Discover the Iberian birds of prey and participate in their conservation

Scientific ecotourism. Ornithological tourism

Would you like to discover the powers of raptors?

Learn about the great eagles (imperial eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, golden eagle, booted eagle, short-toed eagle, etc.) from experts in their conservation at the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada research center, located in the Llanos de Oropesa, Lagartera and Calera y Chozas Special Protection Area for Birds.

Through the guided tour, interpreted by specialists, you will learn about raptors and their conservation problems in a playful way. In the center’s aviaries you will learn about Iberian birds of prey and their conservation efforts from the staff of Fundación Aquila.

Overnight at the rural house attached to the center, and enjoy an evening on the success stories of biodiversity conservation in Spain.

Get to know the steppes of the ZEPA Llanos de Oropesa, Lagartera and Calera y Chozas, where you can observe great bustards, stone curlews, little bustards, and the ZEPA Tiétar Valley, where you can observe the Iberian imperial eagle, the blue elan, black vulture and other birds of prey.

1. 3-day activity package (2 nights – Weekend)

DAY 1 FRIDAY: Arrival and reception.

Video presentation of the experience and the environment accompanied by a glass of homemade arbutus liqueur. Dinner and lodging at the Sierra Madrona Hotel.
Baños de Fuencaliente” Spa (thermal bath 30′) NOTE: only in season 2022 from April to December 10. Consult under reservation.

DAY 2 SATURDAY: From Fuencaliente to Solana del Pino.

Photographic safari “Berrea y más” by Alma Wild Nature, a photographic activity in which the deer during the rutting season will be the main protagonist but not the only one. These are 4×4 routes in small groups (3pax) whose main objective is to observe and listen to the bellowing of the deer. NOTE: reservation is required between September 19 and October 7 during sunrise and sunset. Two different itineraries are available (according to choice).
Observation and learning about wildlife. Together with ÁGata Verde we will spend most of the experience getting to know emblematic species of the area such as the mountain goat, the deer, the mouflon, the wild boar, or birds as interesting as the griffon vulture or the black vulture, the golden eagle, among other endangered bird species, such as the black stork, etc… and we will make walking tours for the collection of seasonal fruits of autumn “the strawberry tree or emborrachacabras”. If it is not the strawberry tree season, the observation and identification of the shrub and the Mediterranean flora that accompanies it, heather, mastic, cornicabra, holm oaks, gall oaks and oaks will be carried out. (4h)
Traditional meal at local restaurant “Anka Loren” with a typical local main course and a touch of arbutus “arbutus deer meat” and as a vegan option “eggplant with arbutus jam”.
Visit to Embutidos Artesanos El Lucero, a family business for more than 50 years, specialized in sausages with game meat. A workshop will be held to demonstrate the preparation and tasting of local sausages “hamburger of bush meat with strawberry tree” (1h).
Return to Fuencaliente and evening “Stargazing-Starlight Viewpoint” (2h), guided tour to discover the secrets of the night sky of the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona with ÁGata Verde as a Starlight Foundation accredited instructor. Travel through the stars and planets, observing galaxies that are millions of light years away, the marvelous rings of Saturn, the lunar surface, Jupiter and its moons, enjoying the Milky Way. Unique experiences to enjoy in nature, learning in a fun way.

DAY 3 SUNDAY: Scenic route. Sierra Madrona and Solana del Pino.

Guided tour “Cave paintings in Peñón del Águila” (1h) The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park treasures a large number of shelters with cave paintings. It is thought that most of them may have been made from approximately 4,500 to 3,000 years ago. Surely the most famous and best preserved are those of Peña Escrita, we will talk about other more modest and less known paintings: those of the Collado del Águila, in Solana del Pino, a paradise of biodiversity and geodiversity. The paintings are located on a quartzite rock wall, facing north. And beyond the wall, absolutely fascinating views of the Alcudia Valley. Simply intoxicating, to spend a minute absorbed, observing the grandeur of the landscape, while with luck, the vultures glide several tens of meters above our heads.
A holm oak bath against stress, “The power of the forest” all the keys to this exercise of contemplation in which the five senses are involved and whose objective is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees. During the forest bath we will walk about one kilometer for two hours, making stops and exercises that reconcile us with mother nature. We will see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings (1h). We will walk along the Robledillo River board along the Robledillo River approximately 1km round trip. Art therapy workshop, healing in nature through the five senses. Appreciation of flora, footprints, remains and signs of fauna.
Workshop of elaboration of jams and preserves “La Alacena de la Abuela” (2h), we will carry out with ÁGata Verde a workshop of traditional preserves, we will elaborate different recipes and delicious jams, compote or ratatouille. In arbutus season, “Chutny de madroño”.
Traditional lunch at local restaurant Anka Loren to taste “Migas manchegas”, and as a vegan option “gachas de pito” with aromas and flavors of the mountains.
Farewell and group photo

Contact

600 755 156

Ecotourism commitment

The experience includes an interpreted visit to the Centro Águilas de Fuente Empedrada, where tourists will learn about the research and conservation programs for Iberian birds of prey carried out by Fundación Aquila. This center is located within the SPA and carries out biodiversity conservation and environmental education activities. The Center is solar-powered.

The rural house Águilas de Fuente Empedrada operates with solar energy, efficient lighting, waste separation and water saving measures. It is a member of SRSTRN2000.

Services

Price per person

Accommodation in a 4 ears gîte: 60 €/night/double room (use 2 of 2 people and if you book 2 nights. In case of 1 night 65 €). Individual use 40 €. Full breakfast: 6 €/person (company Águilas de Fuente Empedrada).
Guided tour: 15 €/person (Fundación Aquila)
Workshop or walking tour of the ZEPA: 15 €/person

Services included

Accommodation, two nights, breakfast, guided visit to the Centro Águilas de Fuente Empedrada, talk on biodiversity conservation.

Program:

Day 1 (Friday): Arrival in the afternoon at the rural house Águilas de Fuente Empedrada. Presentation of the activity and its contribution to biodiversity conservation and the Natura 2000 Network.
2nd day (Saturday):
- Breakfast in a rural house
- Guided visit to the aviary of the Centro Águilas de Fuente Empedrada to learn about the raptor conservation programs.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Oropesa or Lagartera
- Saturday afternoon free visit to the historic center of Oropesa (contact would be provided for guided visit to the Castle of Oropesa, Church of S. Bernardo and walk through the old town of Oropesa, guided by the town hall).
- Catering dinner of local products and overnight stay at the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada rural house.

3rd day (Sunday): guided walking tour to the ZEPA Llanos de Oropesa (depending on the season it would be to observe a colony of lesser kestrels in Oropesa in June, and in autumn to see the cranes in the ZEPA; or a walk along the “cañada real” for birdwatching. For families a workshop on insectivorous bird conservation.