Journey deep into the Pyrenees on a birding adventure through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes of Spain and southern France. Beginning in Barcelona, we make our way from the Mediterranean foothills into the wild heart of the mountains, exploring dramatic gorges, high alpine lakes, medieval villages, and quiet valleys far from the usual tourist routes. Along the way, the region’s remarkable raptors take center stage, with outstanding opportunities to watch Bearded, Griffon, Black, and Egyptian Vultures soaring above the cliffs and valleys.

Birds are only part of the story here. The diverse habitats of the Pyrenees support an impressive array of butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, and mountain birds, while centuries of human history are woven throughout the landscape. We visit ancient castles and dolmens, discover prehistoric rock art, stroll through charming mountain villages, and cross into France for a day among the high peaks. With spectacular scenery at every turn and plenty of time to explore at a birder’s pace, this is a wonderful introduction to the natural and cultural treasures of the Pyrenees.

Tour Highlights

  • Seek out all four European vulture species in the spectacular Catalan and Spanish Pyrenees, including close views of Bearded, Griffon, Black, and Egyptian Vultures.
  • Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Pyrenees, from the serrated cliffs of Montserrat and limestone Guara Canyons to the glacial walls of Ordesa and Monteperdido National Park.
  • Search for high-altitude specialties across the Spanish and French Pyrenees, including White-winged Snowfinch, Water and Tawny Pipits, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Choughs, and Northern Nutcracker.
  • Discover a remarkable diversity of butterflies and dragonflies, visiting special conservation projects and a unique butterfly museum while exploring wildflower-rich valleys and mountain habitats.
  • Step into the history and culture of the Pyrenees, visiting medieval villages, ancient castles, prehistoric dolmens, rock art, and centuries-old churches along the way.
  • Experience the wild side of northern Spain and southern France, with opportunities for Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Alpine Swift, Citril Finch, Marmot, Chamois, and much more.

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Tues., July 6     Arrivals in Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona! Please plan to arrive at your leisure today, though we encourage you to arrive in time for dinner with the group tonight. Those that are in early can plan to casually meet up with your guide for some local birding. We hope many of you plan to arrive early and explore the wonder of coastal Barcelona. 

For those arrived already, we visit Llobregat Delta Nature Area of Llobregat River in the afternoon or early evening. It’s close to the airport, but a great birding spot. We hope to find Great Reed Warbler, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Western Marsh Harrier, and more. We also spend time looking at dragonflies and likely see Violet Dropwing, Western Willow Spreadwing, Black-tailed Skimmer, and more! Butterflies are great here as well, and the endemic Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Brimstone, and Large Skipper, are all possible.

This evening we enjoy our first meal together, go over the plans for the course of the trip and get to know each other before embarking on our journey tomorrow.
Accommodations in Barcelona (D) 

Wed., July 7       Montserrat and Pre-Pyrenees

After breakfast, we visit the ruin of Castell de Gélida, which dates back to the 10th Century. This area is only 30 minutes outside of Barcelona and a location where Bonelli’s Eagle typically nests. We also have our first chance at Mistle Thrush, Melodious Warbler, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Iberian Chiffchaff, European Greenfinch, Cirl Bunting, Common Hoopoe, European Bee-eater, and other classic European birds.   

Afterward, we drive to the amazing cliffs of Montserrat, a serrated mountain range made of pink conglomerate rock. We arrive late morning for best chances at Short-toed Eagle and another opportunity for Bonelli’s Eagle. A fun opportunity awaits us here, and we take the cable car up the mountain for an unforgettable view of the area and the fairytale-like rocks. We take our time to wander among the rocks and discover some of the geologic history founded in the Mesozoic era.
Accommodations in Boumort (B,L,D)

Thurs., July 8.     Valley of the Vultures

This morning, we head to Casal dels Voltors, an interpretation center for vultures of the Pyrenees. Within these stunning landscapes we visit the observation center where we have the chance at up close views of Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture, Bearded Vulture, and others. We learn more about these spectacular scavenger species and their habitat. 

We also stop at the cliff of Turmeda, a rocky precipice that hosts a variety of vulture species. Here, we have a clear view of a Griffon Vulture colony, where we make time to observe behavior and simply admire these—dare we say—beautiful vultures. After time with the vultures, we head back to the hotel for a rest and some of us may even enjoy a swim in the pool. Later in the evening, we enjoy a fantastic Spanish dinner at a local restaurant. Food here is typically traditional Catalan mountain cuisine, including hearty stews, the iconic girella, a traditional mountain savory sausage made from lamb, rice, eggs, and garlic, and local farm to table dishes.
Accommodations in Boumort (B,L,D)

Fri., July 9      Boumort Nature Reserve

Today, we visit the Boumort Nature Reserve, a privately owned preserve in the Catalan Pyrenees. At over 13,000 hectares, this reserve is the only location in Europe where all four vulture species breed. We start the day with a drive to Buseu, where we head out in a 4x4 vehicle to visit an observatory where they feed the spectacular Bearded Vulture. Also attracted are Griffon, Egyptian, and Cinereous Vultures, as well as Black and Red Kite. We spend a couple of hours here with these magnificent raptors. 

In the afternoon we drive to Alquezar. Known as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, this medieval town sits atop limestone cliffs with stunning views of the nearby Sierra and Cañones de Guara Natural Park. Alquezar is also famous for its gastronomy and many restaurants feature Aragonese cuisine, which are centered around high quality meats and fresh local vegetables. 

In the cooler hours after we settle into our hotel, we enjoy dinner with a stunning view of cliffs where Alpine Swift soar by. We also listen for the sound of calling Blue Rock-Thrush and Black Redstart. 
Accommodations in Alquezar (B,L,D)

Sat., July 10      Guara Canyons

Today we visit some amazing viewpoints in the Guara Canyons, including Mirador del Vero and Mirador de la Pena Falconera. We witness many raptors and vultures soaring by, with chances for great photographs. We also have the opportunity to visit a museum of prehistoric rock art in Colungo, for those interested. 

Later in the afternoon, we hike about two miles into the picturesque Alquezar Canyon. Our journey through nature and culture puts us close to the river, with splendid views of the rocks, pictographs, and wildlife along the river. We keep an eye out for the jewel-like Common Kingfisher, which can be seen here. 
Accommodations in Alquezar (B,L,D)

Sun., July 11      The Wild Northern Guara

After breakfast, we leave Alquezar and head to a magnificent Loarre Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Spain. This castle, which dates back to the 11th Century, has stunning views of the valleys near Huesca. We observe crag martins that breed in the crevices of the castle walls and look for raptors and butterflies nearby. We enjoy the medieval vibe here and have lunch at a local restaurant where we sample the local delicacies of this region. 

In the afternoon, we explore the Wild Northern Guara, home to abandoned villages, overgrown fields, a wealth of plants and many butterflies! This area is totally un-touristy, and each stop we make is different. Huge groups of Griffon Vulture might appear from out of nowhere—fun fact, the collective noun for these vultures varies by activity: “a kettle” for a soaring group, “a committee” for a perched group on the ground, “a wake” for a group on a carcass. Additionally, a variety of over 50 species of butterflies can be seen. We have the chance to see all the regional raptors here, too, including Short-toed Eagle on the hunt for the plethora of reptiles found here.

In the area we can also see dolmen from our ancestors (old burial sites made with huge boulders), something unique to the Old World. There is a special atmosphere among these places, and always interesting biodiversity to discover with the song of a Cirl, Corn, or Rock Buntings that set a pleasant soundtrack. We have time to wander and explore around the old ghost towns and cemeteries, or take a peek inside tiny, centuries old churches. The only tourists you find here are pilgrims or courageous backpackers walking off the beaten track; there is truly an energy in the mid Pyrenees that you do not want to miss.

