15 independent reviews for Wildlife and walking vacation in the Spanish Pyrenees
Reviews for Wildlife and walking vacation in the Spanish Pyrenees
Susan Spelling review 23 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The actual location and renovation of the farmhouse are spectacular. Every day was a joy seeing the local wildlife with local enthusiasts2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people were employed as guides and in the accommodation. Simon and Lucy are actively involved in the local community and support many initiatives for the wildlife and culture in the Spanish Pyrenees.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We ended the week feeling very relaxed, great food and kind hosts plus the other people on the vacation made it so memorable.Rebecca Naidis review 28 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Although I loved seeing the birds and butterflies, really I just enjoyed the fresh air and incredible unique scenery in the area. I felt mentally, physically and spiritually restored.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The trip is about wildlife more than walking, with the emphasis on birdwatching. The walking is not difficult...mostly.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely! Every effort is made to re-use, recycle and recover. The guides are all local and are true experts in their fields.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Super! Wonderful! Restful, educational.Debbie Thomas review 27 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The moth and butterfly days- lots of theatrics with Henrique catching the spectacular butterflies. We weren’t expecting such a surprise2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The emphasis is on the wildlife rather than walking. Take as good binoculars as you can3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes on all counts. Simon and Lucy’s guiding principle is to use local and home grown ingredients for their delicious meals4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A very worthwhile weekJulie Dawson review 26 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Difficult to choose but the bearded vulure and Moon Moth probably take it!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A marvelous relaxed vacation with plenty of nature all around. Be prepared to be a little flexible to get the most out of this superb location and experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely! Simon and Lucy are great ambassadors for the local environment and sustainability4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best we have ever done! Simon and Lucy are fantastic hosts, their knowledge and passion is contagious!Ian Powell review 26 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all memorable and exciting but seeing vultures and golden eagles was very special2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book it now do not miss it3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The whole ethos of Simon and Lucy is based on sustainability and conservation. Organic food from their garden was fantastic. Local guides were employed to really enhance our experience, contributions to the NGO dedicated to conserving the bearded vulture were made. They couldn't have done more4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The best vacation and wildlife experience I have had. Simon and Lucy are doing an incredible job and the whole experience is really good value for moneyJessica mckoen review 25 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The knowledge gained about the local area including ecology , wildlife , gastronomy history and culture. Particularly enjoyed the walks, visit to a traditional farmhouse and the visit to the goats cheese farm. The guides and Lucy and Simon are very knowledgeable about the local area.The food and wine were very good, and copious.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Little, if no, downtime, breakfast 7.30, long day trips 8.30 to 7.30 pm supper 8 to 9 pm.The van can get cramped and hot on long day trips, a little too close and personal with strangers. There is a resident dog which barks , ( job is to deter wild boar ) Double check your travel arrangements with Lucy, she did not organise a promised taxi for my end journey onwards , got overly involved with my arrangements, as a consequence I spent an expensive and miserable 3 days waiting for my flight homeThe Hotel Sauce in Zaragoza which is recommended has very basic rooms.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did, local people and enterprises were used a guides, the vacation supports a local endangered bird charity, the house in Albella is heated geothermally and local grown allotment food is used. ( the van used for all trips though is diesel )4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good but tiring , I am used to more downtime ! I needed a rest when I came back home, though partly due to stress of the final 3 days , when I had planned some rest and relaxation.so I would have given 4 .5 stars but due to the final stress, 3.5 stars.Toby Fountain review 14 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the extraordinary array of wildlife in an array of habitats in the Pyrenees. This ranged from the majestic Bearded Vulture, the beautiful Bee Eater, the stunning Spanish Moth and an immense diversity of butterfly species.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for a very diverse vacation. No day is the same, every day you are in different terrain observing different wildlife. The walks are not strenuous but be prepared for walking in high temperatures and bring good shoes.