Iberian Lynx Quest

Arrival into Madrid Airport and transfer to Atocha train station to take the AVE high-speed rail link (1.5 hours) to Ciudad Real. On arrival, met and transfer by road to your rural accommodation.

Early morning transfer to nearby Peñalajo estate, a 2,260-hectare Mediterranean landscape of open holm and cork oak woodland interspersed with rocky outcrops, scrub and grassland.

Spend mornings and evenings here in private hides strategically positioned next to drinking pools regularly used by Iberian lynx families.

This is an excellent way to observe these elusive and endangered cats up close without causing disturbance. You will need patience and some luck but have a very good chance of memorable and intimate lynx sightings. The pools are also visited by a variety of attractive birds such as hawfinch and azure-winged magpie. During the warm middle of the day, enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant and then look for other wildlife in the afternoon.

Another day for morning and late afternoon lynx watching from the purpose-built hides. Whilst driving through and scanning the scrubby landscape, look out for other wildlife which includes the native European rabbit, various reptiles and butterflies, and birdlife such as the rare Spanish imperial eagle, little bustard, little owl, roller, sandgrouse, hoopoe, red-legged partridge, and subalpine and Sardinian warblers.

The estate has collaborated with WWF to protect their Mediterranean habitat and its important Iberian lynx population, yet is also a farm that produces excellent olive oil and Manchego cheese.

Another day for lynx watching and exploration of Peñalajo for its wildlife. The beautifully marked Iberian lynx is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and is currently listed as the world’s rarest and most endangered wild cat, although thankfully its population is increasing.

Due to the conservation efforts of the estate, the populations of rabbit and red-legged partridge - the two key prey species for both the lynx and Spanish imperial eagle - are now doing very well there.

Another day of lynx and other wildlife watching from the hides and throughout the Peñalajo estate. Each day's itinerary can be customised around your interests. There are other hides for viewing birds such as the Spanish imperial eagle too.

Depart the hotel after breakfast and transfer to the train station in Ciudad Real where you take the high-speed train back to Madrid. Connect with your onward flight or train. Or perhaps extend your stay with some dolphin and orca watching in the Straits of Gibraltar.