Rewilding Week Iberian Highlands (7 days)

Discover one of Europe's wildest places in the Southern Iberian System. This amazing 7 day trip takes you into Spain's most authentic wild territory, where endless landscapes meet open skies. Explore a land so wild and empty that only one person lives per square kilometer - one of Europe's most depopulated areas. Here, nature has taken back control, creating a perfect place for rewilding projects that are bringing new life to ancient ecosystems. During your journey, you'll discover the conservation work of Rewilding Spain. See how they are helping wildlife and natural processes return to these beautiful mountains. From old oak forests to open plains, each place has its own special story. Perfect for travelers looking for real wilderness experiences and meaningful conservation projects in one of Europe's most beautiful and untouched places. Stay in charming family hotel with breakfast and dinner. 4 meals included. Small groups for a personal experience of this wild landscape.

Details

  • CountrySpain
  • Duration (in days)7 days
  • Approved by Rewilding Europe and member of a rewilding businesses network?Yes (Rewilding Europe approved)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Arrive at our meeting point. You will meet the group and the guides. We will have a welcome talk about the Rewilding Spain project and the week's plan. Day 2: Rewilding in the "Dehesa de Solanillos" and Pottoka Horses We will visit the Dehesa de Solanillos. Here, you will see Tauros and Serrano horses we will spend time with part of the rewilding team, participating in some of their daily tasks. Their grazing helps restore the land after a huge fire 20 years ago and prevents future fires. We will have lunch outside. Afterwards, we will visit another rewilding project featuring Pottoka horses. Throughout the day, as we walk and discover the projects, we will also be learning about the traditional uses of these lands. Day 3: Mature Forests, Volunteer Planting, and River Sources We will go on a hike through mature forests that are part of a rewilding project. We will take advantage of the visit to participate in a volunteering activity, planting some oak trees. We will then have lunch at a restaurant in Vega del Codorno. In the afternoon, we will visit the beautiful source of the Cuervo River to highlight how this territory is the birthplace of several of Spain's most important rivers. Day 4: Wild Horses, a Hidden Lagoon, and Underground Secrets We will take a route to find Przewalski's horses in the Dehesa de Villanueva de Alcorón. Next, we will visit "La Balsa," a small lake that was created by human mistake but is now a perfect home for many different birds. We will then have lunch in the field at the recreational area of the Sima de Alcorón located within a large pine forest. After lunch, we will descend into the Sima de Alcorón to discover the secrets hidden within the earth's interior in this territory. Day 5: Giants of Rewilding: The European Bison Project and Stargazing Today is dedicated to meeting the impressive European Bison, the largest land mammal on the continent. We will travel to El Recuenco to visit a new bison reintroduction project where these magnificent "ecosystem engineers" are helping to shape and enrich the landscape. We will have lunch at a local bar. The afternoon is free for you to relax. After dinner, we will enjoy an astronomical observation near the hotel, accompanied by wines, teas, or craft beers, to fully appreciate one of the cleanest skies on the continent. Day 6: Tajo Canyon Hike We will start the day with a spectacular hiking route through the Tajo Canyon. We will stop at a high viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon carved by the river. The afternoon will be free for personal enjoyment, relaxation, or others. Day 7: Goodbye After breakfast, we will have a final talk about the week. Then, it will be time to say goodbye.

What's Included?

- 5 nights accommodation in family hotel (double room) - All breakfasts and dinners included (at the hotel) - 4 meals included (2 restaurants and 2 field lunch) - Professional local guide throughout the trip - Nature conservation contribution fee - Travel insurance coverage - Local transport between sites* (Read Frequently Asked Questions)

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

In an area where depopulation is a big problem, your trip makes a direct difference. We only work with local partners. This means your entire experience—from the travel agency and the restaurant to the guides and your lodging—comes from the region itself. This helps change the economic model and proves that nature-based tourism benefits everyone. A portion of your visit also directly funds habitat management and wildlife tracking. This supports the conservation projects of Rewilding Spain in the Iberian Highlands. Through guided tours and expert explanations, you become a rewilding ambassador. You'll share what you've learned and support conservation long after you go home. By choosing local businesses, your visit helps create a stable income for communities. This encourages them to actively support conservation efforts. Your participation shows that wildlife and natural landscapes have real economic value, giving local people a sustainable alternative to traditional activities that might harm the environment.

Dates & Duration

- March (Next Year): Dates TBC - May (Next Year): Dates TBC Private and Tailor-Made Trips: This itinerary can also be booked as a closed, tailor-made trip for private groups. Please don't hesitate to contact us to arrange dates and details that suit your group's specific needs.

Seasonal Availability

  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate - Suitable for all fitness levels. Involves gentle walks and easy trails through varied terrain. No technical hiking required.

Group size

Maximum 10 people - Small groups ensure personalized attention and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

What to Bring

- Comfortable walking boots or hiking shoes - Weather-appropriate clothing - Small backpack for day trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation Please note: The cost of the itinerary does not include transportation. You have three main options for managing your travel and activities: 1. Self-Drive (Car Rental) The simplest option is to rent a car for the duration of the trip, giving you maximum flexibility. 2. Public Transport (Bus from Madrid) Travel by public bus from Madrid (Estación Sur) to Molina de Aragón. We'll pick you up there and provide all transportation for the seven days of activities. This full service has a supplement of €90 per person. Bus Schedule: - Departure (Wednesday): 8:30 AM (arrival 11:20 AM) or 2:00 PM (arrival 5:00 PM). - Return (Sunday): 12:20 PM (arrival 3:15 PM) or 6:25 PM (arrival 9:30 PM). 3. Full Transport Service (Airport Pick-up) We can arrange your transport directly from the airport and provide all travel during the seven days of activities. This service, which includes airport pick-up​/​drop-off and daily transport, has a supplement of €150 per person.

Location

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€1,380.00