, but the highlight that people come to the Picos far and wide to spot: the rock thrush! Moreover, Javier is a sociable guide to spend a day with!
    Date of Experience: July 21, 2021
  3. Two fantastic days
    By Marjolein
    from The Netherlands
    May 8, 2023
    Thank you so much for the tip to go birding with Arantza. We had two fantastic days and taught her the word 'Prachtig'.
    Date of Experience: April 29, 2023
  4. Definitely worth it
    By Ton
    from The Netherlands
    August 14, 2024
    It was a very nice excursion. Arantza did a very good job. During the excursion she told me many interesting things separately in English. It was definitely worth it.
    Date of Experience: August 10, 2024

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Searching for Bearded Vultures in Picos de Europa
Group Discount Available
From € 55
/ Adult
  • Transportation from Cangas de Onís
  • Maximum 10 people
  • 4 or 8 hours
  • English (fluent), Spanish (fluent)
  • 9:45 Am and 4 PM (4-hour tour)
  • April- November
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