Max. 25 people
Spanish and English (Upon request)
2 days / 2 nights
We are committed to the environment and work towards sustainable tourism.
That is why we are taking measures in this direction. More information
- The Aquila Foundation is a nonprofit organization that carries out research and conservation programs for raptors and their habitats, conducting these programs at the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada Center (Lagartera) in the Campana de Oropesa. The programs aim to advance biodiversity conservation, maintain genetic diversity in the Iberian imperial eagle and the Bonelli’s eagle, restore the peregrine falcon population in the Tagus River valley, the improvement of diagnostics and prevention of emerging diseases caused by climate change, and the analysis of water quality in rivers, while disseminating research findings through scientific ecotourism experiences and environmental education in the Campana de Oropesa.
- The Aquila Foundation manages the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada rural guesthouse, registration number CRTO-0126, located within the Special Protection Area for Birds (Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera, Calera, and Chozas). From this rural guesthouse, the Aquila Foundation offers ecotourism activities and is listed in the official registry of ecotourism companies in the Community of Castile-La Mancha (No. 45014110051). It is authorized to conduct wildlife observation and photography, ecosystem interpretation, guided hikes, and environmental workshops.
- Staying at this rural guesthouse is an ecotourism experience, as it is located within the Special Protection Area (SPA) and shares the estate where research and conservation programs for raptors are carried out. The house features gardens where guests can relax while listening to the sounds of nature and observing birds (up to 63 different species have been spotted on the property).
- The Foundation offers scientific ecotourism experiences tailored to different audiences from the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada Center. These scientific ecotourism experiences showcase the work being done to conserve raptors, including a visit to an aviary where visitors can observe Iberian raptors up close, learn about the challenges they face, and understand the conservation measures in place.
- The income from the rural guesthouse is used to fund conservation programs and cover their costs, as well as the estate’s operating expenses.
- During their stay at the rural guesthouse, visitors can sign up for ecotourism experiences. Breakfast is provided at the guesthouse. After the experience, visitors can contribute to eagle conservation through donations and by purchasing T-shirts.
Open map Lagartera (Toledo), España
Stay at a rural guesthouse and experience with eagles
Have you ever stayed at a research center with eagles?
We’re offering you a stay at a rural guesthouse located at the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada Research Center, within the Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera, and Calera y Chozas Special Protection Area for birds, part of the Natura 2000 network. You’ll enjoy a stay on a farm where you can relax and learn about the Aquila Foundation’s research and conservation programs (minimum two nights; preferably for groups interested in exploring the natural environment of the Campana de Oropesa, an ecotourism destination in Spain).
The 4-star rural house accommodates 22 guests in 11 double rooms (expandable to 25 with extra beds), two of which are wheelchair accessible. It features its own kitchen equipped with appliances, as well as meeting rooms for events, conferences, and environmental education workshops. It has gardens, a swimming pool, ample parking, and views of the Sierra de Gredos, Oropesa Castle, and the plains of the Special Protection Area (ZEPA).
The center features an interpretive exhibition called “The Heart of the Eagle,” with models of birds of prey made from recycled materials and interpretive panels that explain the ancient relationship between eagles and humans. The scientific ecotourism experience of living with eagles
includes a visit to the aviary to explore its facilities and learn about the research and conservation programs. Depending on the group’s interests, environmental education workshops can be offered on the property itself.
The basic getaway includes a minimum of two nights’ lodging and the “Living with Eagles” experience: a guided tour of the aviary at the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada Center, which houses irreplaceable specimens of the Iberian imperial eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, golden eagle, booted eagle, short-toed eagle, peregrine falcon, and black kite. The experience is rounded out by the interpretive exhibition “The Heart of the Eagle,” a journey through the ancient relationship between eagles and humans.
Day 1 program
Arrival and check-in at the Águilas de Fuente Empedrada rural guesthouse, located in the heart of the Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagarera, and Calera Special Protection Area (SPA) and cottages, yet with the convenience of being just 2 km from the town center of Oropesa (km 148 on the A-5), where all amenities are available (doctor, pharmacy, shops, restaurants).
We’ll welcome you and explain how the research center operates. Dinner is on your own (the house has a kitchen, or you can arrange for a catering service featuring local products, or dine at local restaurants).
Day 2 program
Breakfast featuring local products at the rural guesthouse
Scientific ecotourism experience living with eagles: a 1.5-hour walking tour of the aviary located on the estate. The experience is rounded out with a visit to the interpretive exhibition “The Heart of the Eagle” located in the center’s exhibition halls (an additional half hour).
Lunch on your own at the rural guesthouse or at a restaurant in Oropesa.
In the afternoon, you can round out the visit with a tour of the Campana de Oropesa pastures. You can take a walk along the Cañada Leonesa on your own, or participate in an environmental education workshop at the Center.
Dinner on your own at a rural guesthouse or restaurant in Oropesa.
Day 3 program
Breakfast at the rural guesthouse.
We can assist with reservations for a tour of Oropesa Castle (separate fee: €3 per person) and a visit to the Natura 2000 exhibition at La Campana de Oropesa (free). This tour explores the history of the dehesas and the region, serving as a prelude to the visit to the castle and its interpretive exhibition. From the castle’s towers, you can see several natural areas (the Sierra de Gredos, Monfragüe National Park, the Villuercas Geopark, the Tiétar Valley, and La Vera).
We can arrange a visit to the Lagartera Handicrafts Museum or the Platón Páramo House Museum in Oropesa (separate fee), offering a journey through the history and renowned embroidery and ceramics crafts of Campana de Oropesa and Lagartera.
Mid-morning, guests check out of the rural guesthouse, or they may choose to extend their stay for additional days.
Prices
- Accommodation in a double room: 80 €. In a single room: 60 € per person per night.
- Price for the experience living with eagles: 12 € per person
- Children under 12 for the guided tour of the aviary: €5 per person
- Other tours: prices upon request
- For groups, please inquire about special rates
The price includes
- 2 nights' lodging and breakfast at a 4-star rural inn.
- Scientific ecotourism experience
Timetable
Available year-round, but only by advance reservation
Activity details
- Location: Águilas de Fuente Empedrada Center (Lagartera, Toledo)
- Approximate duration: At least 2 days / 2 nights
- Minimum number of participants per group: 10 people
- Maximum number of people per group: 25 people (capacity of the rural guesthouse and the scientific ecotourism experience)
- Accessible activity
- Type of accessibility: Physical / Cognitive and social
- Suitable for families with children
- Minimum age to participate: 6 years old
- Pets are not allowed
Do not forget
- You are at a research center where eagles live, so please avoid making noise and behave respectfully.
- The house is available for whole-house rental, and our staff lives in a separate building attached to the rural house and monitors the facilities.
- The center runs on solar power, so guests must use electricity responsibly.
- Groups for celebrations, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, parties, etc., are not permitted.
- Ideal for purpose-driven stays (workshops, relaxing getaways, and nature exploration)
- Ideal for staying and exploring Monfragüe National Park (40 minutes away), the Villuercas, Ibores, Jara Geopark (25 minutes away), La Vera, and the Sierra de Gredos (30 minutes by car).
Relevance
This experience helps support the conservation of large eagles, as 100% of the proceeds go toward research programs conducted by the Aquila Foundation
We recommend bringing:
- Your own binoculars
- A camera
- Cash
Groups
Max. 25 people
Available languages guide
Spanish and English (Upon request)
Approximate duration
2 days / 2 nights