Tonight we stay in a private house in the middle of the Wild Guara at Lasaosa, our home for the next two nights. Surrounded by nature and nightly sounds of Eurasian Scops and Barn Owls, Eurasian Nightjar, and morning songs of bright Eurasian Golden Oriole, large Mistle Thrush, Crested Tit and Sardinian Warbler, and with many butterflies to photograph, it’s a lovely area. The house has a huge kitchen, as well as six rooms with private bathrooms.
Accommodations in Lasaosa (B,L,D)

Mon., July 12      High Pyrenees

At dawn, we do some birding near the lodge with chances of Eurasian Golden Oriole, Red-legged Partridge, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, European Bee-eater, and more. After breakfast, we visit a unique butterfly museum in the village of Aneito (only 40 inhabitants), where Enrique shows and tells us all we ever wanted to know about the world of butterflies and moths. His creativity and enthusiasm has led him to become an impressive combination of conservationist, artist, musician, craftsman, and author; you will long-remember Enrique.

After time with Enrique, we drive through spectacular country and have lunch is the historical town of Ainsa. We have the option to visit the Griffon Vulture Conservancy where you can buy great " vulture souvenirs". The center of Ainsa is surrounded by castle walls and has a medieval vibe throughout town.  After our visit, we head further up north towards the high Pyrenees and make a brief stop at Dolmen de Tella on the way. We arrive at our hotel, which is near one of the best spots for raptors in the Pyrenees!
Accommodations in Lamiana (B,L,D)

Tues., July 13     Ordesa & Monteperdido National Park

This is one of the most spectacular places in Europe, and our tour gives us access to higher viewpoints and better views of the Walls of Ordesa, a prominent glacially carved canyon with distinct, vertical walls, and into the entrance to the Bujaruelo Valley where crystalline river cuts are nearly 200 meters high.

We do a one-mile hike in the Revilla area at birder’s pace to a phenomenal raptor viewing area, where we enjoy the scenery and birds.  This location is good for Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and three vulture species. The views into the national park are breathtaking. After exploring for a few hours, we head back to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit a private butterfly preserve in the Revilla valley where a project for endangered large blues is run by a group of local conservationists. We also have the opportunity to find Citril Finch here. Dinner is at one of our guide’s favorite restaurants in the Pyrenees where they focus on local and sustainable food.
Accommodations in Lamiana (B,L,D)

Wed., July 14     French Pyrenees and Lac d’Aubert

Today, we drive across the border into France. This gorgeous route takes us up to 7,200 feet to Lac d'Aubert. This beautiful high alpine lake is located in the Neouvielle National Nature Reserve in the French Pyrenees. Around the lake, we search for high altitude species including both Water and Tawny Pipit, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Chough, Red Crossbill, Northern Nutcracker, and the rare White-winged Snowfinch. We also keep an eye out for mammals such as Roe Deer, Marmot, and Chamois. High altitude butterfly species including Gavarnie Ringlet, False Dewy Ringlet, and Duke of Burgundy are also possible here.

We enjoy a picnic by the lake shore while special dragonfly species soar by and bird sounds serenade us. A visit to these higher altitudes is always a treat with surprises. 
Accommodations in Lamiana (B,L,D)

Thurs., July 15      Wonders of Revilla

Today is our last full day and we say goodbye to the amazing Pyrenees and head back to Barcelona.  We drive through the beautiful Collado de Foradada with stunning views on one of the most panoramic roads of the Pyrenees. A highlight is the Congoste de Ventamillo, a stunning gorge with walls of over 1,000 ft. 

If time permits, we do a short hike at La Masieta amid the steep walled canyon. We then make one last birding stop at a compost plant near Tarrega, where hundreds of Black Kites gather along with many White Storks. The kite gathering is already a sign of mass migration of this species after the breeding season, quite a spectacle! 