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I really enjoyed the way the vacation utilised local cuisine and some brilliant local guides with an excellent knowledge of the local area. Also raising awareness of the wildlife and conservation issues facing area is of immense importance.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an outstanding vacation. The accommodation is a beautiful old farmhouse, the cuisine is healthy and delicious, and the range of wildlife and landscapes I experienced was breath taking.Susan Livingstone review 4 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many to choose from! Looking down on raptors gliding through a beautiful gorge; seeing a wealth of butterflies land on equally beautiful flowers; spotting the rare Lunar Moth at 11pm …… not to mention the stunning scenery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just arrive with lots of enthusiasm and plenty of energy for long days out and you will not be disappointed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Lucy and Simon work hard to use local produce, including their own, waste is minimal. Local specialists are also employed to share their expertise. They also support local charities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, educational and truly inspiring. We learnt so much about the local nature, geography and culture of this beautiful part of Aragón. Simon and Lucy are highly knowledgeable themselves and perfect hosts. They work hard to deliver a really great week of activities along with a thoughtful and interesting menu each day. Healthy dinners on the terrace in good company were truly memorable. The food throughout the week was delicious.Janice Newman review 30 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Huge variety of wildlife and flowers. Great accommodation, food and hosts.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book early!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes local guides are used and a local raptor conservation charity receives a lot of support. Local and home grown produce is used to provide delicious meals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant. Lucy and Simon go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect.Judith Brooks review 15 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A close encounter with amazing Spanish Moon moths, seeing Marmottes on lookout duty in the mountains, peering down at huge vultures in flight across a gorge, admiring beautiful wild orchids, seeing a European bee-eater, delicious being lulled to sleep every night by a nightingale and tawny owls.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take some warmer layers for the day at 2500m in the Pyrenees. Unless you use walking poles a lot, and prefer to bring your own, leave them at home; I only used them on the high mountain day and there were plenty to borrow. Be aware that it's a very wildlife centerd week ( brilliant for wildlife enthusiasts!) and some days were long eg leaving at 7am on hotter days to get the best conditions to see the wildlife. Some people would have preferred more walking and less stopping although it suited me fine. We sometimes ate a lot later than most people would do at home, though this is apparently quite usual in Spain.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all three. The house has been extensively renovated, introducing better insulation, geo-thermal underfloor heating and solar PV. The owners grow and preserve a lot of their own vegetables, using water carefully and managing the land to benefit the wildlife. Recycling is practised and promoted. Beeswrap, made by a small local business, is available for sale and all profits go to the NGO managing bird conservation in the region. We learned about some of the history and traditions of the area which enhanced our appreciation of and respect for the locality. Our wildlife guides, some days including our hosts, were all from the area and involved in conservation. We enjoyed locally produced wines and produce.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Outstanding in every way. Great attention to detail in providing for guests' needs. The accommodation was comfortable and impeccably clean. I felt very welcome and cared for.Roland Cherry review 22 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We were blown away by the scenery of the Spanish Pyrenees. One highlight was a private vulture viewing: 80 Griffin vultures, 2 Egyptian Vultures and 9 Lammergeiers. They circled high up above the mountains, scanning the ground below with their keen eyes for the next meal. It was a remarkable sight to behold. Seriously there were highlights every day! Another treat was spending time with local entomologist, Enrique. We saw a range of butterflies by day and set up a moth net at night, by the morning we had collected an amazing number which we examined. It was pure joy!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring your binoculars because it is wildlife heaven! As well as the vultures we saw Wryneck, Woodchat Shrike and Rock Thrushes and heard Nightingales singing everywhere. The trekking was all manageable and Lucy and Simon take very good care of everyone, providing excellent breakfasts, packed lunches, snacks to take with us and wonderful evening meals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our experience was superb. Lucy and Simon our hosts were passionate about their adopted home and eager to share the secrets of its wildlife and history with us. All the food was sourced locally. The plant expert who showed us the wild orchids and Enrique the entomologist were local, as was the mountain guide, Alberto. They were all hugely knowledgeable and keen conservationists. We visited the Lammergeier Conservation Centre at Ainsa and handed over a cheque to the director for monies the operator had raised from the sale of aprons and t-shirts to support their work.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our vacation was brilliant! The wild and rugged beauty of the Aragon landscape took our breath away. We saw snow capped mountains, U-shaped valleys, waterfalls, tree-lined gorges, marmots and chamois grazing. It was magical! The accommodation was excellent and the freshly cooked food superb. The all-inclusive package means you don't have to worry about anything, and the small group sizes are perfect for this type of vacation.Denise Ramsden review 25 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many wonderful moments it is difficult to decide - beautiful Lady's Slipper orchids, vultures, marmots (the new meercats in my opinion), the Graellsia moth, the wonderful scenery of the Ordesa National Park. The peace and quiet of Casa Allue.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go! You won't be disappointed. Take warm clothes for days in the mountains.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Casa Allue has been beautifully restored to high environmental standards. Simon and Lucy source food for the excellent meals locally, from their own garden and land where possible, using seasonal produce. They and the wonderful local guides they employ are passionate about the area and its environment and are keen to promote conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentMargaret and Roger STEVENS review 25 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
* The beautiful mountains with so many spring flowers, as well as birds, animals, butterflies and insects; * Enthusiastic specialist local Spanish guides (botanist, ornithologist and entomologist) as well as Simon and Lucy's knowledge (birds and geology respectively) * Lovely host family (Simon, Lucy and daughter Sophie) who were so adaptable, hospitable and knowledgeable; * Excellent en-suite accommodation (bedrooms, common rooms etc) - clean, comfortable and lovely views (a local woman cleaned every day) * All-inclusive as you've never before experienced - we really didn't need any cash as all occasional stops for coffee, drinks and meals were paid for, plus individually prepared picnic lunches, tea and local pastries, wine with all evening meals etc. All food is locally sourced or even grown by Simon & Lucy who prepared all the meals themselves, giving us local Spanish cuisine. (Heavy drinkers or those who like pre-dinner aperitifs and cocktails would not be catered for!) * The 8 people in the group (we were all couples aged about 60-75) were transported everywhere in their own, comfortable 4WD minibus which coped well with steep mountain tracks. Safe drivers. * Well planned trips with variety and plenty of explanations, including local history, culture, geology etc.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
1. Go prepared for all weathers and follow the advice Simon and Lucy give about clothes and shoes etc, including several layers of clothing to cater for hot sun in the valleys and chilly mountain air. We experienced sleet, rain and hot sun up to about 30C! 2. Rooms: They have at least one room with a bath and shower, which you could ask for if it is available. You should also ask if you can have one of the rooms in the barn conversion which has full-length glass windows/doors opening on to little balconies with wonderful views.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - on all three counts. * Our guides were all local specialists involved in research, conservation and education. * Although English, Simon and Lucy and their two young girls are fluent Spanish speakers, fully integrated into and involved in the local community and its activities and conservation concerns. * Waste of all sorts was kept to a minimum and recycled. * They renovated the old semi-derelict farmhouse and barns sensitively, re-using local materials, and local labourers and professionals, incorporating eco features such as geo-thermal heating.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - one of the best vacations we've had, with a well-balanced programme of nature, wildlife and walking which was adaptable to all needs.Elena Cherkashyna review 9 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The day when we went high in the mountains and saw some wild animals. Also the night when we watched butterflies with our guide. It was amazing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It is a good vacation for elderly people to enjoy the nature. You will be very comfortable with Simon and Lucy.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Alison Pelikan review 29 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful scenery on the walks plus the stunning variety of flowers, the birds and their songs and the insect activity generally. Enjoyed the actual walking too! Also the real quiet in the area we were in allowed me to be able to hear the birds rather than the traffic. Our hosts Lucy and Simon plus our guides were also an essential and wonderful part of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for all weathers and all in one day! The mountains are very changeable.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, our hosts really made sure the food we ate and even the wine was all either homegrown or locally sourced. They used local people as needed for building and repair work and employed local people as mountain and wildlife guides. As much as possible was recycled.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I totally loved it and would also love to go back another year to do the walking for Wildlife trip.Holiday Reviews
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