Thirty years ago, only about seventy native Brown Bears remained in Spain, divided into three groups: Pyrenean, Western, and Eastern in the Cantabrian Cordillera. The Pyrenean population is now extinct but has been reintroduced on the French side of the Pyrenees with bears from Slovenia, increasing numbers to forty or fifty.
In the 1990s, around seventy brown bears lived on the western side of Spain. Thanks to effective management, the population has risen to 300, mainly in Cangas de Narcea and Somiedo. There is a solid reason for you to came to Northern Spain. The perfect time for the sighting of bears is ideally during their mating season or in late summer, when wild berries are ripe. The best time of the day is early in the morning or either late in the evening using a scope or binoculars. Depending on the season, the bears will be in different locations. With this knowledge at hand, the guide will be able take the visitors to the exact spot for optimum viewing.
Our seven-day tour will explore these mountains to spot bears and other native wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and orchids, along with visits to historical sites like shepherd huts. The best times for bear sightings are during mating season or late summer when wild berries are ripe. Early mornings and late evenings offer optimal viewing with scopes or binoculars.
From April to May, the males can be seen entering new territories looking for females. The females will be very alert to them and on the defensive if still with their cubs as the male will try to kill the cubs. The female will defend her cubs to the death, which can also end in hers. The male will carry out this heinous act of infanticide so as to bring the cubless female back in heat and have her looking to mate anew, which of course will leave him as a suitor. So interactions like this may be seen taking place over this crucial time in spring. However, their behaviour will be of a more relaxed nature come late summer when they are primarily feeding on berries, and they are only worried about getting fat before the winter arrives. This is when it can be possible to find several animals passively sharing the same slope for food.
The tour also includes wine and cheese tasting, enhancing the experience with local delicacies, and visits to a handcraft museum showcasing local artisan skills.
Trip Details
Tour Highlights
Witness native Brown Bears in their natural habitat, especially in Somiedo Natural Park.
Spot a variety of birds and other wildlife, including Wild cats.
Explore traditional shepherd huts, historical monasteries, and artisanal woodcraft centers.
Enjoy stunning hikes and views in the Saliencia Lakes and Degaña Natural Park.
Savor local dishes and participate in wine and cheese tastings.
Experience easy, accessible trails and comfortable transportation in a 7-seat minivan.
What to expect
Travel Style: All of the highlights
Lodging: Comfortable accommodations
Transportation:
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Next Departures
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Thematics
Birdwatching
Photography
Wildlife
Itinerary
DAY 1
Oviedo Airport - Pola de Somiedo
The pick-up point will be at Oviedo airport and we will drive for an hour and a half up to Somiedo Natural Park. We will go on a short tour of the town and then on to our first historical hotel; Palacio Florez Estrada. T...
The pick-up point will be at Oviedo airport and we will drive for an hour and a half up to Somiedo Natural Park. We will go on a short tour of the town and then on to our first historical hotel; Palacio Florez Estrada. This first evening we will get our first chance of a potential sighting near the Pola de Somiedo location, which will invariably depend on the schedule. If we have enough time up our sleeves, there is a nice, easy path starting right from the hotel which can be taken to view the bears provided they want to be seen.
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Hotel Florez Estrada (or similar)
DAY 2
Somiedo Natural Park
We will start the day early, leaving the hotel at about 7 am to drive a short distance to our bear-watching location. Mornings offer about a 3-hour window for sightings, with the possibility to try a second spot if neede...
We will start the day early, leaving the hotel at about 7 am to drive a short distance to our bear-watching location. Mornings offer about a 3-hour window for sightings, with the possibility to try a second spot if needed. Dress warmly in drab colors to stay hidden and comfortable. In the afternoon, we will take a coffee break before exploring the Saliencia Lakes near the Farrapona road. This area is great for birdwatching, with species such as Wallcreeper and Alpine chough. Lunch will be in Veigas, and at dusk, we will try for another bear sighting before enjoying dinner back at the hotel.
