Learn Spanish in Wild Spain! - La Montana Palentina

Tour Code: ESP22

An 8-day opportunity for aspiring Spanish speakers to improve their Spanish and enjoy the birds, mammals and other wildlife in La Montaña Palentina, a wild and beautiful corner of northern Spain.

8 days from
£1,895 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£1,745

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Highlights

Summary

The ancient villages in the rugged Palentian Mountains are today largely deserted, this wild region left for reclamation by Wolves, Brown Bears, Wild Boar, and numerous Chamois, Red Deer and Roe Deer, not to mention a host of smaller mammals. Our base for this week-long exploration of this wildlife haven is a comfortable hotel in Aguilar de Campoo. From here, we will explore the mountains with our local naturalist guide Tino, spending the majority of each day on foot in quiet locations accessed by minibus or 4WD, before returning each evening to a hearty meal. Throughout, we aim to speak Spanish – mostly!

Practise your Spanish with our Spanish-speaking guides
Enjoy hearty local cuisine & wines
Raptors, Middle-spotted & Black Woodpeckers
Chance of Wolf, Brown Bear or Wildcat
Good walking opportunities
Expert guidance from Tino, & Naturetrek’s Byron Palacios

Grading

Day walks only.

There still remain corners of rural Spain, far from the reality of this fast-developing and increasingly urban-dwelling country, that have been forgotten by time, largely abandoned by all but the older generation, and which are being reclaimed by a wildlife no longer so persecuted by man. The Montaña Palentina — the Palentian Mountains — is one such place: a wild, unpopulated region of high and chilly ridges, rounded summits, sweeping valleys and magnificent panoramic vistas extending southwards to the great plains of Castile and Leon. Nestling in the shadow of northern Spain’s Cordillera Cantabrica, not far from the jagged limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa, the Palentian Mountains are dominated by the majestic Sierra de Pena Labra, essentially a high mountain ridge boasting a handful of 2,000-metre summits. The ancient Palentian villages of the region are largely deserted, with hardly an occupied house in each. For this reason, so too are the Palentian Mountains left for reclamation by Wolves, Brown Bears, Wild Boar, and numerous Chamois, Red Deer and Roe Deer, not to mention a host of smaller mammals such as Iberian and Brown Hare, Beech Marten, Pine Marten, Wildcat and the elusive Genet.

We will be based in a comfortable hotel in Aguilar de Campoo, an historic town known for its medieval castle and biscuit-making industry, during this week-long Spanish-speaking exploration of this little-known mountain wildlife haven. Our local guide Tino speaks almost no English, but his clear Spanish and extrovert and bubbly personality make him the perfect travelling companion. Leading the tour with Tino will be our own Byron Palacios. Byron became known to Naturetrek through his expert leadership of our birding groups in his native Ecuador. Now settled in Dorset, Byron has a great rapport with Tino and this promises to be, above all, a fun week of wildlife, food and wine that provides the perfect environment in which to practise and improve your spoken Spanish (although Byron will use English with you when stuck!).

Aguilar lies on the doorstep of a truly wild landscape, comprising high mountain ridges rich in alpine flora, jagged crags and cliffs, and vast oak and Beech forests which support a high percentage of the endangered eastern population of the European Brown Bear. Much maligned, these magnificent creatures are notoriously difficult to see, roaming elusively over vast tracts of difficult terrain. Nevertheless, we do stand a chance of a sighting if we put in the effort at dawn and dusk, when the Bears are most active. We will be made to feel very much at home by Tino, who will share a rich passion for, and knowledge of, these mountains ... as well as regaling us with tales and photographs of his close encounters with both Bears and Wolves. Tino is an expert in finding and interpreting animal tracks and signs left by Brown Bear, Fox, Wolf, Beech Marten, Badger, Wild Boar and deer, and will give us a masterclass in tree identification. We’ll also learn about the medicinal, culinary and other uses the various plants and fungi that we shall see are put to.

Tino's local knowledge is very much central to our daily outings, with the majority of each day spent on foot in quiet locations accessed by vehicle. A range of habitats can be found in close proximity, with a full suite of raptors present, including resident Golden Eagle and Peregrine, and both Griffon and Egyptian Vultures. Middle Spotted Woodpeckers breed here and are easier to see in this location than throughout much of the rest of their range. Another highlight is the Wallcreeper which, although usually elusive when at high altitudes during this season, drops to the dam walls of the region’s reservoirs at the onset of colder weather, and from then on can be seen quite easily.

On one day we will drive further afield to explore the steppes and plains of the meseta, home to Great Bustard, Stone Curlew and other grassland birds, and a large (depending on rainfall) reed-fringed lake which supports good numbers of ducks, geese, waders and such interesting passerines as Penduline Tit and Moustached Warbler. Completing the picture in these wonderful mountains are the stone carvings of ancient Romanesque churches, the old rock hermitage of San Vicente, interesting old dovecotes and dwellings at Guaza de Campos and the historical centre of Aguilar de Campoo. There really is something here for everyone.

Flexibility will be the key to this tour and, whatever time we arrive back at our base, we can be sure that a hearty meal will be waiting for us on our return each day from the wilds of this forgotten corner of Europe. It will be hard to leave!

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Santander; drive Aguilar de Campoo

Day 2/7

Daily programme of natural history walks and excursions from our base

Day 8

Fly London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
A comfortable hotel, all rooms with private facilities.
Food:
All included in the price.

Reviews

This was an opportunity to improve our Spanish language skills whilst enjoying the wildlife and history in La Montana Palentina area in northern Spain. A region where bears, wolves and wildcat still live and the sky is filled with vultures soaring plus so much more. Based in a tiny hamlet in a converted farm building surrounded by a countryside filled with so much of nature that we in the UK have lost over the last 50 years or so. It's like stepping back in time to where not only the natural world but also humans have space to live and breathe. We learnt so much of the area, saw many wonderful things, shared a lot of joy and had time to practice and expand our Spanish skills as well. Naturetrek provide group holidays around the world showcasing the best of the natural world and providing memories to last a lifetime.
T.H. Essex, Aug 22
Saw lots of wildlife I would never have dreamed of finding without their [leaders] help such as wild cats and a brown bear, as well as birds including middle spotted woodpecker. In the evening we would have an hour of Spanish lessons with Byron, and the chance to practice it throughout the day.
S.S. Essex, Sept 21
Extremely satisfied with the itinerary. Byron and Tino were extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and without them being there I wouldn't have seen half what I did with their help. The learn Spanish element was a very useful addition to the tour. I have done courses, but you really need to practice it, and being able to practice the Spanish whilst also looking for wildlife made it a much more enjoyable experience. The accommodation was excellent - lovely house and location, and Rosa's cooking was quite exceptional.
SS, Essex, Sept 21

Having the opportunity to speak and listen to Spanish, with lessons from a local teacher too, just added to the holiday in a wonderful part of Northern Spain. I really appreciated being in places where, on some days we were the only visitors. We covered an interesting range of habitats, chosen to provide a variety of different wildlife - mammals, birds, butterflies and plants. The two local guides and UK guide were all excellent - passionate and very knowledgeable about the local wildlife and always happy to answer questions.
PL, Buckinghamshire, Sept 19

I have enjoyed all our Naturetrek holidays, but this was the best!
B.H. Devon

Greatly enjoyed this holiday which was a perfect combination of my two hobbies - birdwatching and learning Spanish. The scenery of the montana palentina was magnificent and very varied, the food excellent, the organisation flawless. Our two guides were outstanding, both for their knowledge of nature and their patience and helpfulness. This was a fantastic way to improve my language skills whilst enjoying watching birds and animals in a wild and traditional part of Spain.
T.B. Bedfordshire

