Iberian Lynx Quest
Tour Introduction
Embark on a relaxed break to a little visited corner of Spain and an exclusive private estate, home to the highest densities of the Iberian lynx, the world’s rarest cat. This special itinerary focuses on the 2,260-hectare Peñalajo estate. Once the meeting place for European aristocracy, the property hosts a wildlife-rich mosaic of Mediterranean scrub and forest habitat and has become known for excellent Manchego cheese and olive oil. Peñalajo now works closely alongside the conservation organisation WWF to increase Iberian lynx numbers in what is internationally recognised as a prime breeding location for the rare feline.
Through habitat restoration and conservation of the native rabbit population, Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle (both key predators of the rabbit) are now thriving on the estate. Several specially designed hides have been constructed around the land, affording excellent opportunities to view and photograph lynx at drinking pools.
The diverse Mediterranean and steppe bird species found there are also good subjects for photographers. Birds include the endemic Iberian azure-winged magpie, little bustard, pin-tailed and black-bellied sandgrouse, hoopoe, little owl, hawfinch and migratory (May-August) rollers, great spotted cuckoo, bee eaters and many warblers.
Full Itinerary
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.
Staying at Hotel Casa Palacio . Includes Dinner.
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.
Staying at Hotel Casa Palacio . Includes All Meals.
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.
Staying at Hotel Casa Palacio. Includes All Meals.
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.
Staying at Hotel Casa Palacio. Includes All Meals.
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.
Staying at Hotel Casa Palacio. Includes All Meals.
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.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Casa Palacio
Overview
A typically Spanish and family run hotel in the quaint village of Santa Cruz de Mudela. The hotel features a traditional internal courtyard and homely bedrooms which combine both modern amenities and traditionally Spanish décor and furniture. All rooms feature en suite bathrooms, a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and there is a charming restaurant serving regional home cooked food. Outside is a small swimming pool and terrace to soak up the surroundings from. Please note that English is not widely spoken at the hotel.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
All rooms feature private bathrooms, minibars, hairdryer, digital flat screen TV, plus a resturant, poolside bar, swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.
Local Wildlife
The nearby Peñalajo Estate supports one of the highest densities of Iberian lynx in the country. The estate is also a refuge for the Spanish imperial eagle and other birds include the endemic Iberian azure-winged magpie, little bustard, pin-tailed and black-bellied sandgrouse, hoopoe, little owl, hawfinch and migratory (May – August) rollers, great spotted cuckoo, bee eaters and many warblers.
Optional Activities
Wildlife watching and photography, food and history tours.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly to Madrid with British Airways, Iberia, Easy Jet, Ryanair on direct flights or take the train from London.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you wish to be away for longer, consider extending your trip with modules for wolf, wildcat or ibex watching in various other parts of Spain, or perhaps whale watching in the Straits of Gibraltar or Bay of Biscay. Please ask us for further details.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
…Thank you for putting together yet another amazing trip…(our guide) looked after us very well, so please thank them on our behalf, they were a delight. We are glad that the original guide of choice decided that he didn’t want to guide us as (our guide) is an exceptional naturalist. He has great knowledge, not only of the Lynx and birds but also plants, trees, bushes, insects and Geology. He made our trip very special by amending our programme several times to take in different sites and bird watching at different and better times. He was also most attentive, organising an excellent lunch on the day we transferred to Tres Cantos and brought breakfasts for us when the second hotel let us down, and lunchtime pizzas when we stayed out all day to watch the Bee-eaters at their busy time. We would strongly recommend that they becomes your first choice guide … Hotel La Caminera was excellent. The views from the hotel were wonderful. The rooms and service were excellent with amazing bathrooms, as was the food and general ambiance of the place. We would certainly recommend its use to others … We were very lucky with our wildlife sightings and the local guides at all venues were most helpful. At Penalajo Estate we couldn’t have got off to a better start. On the first morning around 9am, a female Lynx ran across the track in front of us followed by ……. 3 cubs (around 2 months old). They settled down just behind some bushes but with the female facing out into the open. The cubs made brief appearances out into the open. After a while the female disappeared, coming back into view carrying a rabbit and they headed off up the track but returning a little later. The local guides were amazed. One – they had not been seen by anyone before us and had not been picked up on the camera traps! Two – they were early in the season. Certainly they were not seen by anyone else for a couple of days at least. We had a bonus view of a Lynx sitting in the window of the derelict farm on our way back at lunchtime.
