CENTRAL SPANISH PYRENEES

Reception at Zaragoza airport and train station followed by a 2h private transfer to our first accommodation venue in the Western Pyrenean valleys. On our way north, we make a first observation stop at Los Mallos de Riglos Natural Monument. These massive, ocre, limestone conglomerates, rising to 300 metres in height, stand guard over the village of Riglos on the banks of the Gállego River and are a paradise for birds of prey, that nest and breed in the many hollows and crevasses.

The Natural Park of the Western Valleys is located at the northwest corner of the Aragonese Pyrenees, bordering with France to the north and with Navarra to the west. Shaped by the action of past glaciers, its landscape is marked by sculpted slender peaks and U-shaped circuses and valleys that frequently harbour some of the last remaining terns or glacial lakes in Europe.

It stands out for its remarkable and well-preserved mixed forests, including beech and fir. It also has a tremendously rich flora resulting from the varieties in soil, differences in orientation and relative altitudes. These biodiverse ecosystems provide a refuge for endangered species such as the Brown Bear or the Western Capercaillie, as well as for a rich profusion of other bird species. Among these, the “Barranco del Infierno” is one of the best places in Western Europe to observe the elusive Wallcreeper.

Habitats: Atlantic forests, Mountain pastures, limestone cliffs and peaks.

Special Interest Bird Species: Red Kite, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Common Buzzard, Ptarmigan, Grey Partridge, Black Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, White-Backed Woodpecker, Greater-Spotted Woodpecker, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Alpine Accentor, Marsh Tit, Wallcreeper, Citril Finch, Common Crossbill, Snowfinch.

In the next three days, we explore two of the most notable protected areas of the Pyrenees, the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, and the Natural Park of Posets-Maladeta.

Diversity and a wealth of wildlife species are guaranteed within the mosaic landscape surrounding us. Marmots, easy to detect by their sharp whistles, Wild Boar and Chamois are the largest and easiest mammals to observe, but we also visit some of the best places in the world to observe raptors, most notably the majestic Bearded Vulture in its natural habitat.

Habitats: Mixed and coniferous forests, mountain pastures, limestone cliffs and peaks.

Special Interest Bird Species: Rock Ptarmigan, Western Capercaillie, Grey Partridge, Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle, Eurasian Woodcock, Alpine Swift, Alpine Accentor, Common Rock Thrush, Ring Ouzel, Wallcreeper, Eurasian Treecreeper, Red-Backed Shrike, Alpine Chough, White-Winged Snowfinch, Citril Finch.

On our way south back to Zaragoza, we will have a chance to explore a fourth protected area, the spectacular Sierra de Guara Natural Park and its unique landscapes sculpted by water erosion.

The singular canyons and narrow, deep ravines of the Guara range are filled with striking turquoise rivers that form impressive waterfalls, siphons and caves as they meander through the landscape. The steep rocky walls are exceptional places for large birds such as Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles or Bearded Vultures to establish their nests.

Habitats: Patchwork of arable fields with oak woods, Mediterranean scrub and rocky cliffs.

Special Interest Bird Species: Bearded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Alpine Swift, Common Rock Thrush, Subalpine Warbler, Red-Backed Shrike.

Day 8. Wrap up and farewell

After a relaxed breakfast at our accommodation in Zaragoza, it’s time to make our way home. If the returning schedules allow, there will be time for one last walk along the Ebro riverbeds in the morning. Zaragoza airport and train station transfers will be provided if required.