Endangered species in the Green Spain ecotourism reserve

Travel through the Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve, visiting protected natural areas in Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia to observe wildlife.

Description

The central part of the tour is dedicated to some of the region's most endangered species, which can be observed in their natural habitat. Their conservation status has improved in recent decades thanks to highly successful conservation projects. We will have the opportunity to meet the people who carry out these conservation projects, gaining firsthand information and knowledge about these species and their current situation.

The route is designed to enter through Bilbao Airport and depart from Galicia (at the other end of the itinerary), thus avoiding a long return trip to Bilbao at the end of the trip. All wildlife viewing sites along the route can be reached by car or boat, so only short, easy walks are required.

The experience in detail

Program

Day 1
Arrival at Bilbao Airport and transfer to Murgia (30 minutes). Check-in at the hotel and enjoy an easy birdwatching walk in the Gorbeia Natural Park forest. Accommodation: hotel in Murgia.
Day 2
Morning birdwatching in the Gorbeia Natural Park/Nervión Canyon (30 minutes). After lunch, transfer to the Santoña, Victoria, and Joyel marshes on the Cantabrian coast. Birdwatching from the coast along the Asón estuary. Accommodation: hotel in Pedreña/Somo.
Day 3
Birdwatching by boat in the Bay of Santander and the Miera Estuary. Lunch at the port of Pedreña before departing for Cangas de Onís. Hotel check-in and guided tour of the Quebrantahuesos Mountains Visitor Center in Benia de Onís. Accommodation: Cangas de Onís.
Day (Friday)
Birdwatching in the Picos de Europa to observe bearded vultures and other birds of prey in the countryside, as well as mountain and migratory birds. Accommodation: Cangas de Onís.
Day 5
Birdwatching in the forests of Ponga Natural Park. Visit to the hidden villages of Viboli and Casielles. Accommodation: Cangas de Onís.
Day 6
Travel to Somiedo Natural Park in the morning (2 hours). We can stop at Cape Peñas or the Villaviciosa estuary to observe migratory birds by the sea. Arrive in Pola de Somiedo for lunch. Brown bear watching in the afternoon. Accommodation: Pola de Somiedo.
Day 7
Brown bear watching from different vantage points in Somiedo Natural Park, including a short birdwatching route and a visit to some typical summer shepherd villages at midday. Accommodation: Pola de Somiedo.
Day 8
Early morning brown bear watching. Afterward, transfer to the west coast of Galicia (4-hour drive). We'll make several stops along the way to enjoy various viewpoints. Seabird and coastal birdwatching in the O Grove marshes (Arousa estuary). Accommodation: Cambados.
Day 9
Boat trip along the Arousa Estuary and the Salvora Archipelago to observe birds and pelagic mammals. Accommodation: Cambados.
Day 10
Departure from Vigo/Santiago de Compostela to Madrid for international connections.

Included services

  • Accommodations
    Rural Accommodation. Small hotels in towns near the activity areas.
  • Activities
  • Travel Guide
  • Lunch time
  • Inland transport

Ecotourism Commitment

Throughout the trip, you will visit and contribute to the main conservation projects being carried out around some of the most endangered and symbolic species of Green Spain.

Sustainable tourism

This trip is organized with the participation of foundations and companies collaborating in scientific ecotourism products created to publicize the main conservation projects carried out in Green Spain and to raise awareness about the conservation issues that threaten some of the most sensitive species in this area. Trogon Tours participates in the training of indigenous people to work as guides in natural areas in various countries in South America and Africa.

ECOTOURIST RESERVE

Natural spaces

These are the natural spaces where this experience takes place: Endangered species in the Green Spain ecotourism reserve.

Organizing company/ies