We make our way back to Barcelona for a final group dinner, going over our favorite aspects of the tour and saying goodbye to new friends.
Accommodations in Barcelona near the airport (B,L,D) 

Fri., July 16    Departures

Please plan departures at leisure today.

 

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Eurasian Hoopoe by Gerard Gorman

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Monte Perdido

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Griffon Vulture

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Revilla Viewpoint

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    European Greenfinch by Carlos Sanchez

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Añisclo Canyon

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    Torla, Spain

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Frontera del Portalet

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Queen of Spain Fritillary by Carlos Sanchez

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Eurasian Scops-Owl by Valerie Gebert

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Ordesa National Park

  • Birding Spain, Bird Watching Spain, European Birds, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Western Yellow Wagtail by Gerard Gorman

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    Portalet Pass

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    Spanish Festoon by Carlos Sanchez

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    Hecho Valley

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $5590 DBL / $6710 SGL*, from Barcelona.

This cost includes: accommodations for 10 nights, meals as noted in the itinerary, professional guide services, local guides, local park and reserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. All tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).

It does not include roundtrip airfare to and from Barcelona, or items of a personal nature such as laundry or drinks from the bar.

*Price is based on exchange rate between the Euro and US Dollar on 9/14/2027. Subject to change if there is a significant increase. Please see terms and conditions for details.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) in Barcelona

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive at your leisure on or before July 6, 2027. The group will meet officially for dinner. 

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart July 16, 2027, at your leisure.

Travel Tip: Barcelona is a wonderful, modern city and you may want to spend time exploring before or after your journey. 

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Spain

  • Carl Grillet

    Carl was born and raised in the lowlands in Belgium and became a passionate naturalist at a very young age. As a teenager he gathered as much info as he could about biodiversity and started learning all the bird sounds in his area, later to be expanded with a passion for butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, mushrooms, mammals, and ecosystems where his wanders on the planet would take him. Carl has travelled to all corners on this wonderful planet and has huge respect for the diversity of life on it. He speaks four languages and has a passion for organic foods, geology, ecosystem management, and restoration in Belgium and the Netherlands. A mix of biodiversity knowledge, culture, and humor is his daily recipe as a guide. Carl has travelled also all over the United States many times and he loves communicating with North American visitors. Carl has been working independently as a nature guide for over 35 years and his passion only grows. Sharing knowledge with kindred spirits is his favorite "sport."

    Other trips with Carl Grillet

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Make sure your passport will be valid at least three (3) months BEYOND the date of your scheduled return to the U.S. See “Passports, Visas and Documents” section below for more details.
  • At the time of writing, a tourist visa is not required of US citizens for stays of this tour's length. However, as of Oct. 12, 2025 the EU has begun the rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at EU country border crossings for visa exempt travelers to Spain. See “Passports, Visas and Documents” section below for more details.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Spain and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Passports, Visas & Documents

You must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for at least three (3) months BEYOND your scheduled return to the U.S. You should have at least one blank page per stamp per entry. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top; pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will NOT be accepted. If you are from another country, please contact the Spanish embassy websites for guidelines. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

It is recommended to check for changes 60-90 days before your tour departs but, at the time of writing, a tourist visa is not required of US citizens for stays of this length.

However, the EU has begun (Oct. 12, 2025) the rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at EU country border crossings. The initial border crossing will require collecting personal data, such as fingerprints and/or a facial photo, which will be checked at all subsequent EU border crossings. See Entry/Exit System (EES).

Also note: Expected in late 2026, implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries to obtain this Travel Authorization to enter most European countries in the Schengen Area. See European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Please, thoroughly read the  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the country you will travel in. You may contact them by phone at (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636 if you have any unanswered questions.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: Please bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, etc.).  Consult with your doctor for recommendations at least 6-8 weeks before departing on your trip, as some vaccines may require more than one dose and time to become effective prior to your departure. 

