Bears, wild cats and wolves

We will reach the South-West sector of the Cantabrian Mountains at the end of the afternoon and we will stay for 4 nights near the village of Villablino, in the Laciana Biosphere Reserve.

Throughout the trip, we will actively seek out the best viewpoints for observing Cantabrian brown bears, in full freedom. The Isards of the Cantabrian subspecies also breeds localy. Classic localities in Degaña and on the Mirador de la Corza.

Day dedicated to the Narcea river valley (upstream) with again first-class observatories for the Cantabrian large fauna. Exploring the banks allows you to observe dragonflies and why not endemic herpetofauna such as Seoane’s snake. The biodiversity is exceptional.

Once again, a classic viewpoint for the mammals of the Cantabrian cordillera: the port of Leitariegos, where we will spend a long time in search of emblematic species that are often elusive. A mountain lake is home to large populations of moorland hawker (Aeshna juncea) and the area promises to be rich in butterflies and other insects.

Heading for the port of Somiedo, one of the most important natural park for the conservation and observation of brown bears in Europe. The pass itslef is sumptuous. Green meadows provide shelter for rodents and their predators. Once again, very beautiful views welcome us to La Peral. We will spend two nights in the village of La Pola de Somiedo.

Along the way, we will come across “brañas” and mown pastures, habitats ideal for observing wild cats. A spectacular and interesting locality for mountain dragonflies. Fortunately, a very easy hiking trail, approximately of 8 kilometers long, allows us to explore this area without much effort.

Intense day of transfer and full of emotions. After a final search for bears in Somiedo, we head north, where we will reach the Cantabrian coast to briefly enjoy the sea at Cabo Peña. At the end of the afternoon, we will head again towards the mountains and the lovely village of Potes in Eastern Cantabrian.

At Fuente Dé, the cable car provides effortless access to the high mountains, with peaks above 2,000 m. The summit of our trip with impressive landscapes. the best habitats of Yellow-billed Choughs, Wall creeper and Alpine Snowfinch are on the way with very safe paths and little slope, that we will explore loaded with telescopes (!)

We will head to Cervera de Pisuerga where to spend two nights. Along the way, we will explore interesting places in the little-known mountains of Palencia, yet rich in the target species of this trip.

We will explore the Palentine Mountains with the help of a local guide to improve our chances of observing mammals that have not yet appeared. Of course, no sighting is guaranteed, and we can only make an appointment. In any case, a beautiful day awaits us on the ground.

In the morning we will head back to our starting point.