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Hotel Florez Estrada (or similar)
DAY 3
Somiedo Natural Park
We will start the day at dawn, hoping for more bear sightings around Somiedo. After a coffee break, we may search for wild cats in La Peral or explore Villardevildas and its valley. Alternatively, we could walk up to Bra...
We will start the day at dawn, hoping for more bear sightings around Somiedo. After a coffee break, we may search for wild cats in La Peral or explore Villardevildas and its valley. Alternatively, we could walk up to Braña de Mumian to see traditional shepherd huts. The day’s activities will depend on the group’s fitness and weather. We will aim for more bear sightings at dusk, followed by dinner in Pola de Somiedo, near our hotel.
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B, L, D
Hotel Florez Estrada (or similar)
DAY 4
Somiedo - Valdeprado - Genestoso
Depending on our luck with bear sightings the previous day, we will either leave early for Valdeprado or try for another morning sighting in Somiedo. Valdeprado offers good bear-watching and birding opportunities, includ...
Depending on our luck with bear sightings the previous day, we will either leave early for Valdeprado or try for another morning sighting in Somiedo. Valdeprado offers good bear-watching and birding opportunities, including Dartford warbler and Golden eagle. We will have lunch in Villablino, a town with a history of coal mining. After lunch, we will check into our hotel in Genestoso, rest, and prepare for an evening bear sit. Dinner will feature typical Asturian dishes.
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B, L, D
Hotel Genestoso (or similar)
DAY 5
Leitariegos - Chavola del Vallado
After breakfast, we will drive up to Leitariegos for a short forest walk with stunning valley views. This route has historical significance as a trade path. Birdwatching opportunities include Black woodpecker and Bullfin...
After breakfast, we will drive up to Leitariegos for a short forest walk with stunning valley views. This route has historical significance as a trade path. Birdwatching opportunities include Black woodpecker and Bullfinch. We will have lunch at Chavola del Vallado and a siesta back at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit a local cheese factory before an evening bear sit. Dinner will be back at the hotel.
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B, L, D
Hotel Genestoso (or similar)
DAY 6
Degaña Natural Park - Cangas de Narcea
We will start the day at dawn with a bear sit near Fondos de Vega in Degaña Natural Park. Afterward, we will visit the traditional woodcraft center in Tablado, known for wooden clogs. Lunch will feature local cuisine, fo...
We will start the day at dawn with a bear sit near Fondos de Vega in Degaña Natural Park. Afterward, we will visit the traditional woodcraft center in Tablado, known for wooden clogs. Lunch will feature local cuisine, followed by a visit to the Monastery of Corias in Cangas de Narcea. Here, we will learn about the monks’ winemaking history and visit the wine museum. We will return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.
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B, L, D
Hotel Genestoso (or similar)
DAY 7
Genestoso - Oviedo Airport
On our last morning, we will try for a final bear sighting near the hotel before breakfast. Then, we will drive back to Oviedo, possibly taking a short detour along the coast to see the ocean cliffs. We will arrive at th...
On our last morning, we will try for a final bear sighting near the hotel before breakfast. Then, we will drive back to Oviedo, possibly taking a short detour along the coast to see the ocean cliffs. We will arrive at the airport, completing our trip.
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Price Details
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information .
Recommendations
all-weather clothing should be worn during sit-outs while waiting for bear to appear so as not to stand out and so potentially spooking bears thus defeating the whole purpose of your stay. Moreover, wearing brightly coloured clothes may have the opposite effect and attract them to your hideout. Not an ideal scenario. It is also highly recommendable to bring a good pair of binoculars even though a good scope is provided by the guide for anyone who wants to get right up close.
As the animals we are in search of are in the wild, observations are expected but unfortunately not guaranteed. In fact, this may imply quite a lot of patience as well as the willingness to get up early on cold mornings exposing yourself to the elements. Remaining quiet and still is a must so as not to disturb the animals’ natural movements while respecting the other people in the group at the same time.
Food will be provided as either sandwiches and/or tapas while dinners will vary depending on the day.
Spotted Species
Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour
Brown Bear
The brown bear is one of the largest bear species, found across North America, Europe,...
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