SPAIN:
GIANTS OF
THE PYRENEES
Pyrenees, Spain
19-23 November
2025
7 participants
(minimum 5 participants)
€1699,-*
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
During this trip, we will stay at this fantastic location in the heart of a private nature reserve. Father and son, Jordi and Gerard, have been managing this area for 15 years under the name Buseu Project. They focus on protecting the wildlife that inhabits the region, with special attention to vultures. As a result, this is possibly the best place in the world to photograph the majestic bearded vulture and other vulture species.
Various vulture species are struggling due to habitat loss, food scarcity, and poisoning. To support their survival, supplementary feeding takes place at this location. Additionally, no hunting is allowed here, creating a safe environment for birds, deer, wild boars, and all other wildlife in the area.
The abandoned village has been restored and transformed into accommodation for you and the other participants. You will share your room with another participant (a limited number of single rooms are available at an additional cost). Each room has its own bathroom. There is a kitchen, a large dining area, and communal spaces.
Since our accommodation is located on private land, we can enjoy nature undisturbed. Only us, the wildlife, and a flock of sheep will be present in the area.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
I dare say this is truly a unique location. We will be staying on top of a mountain in the middle of a private nature reserve, fully immersed in nature throughout our stay.
Our main focus is photography from photography hides, but there is so much more to experience. We will take a walk to a viewpoint overlooking the valley where the vultures sleep and start their day, there is a rare opportunity to photograph vultures from just a few meters away without a hide, deer appear in the evenings right in front of our accommodation, and much more…
Additionally, this trip is designed to be completely hassle-free. We will be picked up from the airport, all meals and drinks are included*, and all activities will take place within walking distance or just a short drive from our accommodation.
ACTIVITIES
Each participant will have the opportunity to take part in the following activities during the trip:*
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Morning walk to the viewpoint in the valley to watch the vultures awaken on the rocks, while enjoying coffee, tea, and snacks.
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Observe and photograph the arrival of the vultures from the terrace, a perfect chance to capture the three vulture species, including the bearded vulture, in flight.
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Morning session in an eye-level hide for photographing all three vulture species.
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Afternoon session in an eye-level hide for photographing bearded vultures with the setting sun.
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Photograph red deer emerging from the forest at the end of the day.
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A unique experience photographing griffon vultures from just a few meters away at sunset, without a hide.
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Hide session for photographing the golden eagle.
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Evening/night session in a photo hide stone martens and foxes.
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Evening/night session in a hide at a waterhole for photographing red deer, roe deer, and wild boars.
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Capture the starry night sky from different locations within the area.
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Photograph songbirds from the drinking pool hide.
*Activities depend on weather conditions and the presence of wildlife. Therefore, no guarantees can be given for
the activities listed above.
See the daily schedule below for more details on the different activities.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport, we will depart around 1:00 PM in a minivan with a driver towards the Buseu Project. The journey takes approximately three hours.
By late afternoon, we will arrive at the house where we will be staying for the next four nights. You will have time to settle into your room and explore the immediate surroundings. After that, it’s time for dinner.
Dag 2: Meet the vultures
Morning: Breakfast, followed by a walk to a viewpoint overlooking the valley. Here, we will have our first encounter with the vultures. This valley serves as a roosting site for a large number of bearded vultures and griffon vultures living in the area. We will see them resting on the rocks and watch as they begin their day searching for food. From this vantage point, you can observe these impressive birds flying below you and at eye level.
Afternoon: After returning to the house, it’s time for lunch. We will then observe the arrival of the vultures from an open hide that resembles a terrace. This is the perfect opportunity to photograph bearded vultures, griffon vultures, and black vultures in flight. They will pass by at just a few meters' distance, giving you a true sense of their enormous size.
Late Afternoon: As the sun sets (weather permitting), we will have the chance to photograph red deer emerging from the forest at dusk, right in front of our accommodation.
Evening: Dinner, followed by the opportunity to spend time in one of two night photography hides. Each hide accommodates four people, so we will divide into two groups. Every participant will have the chance to use both hides during the trip.
One hide focuses on the stone marten and fox. Here, you can capture stunning silhouette shots as the animals are backlit by a strategically placed light.
The other hide is set at eye level with a waterhole, where large mammals such as red deer, wild boars, and roe deer visit every night. There is also a chance to see foxes and martens. The waterhole is illuminated, allowing for nighttime photography. (This hide is still under construction, so no photos are available yet.)
Dag 3: Up close and personal
Morning: Today, you will get an up-close encounter with the vultures. After breakfast, we begin with a session in the eye-level hide, positioned directly in front of the feeding site.
First, dozens—perhaps even hundreds—of griffon vultures will arrive, joined by a few black vultures. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle, offering fantastic opportunities to capture birds in flight and the dynamic interactions between them.
It won't take long before the impressive bearded vulture will make its appearance. Once the griffon and black vultures have finished feeding, the bearded vultures will remain, allowing for stunning portrait shots. Unlike other locations, where you might only get a few brief visits from a bearded vulture, here you will have the opportunity to photograph multiple individuals over an extended period.
Afternoon: In the late afternoon, just before sunset, we will have a unique experience—photographing griffon vultures up close, without a hide, as they receive a small amount of food. This activity lasts only about 30 minutes but is truly unforgettable. The vultures will come within just a few meters, allowing for extraordinary photo opportunities.
Evening: After this unforgettable experience, it’s time to relax and enjoy dinner. In the evening, there is once again an opportunity to spend time in the night hides. (See the evening of Day 2 for details.)
Day 4: Golden Eagle, Vultures, Deer, and More...
Morning: After breakfast, we will settle into the hides for photographing the golden eagle.
A resident pair of golden eagles inhabits the area, sometimes arriving one at a time, but often together. This magnificent bird of prey makes for an incredible photography subject.
Afternoon: After lunch, there will be an opportunity to once again visit the eye-level hide for photographing vultures. The light will be completely different from the previous morning, allowing for different types of shots. During this session, we will focus on the most impressive of the three vulture species: the bearded vulture.
As dusk falls, there will be another chance to photograph the red deer in front of the house as they emerge from the forest.
Evening: Dinner, followed by the chance to spend time again in one of the two night hides. Additionally, if the weather permits, there will be an opportunity to photograph the starry night sky from a beautiful location on the property.
Day 5: Songbirds, Packing, and Heading Home
After breakfast, you will have some time to spend in the drinking pool hide. This hide will be available to us throughout the trip, and up to four people can use it at a time when no other activities are scheduled, including the final morning.
Around noon, we will pack up our lunch, and it will be time to depart for Barcelona Airport, where we will arrive around 4:00 PM.
PRICE: €1699,-
INCLUDED:
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Transfer to and from Barcelona Airport (3-hour one-way trip).
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4 overnight stays at a unique location in the heart of nature.
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Double room: Shared with a travel companion.
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Single room available on a limited basis, additional €200.
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Photography activities as described.
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
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Drinks*.
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Travel guidance by Joren and local guide.
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Optional Adobe Lightroom post-processing workshop.
*Alcoholic drinks (wine/beer) limited to 2 glasses per person per day. After that, for personal account.
EXCLUDED:
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Round-trip flight to Barcelona Airport.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION:
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20% of the total trip cost: €339.80 (or €379.80 including single room surcharge) to be paid within 10 days of booking.
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80% of the total trip cost: €1359.20 (or €1519.20 including single room surcharge) to be paid no later than 6 weeks before the trip.
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Cancellation fees: 20% of the trip cost up to 6 weeks before departure. No refunds within 6 weeks of departure.
Will you
join me?
Fill out the form and click submit. I will then get in touch with you to complete your registration.