Paiva Walkways Tour: Explore Alvarenga and Arouca Geopark from Porto
5.0
266 Ratings
Porto
Embark on a full-day tour from Porto to explore the stunning Alvarenga and Arouca Geopark. Walk along the Paiva River on the famous Paiva Walkways, indulge in the best meat in Portugal in Alvarenga, and savor local liquors. Upgrade to include lunch for a complete experience.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Passadiços do Paiva Trailhead (Areinho) - Prepare to be captivated by one of Europe’s most stunning riverside treks.

The Paiva Walkways trail meanders alongside the Paiva River for 8 kilometers, offering breathtaking vistas and a profound connection with the natural world.

Kick off your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup, followed by a 90-minute journey to the beginning of this magnificent trail.

Your dedicated guide will provide fascinating insights into Portuguese life, culture, and traditions, making the trip to the Paiva Walkways seem swift and enjoyable.

The riverside trek is rich with geological wonders, natural beauty, and archaeological sites, all set within the most picturesque landscapes.

Following the 3-hour trek, you’ll certainly be ready for a hearty meal!

And what better place to indulge in a sumptuous lunch than in this region?

Savor Portugal’s finest meats in Alvarenga, renowned for its “Posta Arouquesa,” a succulent grilled beef dish that will replenish your energy levels!

Conclude your day with a sampling of “Pinguça,” a distinguished Portuguese spirit.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate Portuguese nature and culinary experience!

Come along!

What's Included
  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
  • Local guide (If option Selected)
  • Typical Regional Lunch (if option selected)
  • Picnic lunch (if option selected)
  • Tasting of local liquor ‘Pinguça’ (if option selected)
What's Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge
Additional Information

Embark on this full-day excursion to the ‘Arouca Geopark’, nestled in a magnificent valley where the Paiva River meanders.

The objective of our journey is the Paiva Walkways, also known as Passadiços do Paiva, which trace the course of the river.

Upon reaching, you’ll be able to trek through an 8 Km trail that offers some of the most breathtaking views our nation has to offer!

After stimulating your senses in the morning with the hike, travel to Alvarenga, a quaint village renowned for serving the finest meat in Portugal!

Opt for an upgrade to relish a lunch that includes ‘Posta Arouquesa’, a delectable grilled beef dish that you can rate for yourself.

Conclude your tour with a tasting of ‘Pinguça’ (if option chosen), a native brand of spirits that will function as a delightful digestive.

  • A moderate amount of walking is involved (8Km)
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Climbing up and down many stairs is involved
Location
Porto
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(266 Ratings)
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Peterht102fr
Apr 30, 2024
Arouca 516 & Paiva walkaways - We experienced an outstanding trip to Arouca 516 and the Paiva Walkaways thanks to Teresa and her excellent skills to lead and motivate a group. Everything was very well organized (pick up / driving / meeting points during the walk / information /lunch). Crossing the bridge is a real experience and 100 % worth doing it. The walk along the river is beautiful (except some steps :-) and we really enjoyed it and learned a lot about fauna and history. Late lunch at a nearby restaurant was excellent (the wine as well). We were a group of 7 (8) (representing 4 (5) nations) which is the perfect size for such an adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
156winniev
Apr 17, 2024
Breathtaking nature; recommended! - Truly breathtaking Arouca and surroundings! Despite the bad weather it was fine to walk there. You may have to hold on a little tighter when you cross the suspension bridge and the wooden (sometimes slippery) paths, but it is wonderfully quiet. Our guide Petito was also beyond wonderful. He thought along with us in making choices, supported us when necessary at certain points and he has a healthy dose of humor that was much appreciated. The final lunch was a traditional Portuguese meal and very tasty. Very welcome even after having first done the climb with all those stairs and a total of about 10+ km of walking. At the end we also received a handmade gift from Petito. Definitely recommended if you are in the area! 🌿
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merav
Apr 14, 2024
Best experience - Joao was amazing guide! Thanks alot for ghe experience! The view in paiva walkway is breathtaking, i really recommend it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
92r_is_nd
Apr 8, 2024
Overall great excursion: well organised, with super guides and excellent scenery! - This was an excellent excursion. Our guides Teresa and João were fantastic! They were so friendly, shared interesting facts about the area, and were very entertaining. The excursion was well organised with pick up and drop off, the walkway was accessible for inexperienced hikers, the scenery was beautiful and the lunch afterwards was delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Baerbelo890
Mar 20, 2024
Absolutely recommended, pure nature - The tour was well organized. Everything worked excellently. The food was super tasty. The nature experiences cannot be put into words!! Unique! Creating a hiking trail like this is fantastic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariken_v
Mar 15, 2024
A worthwhile guided visit to a famous nature area not far from Porto. - Good fun in an amazing natural area not too far from Porto, on the first sunny day after a spell of rain in the area. I'm a hiker and I have a car but it was easier, in this case, not to have to make all the arrangements myself and be guided by three enthusiastic and knowledgeable young men, Mouro, Tiago and Renato. The lunch afterward was superb, a big meal of local cuisine and we had a nice group so it was a lovely, sociable, energizing day.
Review provided by Viator
Johann_w
Jan 13, 2024
Best break away from Porto - Anton was great company. The walk is a good work out, the 516 m bridge pretty anmazing and the lunch was top class. Most of the team snoozed on the way back!
Review provided by Viator
Richard_a
Jan 1, 2024
Highly recommended - Efficient service collecting us from a nearby point. Comfortable and clean accommodation with knowledgeable tour guide. Plenty of time to experience the walkway and learn about the region. Wonderful company and treats along the way. Highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
Robertobl1674ol
Dec 31, 2023
100% advisable excursion - Thanks to the magnificent guide Francisco we enjoyed an entertaining and fun excursion. The views from the bridge and along the route are definitely worth it and at the end of the tour they take you to a restaurant where the traditional food is great. Thanks for everything Fran.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neal_b
Nov 5, 2023
Fabulous Experience - Our guide Rui Maia was fantastic and made the day so memorable. A fabulous experience at times it took your breath away.
Review provided by Viator
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