Arrival and Start of the Adventure

Zufre - Depending on the itinerary, there are opportunities to pause for bird watching in the countryside and explore the charming town of Zufre.

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park - Arrive at the hotel in the Sierra de Aracena. Settle in and enjoy dinner, followed by an informative presentation about the journey.

Exploration of the ZEPA of Moura and Barrancos.

Barrancos - Today, cross the border to explore the ZEPA of Moura and Barrancos. The Ardila River is a notable watercourse here. The area is rich with sheep and cattle grazing, and features small properties with olive groves and vineyards scattered throughout. In the morning, visit the Noudar Nature Park, where the vegetation remains close to its original state, as if untouched by human hands. These rich, steep forests hold Noudar’s greatest secret. The area’s richness and diversity stem from its geographic isolation, low human population, and its location in a transition zone between Spain and the Sierra Morena landscape. Enjoy lunch in Barrancos. In the afternoon, visit Herdade da Contenda, a public estate with restricted access, accompanied by a local guide. This area is significant for many raptors, particularly vultures and great eagles.

Exploration of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park.

Aracena - It’s time to stretch your legs and enjoy one of the many walking routes offered by the Natural Park. Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Depending on the season, start by visiting the castle of Aracena, where some wintering birds find refuge among the ruins. Additionally, the hill where the castle is located serves as a watchtower, offering beautiful views and the chance to observe the first birds of prey. Continue the walk along one of the ancient trails from Aracena, heading towards the town of Corteconcepción via the 4.4-kilometer El Tornero path, which showcases a variety of landscapes; from holm and cork oak forests to chestnut and olive trees, and fruit orchards, passing through riverside vegetation near the Fuente del Rey stream.

Exploration of the Aracena and Bajos del Jádraga Reservoir

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park - On the final day in Sierra de Aracena, embark on a car route with some walks through the Valley of the Buervas, now known as the Aracena reservoir. This route offers different access points, allowing for sightings of ospreys or the breeding colony of gray herons and great cormorants. The valley’s location and expanse make it an ideal spot to observe soaring raptors and other migrating birds. After lunch, move to the other base camp in the Sierra Norte Natural Park, stopping at the Bajos del Jádraga, which offers stunning views over the Viar river canyon, with its northern mouth visible from this scenic viewpoint.

Exploration of the Cañada Real de las Merinas Livestock Route in Guadalcanal

Exploration of the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park.

Exploration of the Sierra Norte Natural Park.

Sierra Norte Nature Park - On the final day in the field, visit some of the most fascinating spots for nature observation in the Sierra Norte Natural Park. Begin with the Cerro del Hierro Natural Monument, the most renowned and frequented location in the Sierra. Its unique and photogenic appearance is the result of spectacular karst formations. Walk beneath sharp peaks or needles that resemble a stone forest, home to the king swift, redstart, and black stork, along with the solitary rocker, mountain bunting, screeching sparrow, swift kaffir, and dáuric swallow. This is also the best place in the region to search for orchids and discover fossils. After exploring this unique site, head towards Lora del Río to start a tour of the Setefilla Sanctuary, skirting the José Torán reservoir until reaching Puebla de los Infantes.

Farewell.

• Professional guide
• Water throughout the tour
• Includes transportation, accommodation and meals
• Entrance fees to all national parks and nature reserves
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Binoculars and spotting scopes

Embark on an 8-day journey exploring the Western Sierra Morena and Alentejo’s majestic regions. This tour includes 7 nights of accommodations.

During our expedition, we delve deep into the territories of Western Sierra Morena in Spain and parts of Alentejo. The itinerary features visits to Portugal’s Natural Park Noudar y Herdade da Contenda and Spain’s Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve.

These stunning places serve as home to a diverse array of fauna, including vultures and numerous birds of prey, offering ample opportunities for spotting these magnificent creatures.

Throughout your journey, an expert guide experienced in local ecology and history, will accompany you. This guide will provide insights about the tour’s key features, local customs, history, and interesting facts about the local avian and animal species.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.