Mosquito and tick-borne illness: The CDC will have updated information regarding recent disease outbreaks, such as Malaria or other mosquito or tick-borne diseases, as well as extra precautions to take depending on the area(s) you will be traveling through. Travelers should reduce their risk of mosquito and/or tick-borne diseases by protecting themselves from bites using protective clothing, insect repellant (containing DEET, Picaridin, OLE, etc.) and prophylactics where applicable. Check the CDC and with your doctor to see whether your trip destination is currently at risk for malaria transmission and whether you should consider anti-malarial medication. For repellent permeated clothing, see Packing List for our recommendations. See the “CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel” website for more information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home.

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of your prescription glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription(s) and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. Your doctor may also recommend some prescription medications to bring with you to treat possible illnesses that might occur, depending on your destination, such as an anti-malarial medication or an antibiotic. You’ll want to keep all medications in their original, labeled containers.

 Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

 Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Altitude Illness: According to the CDC's website, day trips to high-elevation destinations less than 8000 ft. with an evening return to a lower elevation are much less stressful on the body, depending on the time provided for your body to adjust. However, overnights at higher altitudes may have more adverse effects on your body and you should be informed about altitude illness and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) (see CDC's information for Altitude Illness). The most general symptoms are headache and occasionally fatigue and dizziness. You’ll want to take it easy, particularly at first. The likelihood of these symptoms can be reduced by resting, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and taking aspirin.  In addition, we will optimize acclimatization by adjusting itineraries to avoid going “too high too fast." If you have worries about the altitude, ask your physician about medications (such as Diamox) that may be right for you. 

Weather & Climate

The weather in Spain is generally mild and pleasant, though it gets hot in the summer months. The spring and fall have the mildest temperatures, ranging from the high 70°F into the low 80°F, while evening temperatures can be in the mid 60°Fs. Winter is characteristically slightly cooler, dipping into the high 50°F. Year-round, humidity is generally low. We don’t expect a lot of rain, but there can be an occasional shower here and there. 

You may want to check your favorite weather information website for forecasts and predictions closer to your date of travel. 

Annoyances & Hazards

Always listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide regarding pests and other biting insects or reptiles you may encounter, especially those that may be poisonous, though this may be rare.

Mosquitos, ticks and other insects: Even if you are traveling in the dry season, mosquitos, ticks and other insects can always be encountered in your travels, so don't risk illness. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section above regarding recommended preventative measures.

Chiggers are a part of lowland and mid-elevation habitats. You may encounter them at grassland or farm locations. Your guide should have a good read on whether chiggers are a concern. It is helpful to spray your shoes with repellent and tuck your pants into your socks .  When back, be sure to shower and air out your clothing.

Remember, sunburn can be both an annoyance and a hazard, so be prepared with sufficient sun protection.

On particularly hot days be sure to increase your intake of fluids.

Food & Drinks

Spanish food is quite delicious! Food and water standards in Spain are comparable to those in the U.S. As with any travel, minor intestinal problems are possible, so we suggest bringing a remedy for traveler’s diarrhea. Please discuss appropriate medication with your physician.

One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by intentionally reducing our consumption of single use plastics (such as bottled water), so we appreciate you bringing a reusable water bottle.  Purified drinking water will be made available to refill your bottle, however, bottled water will be available for field trips where refilling your personal bottle is not an option. 

There are some great reuseable water filtering bottles on the market today that are great for travels abroad. We encourage you to invest in one (such as Lifestraw or GRAYL Ultrapress or SteriPen). A little research will be well worth the effort to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics when purified water refills are not readily available.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

See “Packing List” tab for more detailed information and checklists, but in summary, we emphasize that you pack light in soft-sided luggage (easier to load in vans and charter planes), plan for dressing comfortably in layers (for managing varying conditions in any given day), and please pack your personal medication, travel documents, optics, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON, not in your checked luggage. Laundry services are available at most lodgings for an additional fee, but be prepared to hand launder if you need to. 

