Lammergeier Birding Tour, Cazorla, Spain

Lammergeier Birdwatching Tour in Spain

This is a 5-day Lammergeier Birding Tour in Spain’s Largest Natural Park, Cazorla, Segura & Las Villas. It offers some of the best wilderness landscapes in the whole Iberian Peninsula, and it is here we offer the opportunity to see the Lammergeier soaring freely amongst the high sierras of Andalucía.

There are currently 25+ of the species living in the wild here, the fruit of the reintroduction project, an initiative whose origins lie in the disappearance of the species in the nineteen eighties as a historical resident in the park. The disappearance of Lammergeier Birding 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 Andalucía, El Tranco. In such a dramatic and varied wilderness, you might expect an abundance of nature, and such is the case.

Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park are the largest in Spain and second in Europe. It is located in the East of the province.

Moving the clock forward to the ’80s, it was identified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The EU then recognised it as an Area of Special Protection for Birds. In 1986, the Spanish government declared it a Natural Park.

The geology of these sierras is formed by limestone, with dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, gorges, waterfalls and streams of crystal-clear water. The most typical woodland is Pine forests, and the park boasts yet one more superlative as home to the largest expanse of forest in the whole Iberian Peninsula. In the park, there is a total of 2,170 separate species of plant of which 35 are endemism.

The park is also known for being the birthplace of the River Guadalquivir. Kind of paradoxically, way back in the 18th century, the Sierras was declared a maritime province, serving as it did both military and civil construction. The timbers were used in the construction of naval vessels, and the old tobacco factory in Seville is a present-day example which pays testimony to those times.

Just a brief fact-file about flora & fauna: 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 2,171 species, of which 35 are endemism’s unique to the park. 130 species of butterfly underline the extraordinary wealth of nature to be found and enjoyed in one of the most bio diversified regions in all of Europe and birthplace of the legendary River Guadalquivir.

Would you enjoy a specialist trip to see some glorious Iberian Lynx's? Have a look at the Iberian Lynx Tour, Andujar, Spain.

Alternative Tour Name: The Lammergeier in Spain’s Largest Natural Park

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival

You’ll be met at the meeting point in the historical town of Cazorla. After check-in, we’ll be ready for a route of 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.

We’ll enjoy the flight of the Griffon Vultures soaring just above us, and the fast flight of the Peregrine Falcon. Other species that we could see are Crag Martin, Dipper, Black Redstart, Raven, Red-billed Chough, Carrion Crow, Crested Tit and Rock Bunting.

Day 2

Day 2 - El Chorro

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 mediaeval Spain.

Day 3

Day 3 - Centro de cría Guadalentín - Puerto de las Palomas

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’ll visit Centro de cría Guadalentín, the Lammergeier Breeding Center, where the team of the project, will tell us about the reintroduction of this magnificent bird of prey. Then, we move on to Puerto de las Palomas, a good place to observe numerous birds of prey amidst majestic scenery.

Day 4

Day 4 - Sierra de Segura

After our breakfast, we’ll head onto the Sierra de Segura, in search of the Lammergeier. Most of them use to be in this area, Northeastern to the Natural Park. Full day birding and looking for these majestic raptors.

Day 5

Day 5 - End of tour

An early start for our last day birding.

End of the tour in our meeting point in the town of Cazorla.

Wildlife Reviews

4.5 stars

- based on 2 reviews

Lammergeier Parque Carzola
Martin G.25 Oct 2019
4
Overall

Tours
Wildlife
Guides
Conservation
Location
Value

Interesting landscape: forest and savanna/desert like landscape on the plateau. we saw a lammergeier circling obove us.
Absolutely amazing experience and an even better guide!
Romesh Wijesiri01 Nov 2017
5
Overall

Tours
Wildlife
Guides
Conservation
Location
Value

Absolutely loved every bit of my stay in Andujar. Jose went out of his way to ensure that I had the best experience and he treated me like an old friend rather than a client. Having worked in conservation of biodiversity prior to this, Jose had extensive knowledge about the local wildlife, and the ride to and from the airport was filled with enlightening discussions about the conservation efforts and issues in the region. What's even more remarkable were his spotting skills; identifying animals so far away that they looked just like dots to me. The most exciting of sightings was a mother lynx with a cub on our very first trip to the park! Would definitely recommend his services for anyone interested in getting the best out of wildlife in Andujar.

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Why book with Iberian Lynx Land?

Iberian lynx Land is an Ecotourism Registered Company. Along with RESPONSIBLE NATURE TOURISM, Iberian Lynx Land’s pivotal values include EDUCATION and CONSERVATION of Nature and Natural Resources. We are also an Environmental Consultant Company.

Information

Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas N P is the largest Natural Park in Spain and second in Europe. It is located at the East of the province. Moving the clock forward to the ’80s, it was identified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The EU then recognized it as an area of Special Protection for Birds. In 1986 the Spanish government declared it a Natural Park. The geology of these sierras is formed by limestone, with dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, gorges, waterfalls and streams of crystal clear water. The most typical woodland is Pine forests, and the park boasts yet one more superlative as home to the largest expanse of forest in the whole Iberian Peninsula. In the park, there is a total of 2,170 separate species of plant of which 35 are endemism. The park is also known for being the birthplace of the River Guadalquivir. Kind off paradoxically, way back in the 18th century, the sierras was declared a maritime province, serving as it did both military and civil construction. The timbers were used in the construction of naval vessels, and the old tobacco factory in Seville is a present-day example which pays testimony to those times.

Important Tour Details

It is advisable to bring light trekking boots or walking shoes, a jacket or a fleece jacket and a rain jacket, binoculars, photo camera. *In regards to your flight, the nearest airport is Málaga – located 265 km, 3,5h from Cazorla. Another option is the Madrid airport. 365 km, 3,5h from Cazorla.