From Porto: 516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways Guided Tour
Join a guided trip to the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge and Paiva Walkways from Porto. Discover one of the most impressive wild river gorges in the north of Portugal. Join a certified local guide in crossing the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge 175 meters above River Paiva. Your Tour starts in Porto City Center… Start your adventure from Porto with comfortable transportation to the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. Be driven by a professional, kind and knowledgeable driver for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, being half of it in high ways. On your arrival, meet your Tour Guide and prepare for the bridge crossing… After a welcome and safety briefing, get ready 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. Please note that the bridge crossing is not mandatory. If you want a more laid-back experience, be transferred to the other side of the bridge by a 4x4 to meet the rest of the group there. Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge… Attention: On the recent forest fires that have affected Portugal, a small portion of the Paiva Walkways was affected, meaning some small changes on the activity. After the bridge you will be transported to the Vau River Beach. There, you can take in the landscape while you can restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice and fresh fruits. From here to the end of the trail, get closer to the river. Along the Paiva Walkways, stop at scenic viewpoints to snap photos. See the riparian forests, waterfalls, and cliffs of the gorge and feel the strength of the rapids through their roaring sounds. After the hike, rest and relax at a beautiful Paiva River beach… We will be finishing our hike in Espiunca, a scenic riverside village with an amazing river beach. Here you will have the chance to have a cold drink and a snack at a Panoramic Riverside Terrace Bar, take a dip in the clear waters of Paiva River or just enjoy the peace and the landscape of this place. You'll be hungry, and we have something special for you! If you book your Tour with lunch included, we’ll serve you a Board of Typical Portuguese Charcuterie and Cheese (or only Cheese, if you prefer) and a drink or your desire (wine included). Then you can choose between Arouquesa Steak Sandwish or Arouquesa Beef Hamburger, Veggie Burger or Tuna Sandwich, all accompanied by crispy french fries. For desert, you'll taste some of the ancient Conventual Pastry, next to its origin, the Arouca's Santa Maria Monastery.