Spending Money

The Euro (EUR) is the currency in Spain. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

You may want to exchange money before your trip. You can do so through your bank or an exchange office. Possible locations are your departing airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or a AAA office. It might be helpful to arrive with some local currency just in case you run in an “out of order” ATM or a local bank holiday.

You can also exchange your money in Spain. The easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into US Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank for departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Spain. We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (Visa, and MasterCard are more commonly used; American Express and Diners Cards are used less frequently). Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling in Europe to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you that you bring them as your main source of funds.

Gratuities

All tips for all services of your tour are now included in your tour price, with the exception of your main guides. The local guide is your main guide, if there is more than one, they will share your gratuity. The recommended rate is $10.00 - $15.00 per day per guest. You may also wish to tip your Naturalist Journeys guide/host if you have one on your tour; this should be done separately and the same suggested rate applies. We suggest you bring two envelopes or cards to make it easy to share your gratuity at the end of the tour. If you are on an extension, that may be a different local guide for those days.

Tipping to your guide(s) to show your appreciation is entirely at your discretion and should reflect your level of satisfaction of the service provided. If you wish to offer a tip, know that they appreciate anything you care to give. Of course, you are welcome to give more in recognition of exceptional service.

Please note recommended tips are quoted in U.S. dollars. Tips should be converted and paid in local currency. 

Cell Phones & Internet Service

If you plan on using your cell phone on this trip, please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country. Ask for “international roaming” to be activated on your phone.

If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option when you have access to Wi-Fi is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp or Viber to send text messages and make voice or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets and laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone for calling that you turn off your cellular data. Keep it in airplane mode. This will decrease battery usage as well. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. You can still use it for photos, ebird and everything else not requiring cell reception.

Your hotel and lodges provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions due to the remote location.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless there appears to be an emergency; this disrupts other guests.  Plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

The standard voltage in Spain is 230V, higher than in the United States (120V), with frequency of 50 Hz. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Spain are "Type F".You will most likely need to bring a power plug adapter, and a voltage converter in order to use appliances or devices from the U.S. To be sure, check the label on your appliance. Helpful information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Time

Where you will be traveling in Spain is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, which is 6 hours earlier than New York (Eastern Time). Spain observes Daylight Savings Time. A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/spain.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or charter Read more

Please Pack Light!

Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or charter aircraft than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft-sided luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked bag that does not exceed 50 pounds. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

TRAVEL TIP:  Imagine NOT getting your checked luggage upon arrival. DO NOT pack any essential medications, vital optics (binoculars, camera, eye-glasses), or essential travel documents in your checked luggage! Pack these and other essential items in your carry-on bag and on your person (i.e. under-garment pouch). You will want a day pack for field trips, so this makes an ideal carry-on. Another suggested tip is to travel wearing your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!).

Pack clothing that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions. See the "Weather & Climate" section under "Essential Information" for general seasonal climate info for the date of this tour. In addition, you may check your preferred weather app closer to departure to get a better idea of the weather to expect.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in lightweight layers is the best way to provide options to get you through a day of varying weather and temperatures comfortably. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun, vegetation and pests. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to layer and launder. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.  A lightweight and waterproof outer layer is essential as well as comfortable hiking footwear. It is important to have a warm jacket if the tour includes higher elevations.

Treating your clothing to better protect you from insects: It is possible to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. Another approach is to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection.

Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants, 2 pair
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (2-3)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (4-5 – remember you may be buying some!)
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (gel bandanas work well to keep you cool)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots
  • Sandals for evenings, travel days (optional)
  • Lightweight sweater or jacket; fleece fabric is ideal, but a sweatshirt will do
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho (great if this doubles as windbreaker)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Photo Identification
  • Airline tickets or E-ticket verification
  • Passport (and visa or other travel authorizations when traveling internationally) - Note: To avoid issues with confirming your identity when two forms of ID are required, the name on your Drivers License (or other secondary forms of ID) should match your passport.
  • Travel insurance info
  • Money & credit cards
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. When carrying a passport, a copy of the ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small backpack, daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear (this can double as your carry-on!)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
  • Tablet/laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB stick, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Electricity converters and adapters for 2-to-3 prong electronics plugs if needed (See "Electricity" under "Essential Information")
  • Reusable water bottle to avoid the use of disposible plastics (*with filters such as Lifestraw and UV sterilization system such as SteriPen for destinations where tap water is deemed unsafe to drink - see "Food & Drink" section in Essential Information) 
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Toiletry articles
  • Laundry soap (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Earplugs – in urban and even rural areas barking dogs and traffic noise can be annoying
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

