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516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways Tour: Experience UNESCO Geopark from Porto
5.0
24 Ratings
Porto
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Porto to the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. Walk across the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, explore the Paiva Walkways, and indulge in traditional cuisine.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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516 Arouca - Ponte Suspensa - Prepare for the most exciting 516 meters of your life on the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension pedestrian bridges in the world. Be suspended by Tibetan-style steel cables in the sky, 175 meters above River Paiva and Aguieiras Waterfall.
Feel as though you’re walking in the air, immersing yourself in an imposing landscape of wild and stunning nature. If you want a more laid-back experience, be transferred to the other side of the bridge by a 4x4. -
Passadicos do Paiva - Walk along the Paiva Walkways, stop at scenic viewpoints to snap photos. See the famous zig-zag staircases, riparian forests, waterfalls, and cliffs of the gorge. Halfway through, take a break at Vau River Beach and restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice, and fresh fruits.
On hot days, take a dip in the river. From here to the end of the trail, get closer to the river. Feel the strength of the rapids through their roaring sounds. After the hike, be driven to the mountain area of Arouca. - Arouca Geopark - The Arouca Geopark, it’s a classified territory recognized by UNESCO from 2009, that gathers 41 Geosites within an area of 328 square kilometers. It defines Arouca as a territory with a special Geological Heritage, where you can find phenomena such as “Birthing Stones” and “Giant Trilobite Fossils” that are unique on the world and others like “Frecha da Mizarela”, the highest waterfall in mainland Portugal, the “Corn Bread Stones” or the “Union Stones”, and some more amazing attractions!
What's Included
- Interpretative Guide along the walk
- Lunch
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tickets to the Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca Bridge
- All fees and/or taxes
- Photo Report
Additional Information
Start your adventure from Porto with comfortable transportation to Arouca. Begin the hike through old village paths. Prepare for the most exciting 516 meters of your life on the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension pedestrian bridges in the world. Be suspended by Tibetan-style steel cables in the sky, 175 meters above River Paiva and Aguieiras Waterfall.
Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an 8.7 km wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. See the famous zig-zag staircases, riparian forests, waterfalls, and cliffs of the gorge. Halfway through, take a break at Vau River Beach.
Finally, treat yourself to a Board of Typical Portuguese Charcuterie and Cheese (or only Cheese, if you prefer) and a drink. Then you can choose between Arouquesa Steak Sandwish or Arouquesa Beef Hamburger, Veggie Burger or Tuna Sandwich, all accompanied by crispy french fries (included in the option “With Lunch”). For dessert, taste some ancient conventual pastry.
- Pessoas com mobilididade reduzida
- Crianças com menos de 6 anos
Location
Statue of Vímara Peres
Calçada de Vandoma
In the Option that doesnt include Pick-up and Drop-off at the Hotel, the meeting point will be in this location, Vimara Peres Statue (Terreiro da Sé). Your driver will be holding a white plate with the "JUST COME" logo.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(24 Ratings)
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Martin
Aug 24, 2024
A truly memorable day - There is so much to say about this day. The bridge is quite an experience, especially if you are technically minded or have an engineering background. The bridge crossing and walk was professionally guided by Ines who was very knowledgeable giving the right safety guidance and very informative about the bridge & valley but in a humorous way at times. We were collected and driven by Sergio who is true very likeable, very kind and really great man. He really engages with people, doesn't speak the best English but he is learning it, uses Google translate and is always apologetic about it, but let's be fair Sergio's English is far far better than my Portuguese, I should be apologetic. Sergio has great local knowledge, took us for convent cakes and drinks on the way back, took us into the monastery church opposite and takes group photos. This day will never be forgotten. Thank you Ines & Sergio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Slicedc
Aug 16, 2024
Highly recommended experience - We enjoy a new and exciting experience throughout a day in which we receive all the attentions to enjoy the day fully. Our Guide - Agnes - showed great knowledge and sympathy that made our experience even more rewarding.
The driver, Pedro, was very close in the deal, always trying to please us as much as possible.
The experience itself was stunning on the bridge course, while the scenery gave us spectacular views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_r
Aug 11, 2024
Great family outing! - Inez was a great guide! She took wonderful care of us and we are so grateful for the help she provided.
Review provided by Viator
Anonymousone1111
Aug 6, 2024
Joao Silva is the Best guide - The views were truly amazing and Joao, our guide, made it the best trip. He was caring and understanding. In addition, he used his biology degree to provide some exacting facts about the plants in the area.
Further, my wife had trouble walking, he arranged for a jeep to pick us up midway. Custer service at its best. Thanks Joao Silva.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stefan_h
Jul 16, 2024
Unforgettable experience and very nice and prepared guides - Hi, this is a tour worth your money and time José, the driving guide is a very nice guide and human being and it has been a pleasure meeting him. The tour is very well organized, with a specialized guide, from the area, that walks you through Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways.
There is a lot to walk, so be prepared, especially if the day is sunny, but it's beautiful and the walk is not hard, just long.
The local guide, Alvaro, that does the Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways is very well prepared with knowledge about the UNESCO protected area, and history of the place. Make sure you stay close to him to get the good info.
Also, there is one more guide, brazilian, that helped with making sure the tour participants, us, have everything they need.
Overall, a prepared and nice team, you will absolutely enjoy the day and the nature!
Review provided by Viator
Martin_g
Jun 11, 2024
Solo walk - Really nice and relaxing day out, definitely recommend this tour. Don't forget to treat yourself to well deserved beer and traditional steak sandwich at Bar Recanto Do Paiva
Review provided by Viator
Heikel800
May 30, 2024
very nice - A great hike with great views and a bit of adrenaline. The bridges are spectacular, great plants along the way, cork trees and much more.
It's totally worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Russell_s
May 30, 2024
Fantastic! - Our driver was very knowledgeable and managed our excursion perfectly. The views were stunning. We loved all the stops, breaks and meals. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Climber733273
May 29, 2024
Awesome Experience - I highly recommend booking this. The whole day was fantastic and well organized. The walking and driving guides were fantastic, energetic, and knowledgeable. The suspension bridge and walking trail was truly memorable. The additional stops for lunch and sweets were great. It is a full day and there is lots of walking/stairs (going down mostly). We totaled about 5.5 miles. Again great excursion and good value. Enjoy your trip!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garygj1097af
May 25, 2024
Escape the city! - The whole experience was great!
Ines is a great guide. Her English is very good and she is very knowledgeable regarding the area and culture. She’s very friendly and didn’t mind taking as many photos of us as we wanted! I definitely recommend her! Snacks were good, lunch was great. The whole experience was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
