Reviews

In early April 2026 we did the Batuecas Natural Park walking trip and a day or so later the Steppes and Wetlands day. Both were such great birdwatching, we saw well over 50 species including raptors, waders, a rare black stork, birds feeding over rivers and many field birds on a morning safari on the agricultural land south of Salamanca. We also visited the incredibly well preserved medieval town of Miranda del Castañar on the Batuecas day which was so interesting too.

It’s hard to overstate the care and thought put into the tours by Vega and Alphonso. They have a deep knowledge of the birds you’re likely to see, tailored to the season and the different habitats in the Salamanca area. As ecologists with a keen interest in their environment they can also provide so much context and understanding. We were also looked after with such care and forethought too. Tours were altered slightly with agreement to cater for the temperature outside and we had lovely homemade picnics!

We would absolutely recommend Vega and Alphonso’s tours to anyone. You will come away having learned a great deal and you will have been carefully looked after as well. Thank you so much Vega and Alphonso, a real highlight of our holiday.

¡Excelente experiencia de ecoturismo de día completo! El mejor regalo que me pudieron hacer en mis 40.

Pasamos un día genial observando aves, y el picnic fue un detalle perfecto para reponer fuerzas en medio del campo. Un auténtico sueño comer al lado del Tormes y disfrutar de su tranquilidad y de algún avistamiento de galápago y águila real. Vega es muy profesional y atenta. Me encantó su pasión por la naturaleza. Además es súper cómodo que el transporte esté incluido, te olvidas de todo.

¡Ideal para desconectar y aprender!

We had a great day out with Vega, visiting the cereal steppe and wetlands and seeing a good variety of birds, eg great bustards and cranes. I have lots of positives to note. In setting up our visit, we communicated our range of interests and Vega provided options for our itinerary. We had not explored the Salamanca Region before and she provided tips on what it had to offer. She was able to suggest a suitable campsite to stay in our motorhome, which was convenient for our outing (Camping Alba de Tormes: highly recommended!).

Vega was informative about the local wildlife and ecology, including the impact of changing farming practices on local wildlife. She has a good knowledge of the the local communities and history and will adapt to the interests of those joining her. We were able to bring our dog (already an experienced bird watcher), enjoyed the picnic lunch Vega provided and made use of the full day.

Finally, Vega is very easy to get along with, she is clearly very engaged with the local community, passionate about conservation and the promotion of ecotourism within the Region. She is multi-lingual, incl. Spanish, English and French). It is easy to bypass this corner of Castilla y Leon but we have discovered that it holds some gems and is great for nature – well worth visiting.

We went on two morning outings to different locations, where we saw a wide variety of birds—many of which we had never encountered before in Europe. Highlights included Nightingales, Iberian Magpies, Hoopoes, Spotless Starlings, Woodchat Shrikes, Blue Rock Thrushes, and numerous Bee-eaters, White Storks, Swifts, and several types of raptors, to name just a few.

Vega’s deep knowledge and obvious passion for the region were evident throughout. She enthusiastically shared insights into both the natural and cultural history of the area, making the experience all the more enriching.

Last Easter, we enjoyed a binding experience under expert guidence of Vega and Alfonso. During the environmental friendly tour Vega and Alfonso informed us broadly and with indepth knowledge about birds and flora in the Spanish countryside. We even spotted 3 types of vultures and the “Birding in Spain’s wild west” logo bird: the Bee-Eater.

A fantastic birding experience

Magnífica tarde la que hemos pasado iniciando una nueva experiencia del mundo de las aves con los estupendos guías Vega y Alfonso y con la compañía de su amigo.

Esperamos volver a repetir

Magnifica jornada de observación de grullas con la mejor guía posible

Gracias Vega

We so enjoyed our birding trip in Northern Spain with Vega and Alfonso in 2021 that we came back for another ten days in Februrary/March 2023! We birded slightly further South this time, for the special species of the Spanish Steppes. We were not disapointed! The accomodation and food was excellent, once again and it was wonderful simply to enjoy time with our (now) friends Vega and Alfonso in the Spanish slow lane! And the birds… and the birds… and the birding… Bustards, Sandgrouse, Imperial Eagles, Vultures… and who knew that there were so many Blackcaps in the world?! They know how to spend their winters… in Spain, with Vega and Alfonso… If only we could do the same every year!

We spent a wonderful 2 weeks of mixed birding and restful holiday with (and organised by) Vega and Alfonso from May-June 2021 – right after lockdown! The Spanish scenery and cultural immersion was wonderful and the birding spectacular. Thanks to their expertise we found so many Iberian specialities and species that we had longed to see. With Vega and Alfonso, however, even more common species became delightful, once more… Goldfinches will forever be ‘Alfonso birds’ and Bee-eaters ‘Vega Birds! But it wasn’t just the birds… flowers… butterflies… we explored so many wonderful sights and sounds together.

We are now looking forward to our 4th wildlife holiday with Vega and Alfonso in Castile and Leon, in the area around Salamanca, where being driven on quiet country roads is such a pleasure. The region is dotted with small villages and we have stayed with them at several family run hotels with excellent accommodation and food. During our visits we have enjoyed many very special stopping points to see both flora and fauna, where we have seen colourful woodland and water birds as well as Griffon and Egyptian Vultures in mountainous, dramatic scenery, plus many Bustards on the plains. In addition to birds, one particular highlight was an excellent sighting of a Spoonwing Lacewing, which was a first for us. Each day’s trip is filled with many similar surprises, which only local knowledge can unfold, and Vega’s tasty picnic luncheon treats are to be savoured.

You can see why we keep coming back!

Betty and Bob Lee