Extremadura is considered one of the regions with the highest biodiversity in Europe, thanks to its extraordinary variety of natural habitats, ranging from vast Mediterranean dehesas and cereal steppes to dramatic rocky cliffs, rivers and ancient oak woodlands. This unique combination of ecosystems makes the region one of the most sought-after destinations for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
This naturalistic expedition will explore some of the most important birdwatching hotspots in western Spain. We will visit the spectacular steppe landscapes of Cabeza del Buey, the iconic Monfragüe National Park, and the historic city of Salamanca, combining outstanding wildlife observation with the discovery of some of Spain’s most fascinating landscapes and cultural treasures.
Departures in mid-May coincide with one of the most rewarding periods of the year for birdwatching. The breeding season is at its peak, and many species are highly territorial and vocal, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography. The Extremaduran steppes host some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most iconic birds during this period, including Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Stone-curlew and numerous passerines specialised in open habitats.
The Monfragüe National Park represents the true highlight of the journey and one of Europe’s most important sanctuaries for large raptors. The impressive cliffs overlooking the Tagus River and the extensive Mediterranean woodlands support some of the highest densities of birds of prey on the continent, offering exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph Griffon Vultures, Cinereous Vultures, Spanish Imperial Eagles, Bonelli’s Eagles and many other species. Iconic locations such as Salto del Gitano are considered among the best places in Europe for close views of large soaring birds.
The journey will end in the beautiful city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where remarkable historical heritage meets fascinating urban birdlife. Churches, historic buildings and ancient walls provide nesting sites for several bird species, creating a unique opportunity to combine birdwatching, culture and history before departure.
As with all our itineraries, biodiversity will be the true protagonist of the experience. The tour will combine exploration of Extremadura’s most important natural areas with the discovery of unique landscapes, historic villages and the rich culinary traditions of one of the most authentic regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
- Monfragüe National Park: Considered one of the most important European sanctuaries for large raptors, Monfragüe National Park represents the natural heart of Extremadura. The spectacular cliffs overlooking the Tagus and Tiétar rivers, surrounded by extensive Mediterranean woodlands and traditional dehesas, host one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey in Europe. Here, visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities to observe Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork and many other species. Iconic locations such as Salto del Gitano are considered among the best places in Europe for observing and photographing large soaring birds.
- Cabeza del Buey: Located in south-eastern Extremadura, Cabeza del Buey is one of the most important steppe regions of the Iberian Peninsula. The combination of extensive cereal fields, grasslands and dehesas creates a mosaic of habitats ideal for a wide variety of open-country species. During spring, the area hosts breeding populations of some of the most iconic birds of European steppes, including Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Stone-curlew, making it one of the best destinations in Europe for observing steppe birds.
- Salamanca: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salamanca is one of Spain’s most fascinating historic cities and a remarkable example of how cultural heritage and biodiversity can coexist within an urban environment. The rooftops, bell towers and ancient churches of the historic centre host important breeding colonies of Lesser Kestrel and White Stork, offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities right in the heart of the city. The riverside areas along the Tormes River, together with urban parks and surrounding green spaces, also support a rich variety of waterbirds, raptors and passerines, making Salamanca an outstanding destination for urban birdwatching. A walk through the historic centre and along the riverbanks offers a unique combination of art, history and nature in one of the most beautiful cities of the Iberian Peninsula.
More than 120 bird species, including some of the most iconic species of the Iberian Peninsula. The extensive steppe areas of Extremadura will offer excellent opportunities to observe highly specialised open-country birds such as Great Bustard (Otis tarda), Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata), Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra), Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla), Thekla’s Lark (Galerida theklae) and Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni).
Monfragüe National Park, one of the best places in Europe for observing and photographing large raptors, hosts breeding populations of Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti), Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) and many other species associated with rocky cliffs and Mediterranean woodlands.
The dehesas and Mediterranean habitats of Extremadura will also provide opportunities to observe characteristic species such as Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis), Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei), Iberian Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cooki), Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura), Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor) and Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius).
DAY 1: Meeting in Madrid with the local guide and transfer towards Trujillo. Accommodation and first afternoon dedicated to birdwatching in the main natural hotspots around the area. Dinner and overnight stay in Trujillo.
DAY 2: Transfer towards Cabeza del Buey and full day dedicated to birdwatching in the steppe habitats of Extremadura, searching for the characteristic species associated with these unique environments. Return towards Cáceres with road cruising activities and wildlife observation along the route. Dinner and overnight stay in the Monfragüe National Park area.
DAY 3: Transfer to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe. Birdwatching at the iconic Salto del Gitano viewpoint and exploration of the park’s Mediterranean forests, dehesas and spectacular rocky landscapes, searching for large raptors and the many species inhabiting this extraordinary protected area. Dinner and overnight stay in the Monfragüe area.
DAY 4: Full day dedicated to exploration and birdwatching in Parque Nacional de Monfragüe and the surrounding habitats. In the afternoon, transfer through the traditional dehesa landscapes with birdwatching opportunities along the way. Transfer to Salamanca. Dinner and overnight stay in Salamanca.
DAY 5: Urban birdwatching in Salamanca, exploring the historic city centre, monumental buildings, green areas and riverside habitats along the Tormes River. Free time to visit the city. Transfer to Madrid and end of the tour.
The group will be accompanied throughout the tour by our tour leader and an expert local naturalist guide.
For more information contact the organizers.
What is included:
- Overnight stays (single and double option).
- Meals (4 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 4 dinners – drinks not included).
- Internal transfers by van, including fuel costs, tolls, parking.
- Local expert zoological guide of Wild Doñana.
- Scientific accompaniment by zoologist for the duration of the trip, with support material for wildlife observations (binoculars, spotting scope, field guides, etc.).
- Travel insurance.
What’s not included:
- Flights.
- Entrance to the monuments and any tips to local guides.
- Everything not mentioned in the previous item.
Possibility to request a quote including airfare, with any additional nights, depending on personal needs.
The rate includes basic travel insurance.
For further information regarding the possibility of taking out additional insurance policies, contact the organizers.
Penalties in the event of cancellation: In the event of unmotivated withdrawal of the contract by the consumer, the penalties are equal to 100% of the entire participation fee, in addition to non-refundable insurance premiums.
Number of participants: Minimum 4
If the minimum group is not reached or if the organization cancels due to force majeure, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
Reservations within 30 days from departure.
Information regarding rates and payment methods will be communicated by email after completing the request form.
All our tours are organized in collaboration with the Travel Agency “Mama Tours”
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