Seven days in Montana Palentina, spotting birds, native flora and watching wolves. The trip was a small group in two 4 x wheel drive vehicles to spectacular and remote parts of the mountains with three excellent guides who have real knowledge of the wildlife and its conservation. I am a conservation professional in the UK and appreciated the level of knowledge of the guides. Accommodation and food also excellent.
M.T. Herefordshire

Could not be any more real Spanish - trip leader had excellent local knowledge, spoke to us in Spanish and helped us with the language.
M.K. Northumberland

Several things came together which made for an excellent holiday: really good leader, two very friendly local guides who did not know much English therefore encouraging us to speak Spanish, a group who all got on well and excellent weather!
A.B. Surrey

Byron was very knowledgeable and helpful. Tino and Tonio were very helpful and cheerful - willing to show us things. I enjoyed the trip and came back with lots of happy memories. We were a jolly bunch. I liked the pace of the trip - not rushed at all. We could even have a snooze at lunchtime. I showed an interest in churches and the local guides would stop and show me some beautiful churches. I liked the format of lunch, put on a table. The free wine was a good gesture.
S.O. Suffolk

Highlights were the Wildcat (near where Tono and Yolanda lived), their and Tino’s enthusiasm for the area, and my fellow Naturetrekkers; being in an almost 100% Spanish-speaking environment whilst being in a beautiful and nature-rich environment.
K.A. Northumberland

Relaxed atmosphere in spite of busy programme. Great opportunities to learn and practise Spanish.
L.D. Northumberland

The leaders, Byron, Tono and Tino, were passionate and very knowledgeable about the area. The range of habitats and the flora, fauna, geology, history and politics of the area were very interesting.
A.S. West Yorkshire

Your blurb described it as a ‘Naturetrek House Party’... could have been a damp squib, but it actually was! Great ‘craic’ all round. Byron, Tino and Tono are particularly good comrades and obviously work extremely well together, and with us.
N.H. Northumberland

I found this to be one of the very best trips I have ever undertaken with you or any other wildlife tour operator. In terms of its main focus - learn Spanish through a programme of focusing on wildlife - it is outstanding, and I congratulate you on developing this programme.
A.G.B. Shropshire

The enthusiasm of the local guides and their ability to communicate their passion for the environment is incredible. They are quick to recognise peoples individual interests and to make sure that such interests are catered for, whether it be birds, butterflies, plants, lichens or speaking Spanish. They are highly skilled in helping group members to practice their Spanish whatever the individual level. They are understanding and offer subtle corrections that validate the person rather than patronise. The wildlife knowledge of the tour leader, guides and other group members contributed significantly to this trip. Everyone helped each other and as a novice bird spotter I was delighted to learn a few things from fellow members and to get to look through the scopes. It was good to include the churches, village and cave visit to add some local knowledge perspective in addition to wildlife. Also appreciated the coffee in town mid week to get some wifi. Food in the cottages excellent as it was all healthy local ingredients, not processed with "hidden" ingredients. This meant chef Rosa very good at catering for my special diet.
J.W. Nottinghamshire

I enjoyed every bit of this holiday! It was lovely (and relaxing) being in one place for the whole week and the cottages were comfortable, practical and beautifully decorated. Having one cottage as our main base worked well. All the guides were brilliant - their local knowledge and wider naturalist knowledge was outstanding and their ability to communicate it was also very good. The range of habitats we saw provided a new interest every day - and again, local knowledge led to some great sightings. The Spanish element was excellent. All the leaders were very helpful. The food was fantastic! I really had a great time. Thank you!
B.M. Buckinghamshire

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 8th Sep – Mon 15th Sep SPACES £1,895

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,745

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£180

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There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.  
Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.
Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?

All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife

What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?

Travel with a group of like-minded people
Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora

In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.  

Our specialist recommends...


"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour” 

David Tattersfield - Tour Leader

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Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - September 2015

Tour report - September 2014

Tour report - September 2013

Tour report - October 2012

Tour report - September 2011

Tour report - September 2010

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

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