Medical and First Aid Items

  • Health insurance and vaccination information (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
  • Personal Rx medications (in their original labeled prescription packaging)
  • Epi-pen if needed for allergic reactions (include prescription label)
  • Anti-malarial prophylactics and antibiotic prescription in case of infection, if recommended for this destination, prescribed by your physician
  • Altitude illness meds (such as Diamox) if likely to be needed
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van, drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments, colds and stomach ailments, etc.
  • Foot powder, lotions, general “comfort” items
  • Hydrocortisone cream to ease itching from insect bites
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial and/or hygienic cleansing wipes
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts (with plenty of wetting and cleaning solution)

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Spain; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Spain; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

Birds of Europe

Merlin App – Europe Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Europe.

Field Guides

Collins Bird Guide App: The Ultimate Field Guide. (iPhone and iPad)

Collins Bird Guide, The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe

The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula

Mammals of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East

Mammals of Britain and Europe

Collins Butterfly Guide: The Most Complete Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe

Butterflies of Britain and Europe: A Photographic Guide

Wild Plants of Southern Spain: A Guide to the Native Plants of Andalucia

Site Guides

Where to Watch Birds in Southern & Western Spain

Where to Watch Birds in Spain: The 100 Best Sites

History & Culture

Wild Spain: A Traveller's Guide

Seville and Andalucia - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide

Spain: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture - Culture Smart!

A Traveller’s History of Spain

Iberia, Spanish Travels & Reflections by James Michener

Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary - Lonely Planet

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Spain – An Encyclopedic Overview

Spain’s Official Tourism Website

Madrid – An Encyclopedic Overview

Almagro - An Encyclopedic Overview

Seville – An Encyclopedic Overview

Cordoba – An Encyclopedic Overview

Trujillo, Cáceres – An Encyclopedic Overview

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Bird Checklist of Spain - Avibase

Birdwatching in Spain

Birding Spain - Fatbirder

Andalusia Bird Society

Laguna de Navaseca – eBird hotspot

Birding Alcázar de San Juan Lagoon – Avibase Checklist

Birds of Spain - iNaturalist

Llanos de (Plains of) Trujillo – eBird hotspot

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Doñana National Park (UNESCO)

Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park

Odiel Marshes Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO)

Odiel Marshes Biosphere Reserve

Monfragüe National Park

Llanos de Trujillo Y Caceres – Conservation Area

Sierra de Gredos Regional Park

Biodiversity Information System for Europe – Spain

The European Nature Trust

Article in the Journal for Nature Conservation, “Biases in Conservation: A Regional Analysis of Spanish Vertebrates”

News Articles on Conservation in Spain – Mongabay.com Environmental News

Geology & Geography

Geology of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula

Geography of Spain

History & Culture

History of Spain – An Encyclopedic Overview

Spain Timeline Profile – BBC

Spanish Culture

Spanish Cuisine – A Culinary History

Calatrava la Nueva Castle (Sacro convento-castillo de Calatrava la Nueva)

Magacela Castle

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Visa ATM Locator

Mastercard ATM Locator

U. S. National Passport Information Center

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Foreign Exchange Rates

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information - Spain

Center for Disease Control (CDC) – Spain

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - Spain

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Spain

Electricity and Plugs – Spain

Time and Date – Madrid, Spain

Holidays – Madrid, Spain

 


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