Cangas de Onís: Lakes of Covadonga Guided Tour

Explore Asturias’ Covadonga Lakes with a Guided Tour for $34

The Cangas de Onís: Lakes of Covadonga Guided Tour offers a compact yet enriching experience of one of Spain’s most breathtaking natural sites. For $34 per person, you get 3.5 hours of sightseeing that combines stunning scenery with insightful commentary from a professional nature guide. The tour departs from Cangas de Onís, a charming town in Asturias, and takes you through the lush landscapes of the National Park of Covadonga.

We like how the tour includes transportation in a private vehicle, making the journey comfortable and convenient. Along the way, you’ll be provided with binoculars and terrestrial telescopes, allowing you to spot local wildlife, including vultures. While the tour is designed to be accessible and relaxed, note that it may appeal most to those interested in nature, wildlife, and scenic views, rather than strenuous hikes or urban exploration.

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Key Points

• Price: $34 per person for 3.5 hours of guided sightseeing
• Includes: Private transportation, explanations by a nature guide, binoculars, and telescopes
• Highlights: Covadonga Lakes, Mirador de la Reina, vulture reintroduction project, Las Vegas shepherds’ cheese-making spot
• Available languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese
• Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, reserve now & pay later

Visiting the Covadonga Lakes on a Guided Motorized Tour

This tour takes you into the heart of Asturias’ Covadonga National Park using a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. It is ideal for those who prefer a relaxed exploration with scenic views and expert commentary, without the need for strenuous walking. The driving route includes several notable stops, ensuring you get a comprehensive sense of the landscape and its ecological significance.

The tour emphasizes learning about the fauna and nature of the lakes, including how they were formed. The guide explains the area’s geology and the natural processes that created these lakes, providing context for the breathtaking scenery. The total duration of 3.5 hours keeps the experience manageable while packing in plenty of sights.

Discovering the Las Vegas Shepherds’ Cheese-Making Spot

One of the stops is at Las Vegas, where shepherds produce the famous Gamoneu del Puerto cheese during the summer months. This visit offers a glimpse into local traditions, with potential insights into cheese-making processes directly from the producers. Since this spot is part of the journey, it adds a cultural layer to the natural beauty of the lakes.

While the main focus remains on the lakes, this stop enriches the experience by connecting visitors with local rural life and culinary traditions. It’s a perfect chance to see how the landscape supports traditional livelihoods and flavors.

Mirador de la Reina: Scenic Vantage Point and Birdwatching Spot

The tour includes a stop at the Mirador de la Reina, a panoramic viewpoint with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. From this elevated position, you can try to spot vultures using the binoculars provided.

The guide shares details about the reintroduction project of the bearded vulture, a species that disappeared from the mountains in the 1950s but has been reintroduced thanks to the NGO Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture. This project is a key conservation success story, and from this vantage point, you get a clear view of the skies where these majestic birds now fly.

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Wildlife Spotting and Conservation Education

Spotting vultures is a highlight, made easier with the binoculars supplied during the tour. The guide discusses the reintroduction project and explains how the species was extinct in this region for decades. The focus on wildlife and conservation efforts adds a meaningful dimension to the experience, especially for nature enthusiasts.

The explanations aim to deepen understanding of the local ecosystem and the efforts to preserve and restore it. The vulture sighting opportunities, combined with the educational commentary, make this a fulfilling experience for those interested in ecology and wildlife preservation.

Comfortable Transportation and Group Size

The private vehicle transportation ensures a smooth ride through the mountain roads, making the journey comfortable and scenic. The vehicle allows everyone a good view, though some in the back seats may find it harder to see the landscapes clearly, which is a minor consideration.

The group is generally small enough to allow personalized attention from the nature guide, creating an engaging and relaxed atmosphere. The tour’s pacing is well-balanced, giving ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

How the Tour Compares to Other Covadonga Lake Experiences

While some reviews mention shared tours with larger groups, the private transportation and focused visits make this tour stand out for its intimacy and tailored explanations. The cost of $34 offers good value, considering the included transport, guide, binoculars, and telescopes.

Compared to other guided day trips, this experience emphasizes wildlife and natural formation stories, rather than just sightseeing. Its concise duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time in Asturias.

Practical Details and Meeting Points

The tour begins at a specified meeting point, accessible via a provided link, and concludes at the same location. The language options include English, Spanish, and Portuguese, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.

The activity allows pets, but travelers are advised to contact the provider beforehand regarding size restrictions and transportation terms. Cancellation policies are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind when planning.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This guided tour suits nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in conservation stories. It is also ideal for travelers who prefer comfortable transportation and short, informative outings, with plenty of scenic views and wildlife opportunities.

Because it does not involve strenuous activity, it’s suitable for all ages, provided travelers are comfortable with moderate walking at stops. The educational aspect about the bearded vulture reintroduction adds value for those interested in environmental efforts.

Summary of the Covadonga Lakes Guided Tour

The Cangas de Onís Lakes of Covadonga Guided Tour offers a cost-effective, well-organized, and informative way to experience Asturias’ stunning lakes and mountains. With expert explanations, wildlife spotting, and visits to culturally significant sites like Las Vegas and Mirador de la Reina, it combines natural beauty with learning.

While some might find the shared transportation less private than a fully private tour, the inclusion of binoculars, telescopes, and professional guides makes this experience rewarding. Perfect for those who want a scenic, educational, and relaxed exploration of the Covadonga area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs $34 per person.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is provided via a link, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Can pets participate in the tour?
Pets are allowed, but travelers should contact the provider beforehand regarding size and transportation rules.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and scenic stops suggest it is suitable for most ages, with some walking involved.

What wildlife can be seen during the tour?
The main focus is on vultures, which are visible from the Mirador de la Reina, thanks to binoculars.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, explanations by a guide, binoculars, telescopes, and insurance.

What should I bring?
It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor viewing, and to bring personal items as food and drinks are not provided.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The information suggests minimal walking at stops, but mobility restrictions should be discussed with the provider beforehand.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now & pay later to secure your spot with flexibility.

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