Espichel Cape: Uncover Dinosaur Footprints on a Jurassic Hiking Adventure
4.9
39 Ratings
Lisboa
Embark on a thrilling Jurassic hiking adventure at Espichel Cape and uncover the ancient dinosaur footprints. Explore the rugged cliffs and immerse yourself in the mysterious and isolated beauty of this unique location.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cabo Espichel - Embark on an exploration at the edge of the Jurassic cliffs on the enigmatic Cape Espichel, the second most westerly cape in Europe, and witness the remarkable dinosaur footprints.\n\nThese are ichnofossils, consisting of tracks made by sauropods and theropods roughly 150 million years ago.\n\nThis spot is both secluded and isolating, barren and rugged, with dense, wild vegetation that is nearly impenetrable to humans, and a stark dryness that renders the area uninhabitable. Yet, the location’s enigmatic and frontier-like qualities have drawn people to it.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Qualified guide
  • Transport by private vehicle
Additional Information

Explore the uniquely intriguing Espichel Cape, positioned on the edges of Jurassic cliff. Being the second most western cape of Europe, it proudly showcases the astonishing dinosaur footprints. These are ichnofossils from tracks left by saurops and theropods, approximately 150 million years ago. A place that distinctly combines isolation and insulation, barrenness and roughness where the lush, thriving wilderness of the mountain is virtually impenetrable by humans. The sheer aridity of the promontory renders it uninhabitable. Yet, its enigmatic and frontier-like nature has drawn people towards it.

Location
Hard Rock Cafe Lisboa
Avenida da Liberdade
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(39 Ratings)
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Tmmartin22
Mar 23, 2024
The Amazing Wild, Wild West - Andre showed us the Wild West and blew our minds. Must be experienced. Beauty to enlighten your senses, from the gorgeous wild flowers, the amazing cliffs and beautiful beaches. Words can’t do it justice. Andre, our guide, knows all the secret places. Although my husband and I hike regularly and generally do not hire a guide, we are extremely glad we went on this adventure with Andre. We would have missed a lot without him. We will book again with him on our next visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianarasmus
Nov 29, 2023
Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs - It's crazy to think that this gem of a landscape is only a short distance from Lisbon. The area is full of well-preserved culture from another time, and the nature itself makes it worth the trip. What a prospect! The highlight for us was of course the clear dinosaur footprints, which are immortalized in the rocks, and which we could get up close. A big thank you to our guide André for his knowledge and enthusiasm! There is no doubt that he is very passionate about nature and loves to share it with others. He also took a lot of good pictures of us while we were busy enjoying the experience. If you want to try something a little different from the usual tourist trips, we can highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
472vikkic
Oct 15, 2023
Fun in the countryside - We originally signed up for a tour to Espichel cape and several beaches, but the weather gods had other ideas. We were able to see Espichel cape and hike to see the dinosaur tracks. We then visited the chapel and castle grounds at Sesimbra before having an excellent lunch there. We then visited a tile factory before returning to our hotel in Lisbon. Our guide Andre was flexible and helped us make the best of the day. He is very knowledgeable about the countryside and on a nicer day we would love to do the beach tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebecca_s
Aug 10, 2023
Adventurous and stunning - We had a wonderful day with Andre. The hike had absolutely stunning views, and seeing fossilized dinosaur footprints was definitely unique and exciting. We then relaxed at the beach and swam, which was the perfect ending to the day. Andre was informative and considerate and helped us book fado for later in the night. We recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys hiking and wants to explore the more naturey side of Portugal!
Review provided by Viator
Jimby88
Jun 2, 2023
A journey in time - Magnificent and insightful trip to see the journey of the dinosaurs, some 220m years ago and we walked the same tracks. It was a wonderful day and I would recommend going, Andre was a delight and knowledgable tour guide. Thank you for the experience
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F2721ffnatashab
May 4, 2023
Best Dinosaur prints and nature tour! - Who knew you could see dinosaur footprints In Portugal? This tour not only took you to see the prints but we got to actually walk the steps of the prints! Definitely something I will never forget! Also, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the geography and wildlife!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris
May 4, 2023
Great hike and beautiful views! - We selected this tour to get out of Lisbon for the day and see the coastline of Portugal. Andre picked us up directly from our hotel and drive us out for a beautiful hike to see the footprints of dinosaurs! Along the way he spotted out some of the wild, naturally growing rosemary and other flowers. This was really fun! Thank you, Andre!
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Clairemh704ct
Apr 21, 2023
A magical day.... - From start to finish this was a truly magical day - a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The drive through the national park in an open top jeep was wonderful with beautiful flora and fauna. Cabo Espichel was wild and rugged and everything we love about the Atlantic coast. The piece de resistance was of course the dinosaur footprints. Our guide Andre was passionate and knowledgeable about the area and the footprints themselves. The walk to see the footprints is gentle on a well trodden path to a viewing platform. Huge thanks to Andre for sharing his love of this area and creating an unforgettable experience for us. Andre has that rare skill in a tour guide, the ability to be quiet and just allow his clients to enjoy the space! Much appreciated by us as Cabo Espichel and the presence of hundreds of dinosaur footprints approx 150 million years old, easily create their own narrative. We loved it and will always treasure this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claire_m
Apr 21, 2023
A magical day... - This was truly a magical day. From the moment we were picked up by Andre in his open top jeep and travelled across the Ponte 25 de Abril, until we were dropped off later that afternoon, we loved every second. Andre's passion for and knowledge of the beautiful Cabo Espichel and the incredible dinosaur footprints made this trip very special. Andre has that rare skill of knowing when to be quiet and allowing his clients just to enjoy the experience! The drive through the national park was stunning. Upon arrival, Andre first of all provides a guided tour of the pilgrimage site before allowing free time to enjoy the space. The first set of prints are on the cliff of this site but can only be seen from the opposite cliff, but as the prints are huge they are easily seen, including the prints of 3 juvenile Sauropods. It is also fascinating to learn that although the two separate sets of prints are only separated by 50 metres they are in fact separated by almost 50 million years! A short 15 minute walk to the opposite cliff (gradual descent) brings you to a viewing platform from which the tracks of the Theropods are easily seen. This is a gentle walk, not really challenging ( the terrain is rugged but it is a well worn path) as any of the uphill sections are no more than 10metres. Andre includes other attractions as part of this visit but in our opinion there is no need as this beautiful natural park and unique dinosaur footprints make for a fascinating and unforgettable half day trip from the hustle and bustle of the city. We are well travelled over many decades but if you love the great outdoors and the flora, fauna and history of any natural park then this is a trip not to be missed. Thanks to Andre for sharing his passion and providing a magnificent experience. We will treasure it always.
Review provided by Viator
Rob
Oct 5, 2023
Great views, interesting sites and a knowledgeable tour guide! This is a great trip. - We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Andre! Seeing the dinosaur footprints was a unique experience and the views of the coastline throughout the day were stunning! Andre was really personable and full of information about both the tour and local area. The restaurant we went to at the end of our trip was also excellent. Would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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