Vulture Valley Kayaking

For adventurous hens, kayaking in the spectacular Duraton River, is maybe the most spectacular day out you could have. You'll be gob smacked by the singular beauty of this spot, with its sheer cliffs, its vultures, eagles and bats and the medieval hill-top retreats, all while paddling your canoe gently down the Rio Duraton. The idea is not to be put off by the vultures circling overhead as you balance on your canoe. Even though this may look like spaghetti western country, don't worry, they're looking for carrion, not carry-on, and no matter how dead you feel from last night, that's not you!

This is one of the world's largest nature reserves for vultures and eagles, (boasting around 300 pairs). Some of these monster birds weigh up to 30KG and have a 3-metre wingspan!

This is not the rough and tough of white water rafting or hurtling down canyons. A much more relaxing and contemplative experience, the trip to the Duraton is almost like going back in time. You'd imagine very little has changed in the last few thousand years, as you admire the rugged, raw terrain, and the sheer cliffs that have been carved out of the rock of Spain's central plain by the river; and most of all the vultures and eagles that have made this their natural habitat.

The dramatic spurs and fault lines, and the 270-plus degree bends of the river provide an unforgettable backdrop for a unique day out. You can learn how to canoe, get some sun, have a splash around in the river, and enjoy some beers in the village bar afterwards. The Rio Duraton Nature Reserve is one of Europe's most successful attempts to encourage breeding of endangered species. The vulture population has grown ten-fold in recent years. You'll see them in their natural habitat, completely wild. You'll see their nests, their young, and marvel at the way they glide upwards on the warm currents created by the sun heating the cliffs.

And for the connoisseur of the far-fetched, your guide will fill you in on the three local saints (San Julian, San Frutos and San Valentin) whose heads were unsportingly lopped off by marauding moors circa 700 AD, but are preserved, and still ceremonially dusted off and paraded from time to time, their miracle powers being called upon, especially in times of drought.

Henorita recommends a cool beer or two in the pueblo bar while pondering this...

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