Cangas de Onís: Lakes of Covadonga Guided Tour

Planning a visit to Asturias and looking for a way to experience its stunning natural beauty without the hassle of navigating on your own? This Lakes of Covadonga Guided Tour offered by Birdwatch Asturias might just be what you’re after. Designed for those who appreciate nature, scenic views, and engaging guides, this tour promises a solid introduction to one of Spain’s most beautiful national parks.

What caught our eye about this experience? First, the fact that it’s a guided motorized tour means you get to enjoy the landscapes comfortably. Second, the focus on wildlife and conservation—especially the reintroduction of the bearded vulture—is a unique touch that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that some reviews mention sharing the tour with other travelers, which might not be ideal if you’re after complete privacy.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a convenient, informative way to see the Covadonga Lakes, especially if you’re interested in nature, birdwatching, or learning about local conservation projects. It’s a good fit for those who prefer a relaxed pace with a knowledgeable guide, but if you’re looking for a very private or family-specific experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey relaxed.
• Expert guides provide engaging explanations about flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
• Wildlife spotting opportunities, like vultures with binoculars, add an interactive element.
• The duration of 3.5 hours strikes a nice balance between sightseeing and not overdoing it.
• The tour is value-oriented at $34 per person, with included equipment like binoculars and terrestrial telescopes.
• Shared experiences can vary depending on group size, so manage expectations if privacy is a priority.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Covadonga Lakes Guided Tour

If you’re considering booking, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re signing up for. This tour offers a well-rounded peek into Asturias’ natural highlights, blending scenic views with educational commentary. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours and includes transportation, explanations from a nature guide, and the loan of binoculars and telescopes—important tools for wildlife observation.

The Itinerary and Highlights

The tour kicks off from the meeting point in Cangas de Onís, where you hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. From there, the journey winds through the beautiful landscape of Asturias, heading towards the Covadonga Lakes. These lakes, formed by glacial activity, are framed by steep mountains and lush greenery—picturesque enough to make any photographer’s heart flutter.

One of the first stops is at Las Vegas, a vibrant summer spot where shepherds traditionally produce the famous Gamoneu del Puerto cheese. This gives you a glimpse into local life and traditions, adding a cultural flavor to your nature trip.

Next, you’ll visit the Mirador de la Reina, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Here, the star activity is wildlife spotting—especially vultures. Using the binoculars provided, you’ll have a good shot at catching these majestic birds in flight. The guide will share details about the reintroduction project of the bearded vulture, a species that disappeared from these mountains in the 1950s but has since been brought back through dedicated conservation efforts. According to reviews, this aspect is particularly appreciated, with travelers enjoying learning about local ecology and conservation success stories.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For a reasonable $34 per person, you’re getting a lot of value: transportation, a knowledgeable guide, binoculars, terrestrial telescopes, and insurance. It’s a straightforward package that makes planning easy. Just keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so if you want to snack or hydrate during your journey, bring along some water or a small snack.

Group Size and Experience

While the tour is private in terms of transportation and guides, some reviews note that they shared the experience with other travelers, which can impact the feeling of intimacy. One reviewer mentioned being disappointed because they expected a private guide but ended up sharing the vehicle and guide with four others. So, if privacy is a top priority, check with the provider beforehand.

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The Good and the Not-So-Good

Many travelers have praised the friendly and engaging guides, calling the explanations well explained and the atmosphere relaxed. For instance, one reviewer said, “Everything very well explained, dynamic and in a very relaxed atmosphere,” and appreciated the chance to explore less crowded areas. Meanwhile, some noted that seating at the back of the vehicle limited their view, but this was easily remedied by swapping seats during the return journey.

Why This Tour Works Well

What makes this guided tour stand out is the blend of scenic beauty and educational insight. If you love the idea of a comfortable, guided experience with a focus on nature and wildlife, this tour hits the right notes. The binoculars and telescopes make wildlife spotting more engaging, and the explanations about conservation efforts add depth to the trip.

It’s particularly suited for those who want a ticket to the highlights without the stress of self-driving. The 3.5-hour duration makes it manageable even for travelers with limited time, and the price point is reasonable considering the included gear and guide.

Who Should Think Twice

If you’re after a private, personalized experience, or traveling with a large family or group seeking exclusive access, you might want to look into private tours or different providers. Also, those sensitive to sharing experiences with strangers should clarify the group size before booking.

Plus, keep in mind that this is a half-day trip, so if you’re keen on spending more time in the park or exploring other attractions, you may need to plan extra activities.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

For anyone curious about Asturias’ natural splendor, this Lakes of Covadonga guided tour offers an excellent introduction. It balances comfort, education, and scenery, all at a reasonable price. The inclusion of binoculars and telescopes enhances wildlife viewing, and the knowledgeable guides make the experience informative without feeling rushed.

While it may not satisfy those seeking complete privacy or a longer exploration, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of the best without fuss. The small group dynamics and the focus on conservation give it a meaningful edge over basic sightseeing trips.

If you’re in Asturias and want a memorable, manageable adventure into the mountains, this tour could be a great pick.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed pace and nature focus make it manageable for older children interested in wildlife and scenery. Always check with the provider about specific age restrictions or considerations.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day trip that fits well into a broader itinerary.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, explanations by a guide, binoculars, terrestrial telescopes, and insurance. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I see wildlife like vultures?
Yes, there are good chances to spot vultures from the Mirador de la Reina, especially using the binoculars provided. The guide will share details about the reintroduction project.

What if I want a private experience?
This tour is mostly shared with other travelers, so if privacy is a priority, inquire with the provider to see if private arrangements are available or look for other options.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are permitted if you contact the provider beforehand, so they can advise on transportation terms based on your pet’s size.

What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so check with the provider to confirm your preferred language.

In all, this tour offers a friendly, informative, and scenic way to enjoy the Covadonga Lakes. It’s a dependable choice for those wanting a guided experience with nature and wildlife at its heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: