THE LAMMERGEIER IN SPAIN’S LARGEST NATURAL PARK

SPAIN’S LARGEST NATURAL PARK, CAZORLA, SEGURA & LAS VILLAS offers some of the best wilderness landscapes in the whole Iberian Peninsular, and it is here we offer the opportunity to see the Lammergeier soaring freely amongst the high sierras of Andalusia. There are currently eleven of the species living in the wild here, fruit of the reintroduction project – an iniciative whose origins lie in the disappearance of the species in the nineteen eighties as historical resident in the park. The disappearance of this emblematic bird galvanized feelings towards the need for a heightened awareness regarding conservation, resulting in the breeding centre and other such programmes. From May to September  we’ll be able to get close up to the birds, as we have access to the centre, with the added bonus of permitted photography for those who should wish.

Reaching an impressive altitude of over 6,800 feet, the natural park is home to a landscape of rocky peaks, sheer cliffs and gorges, magnificent waterfalls, and one of the largest reservoirs in Andalusia, El Tranco. In such dramatic and varied wilderness you might expect an abundance of nature, and such is the case. 125 species of birds, 36 species of mammals, 19 families of reptile, 10 varieties of amphibians, and 9 species of fish. The park possesses a remarkable variety of plants with 2,170 species, of which 34 are endemisms unique to the park. 130 species of butterfly underline the extraordinary wealth of nature to be found and enjoyed in one of the most biodiversified regions in all of Europe and birthplace of the legendary River Guadalquivir.

Full-board accommodation at Spa Sierra de Cazorla Hotel, where spa facilities provide guests with the possibility of added indulgence, or alternatively stay full-board at the smaller family-run rural hotel, La Calerilla. Both hotels lie on the western edge of the sierra near the town of Cazorla and situate us perfectly for routes into the heart of the sierra.

DAY 1
You’ll be met at Malaga Airport from where we head inland to some en route birding at Fuente de Piedra – a vast salt-water lagoon famous for its large groups of Greater Flamingo. From here we’ll make our way to Cazorla and our hotel.

DAY 2
Up into the sierra to a superb vantage point known as El Chorro. We are met by spectacular views across the region combined with dramatic deep gorge terrain. We’ll then move on to El Nacimiento del Guadalquivir- birthplace of the legendary river and lifeblood of medieaval Spain.

DAY 3
Off and up to one of the highest vantage points in the sierra, Rambla Seca. Our journey takes us through extensive pine forests and impressive limestone rock faces. We move on to Puerto de las Palomas, a good place to observe numerous birds of prey amidst majestic scenery.

DAY 4
A route to Cerrada del Utrero Canyon, and Linarejos Waterfalls. Take a sip of the crystal-clear spring water which later goes on to unite with the Guadalquivir. Later we’ll wind our way down following the course of the river to La Herradura Lagoon and the most important wetland of the region.

DAY 5
An early start for our journey back to Malaga, with a short stop to observe waterfowl at Laguna Grande – a reservoir where we’ll take advantage of the hide facilities for birdwatching. Then on to the airport and a chance to reflect on the riches of this wonderful part of Spain.

NB: This being a specialist trip to seek out the Lammergeier, Sierra-trek reserves the right to adjust itineraries, as and when seen fit, to optimize this prime objective.

WE ALSO HOPE TO SEE …

Spanish ibex

Mouflon

Crossbill

Golden eagle

Booted eagle

Short-toed eagle

Black-shouldered kite

Crested tit

Purple swamphen

Bee-eater…and much more!

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BIRD LIST OF THE REGION

PRICES: LA CALERILLA RURAL HOTEL – £ 835 pp

SPA SIERRA DE CAZORLA HOTEL – £ 1,050 pp

PRICES INCLUDE: Food & accommodation – 1 hour of spa pp per day if booked with Spa Sierra de Cazorla Hotel

DATES:

2014

June to September

Pick-up & drop-off at Malaga Airport at 12:00 am on dates of arrival & departure.

HOW TO BOOK:

Confirmation of booking by website email on receipt of bank transfer for deposit of £100 to:

Banco mare Nostrum: IBAN/BIC (SWIFT): ES 60 0487 3208 0790 0002 0419/ GBMNESMMXXX

The balance to be paid no later than three weeks prior to the tour date.

…OR PAY BY: PayPal or Credit Card

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