The 10 Best Tours in Arouca, Northern Portugal

Spend your day of adventure filled with epic canyoning, stunning waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Test your courageous spirit and dare to jump from canyons and swim through narrow passages. Top it off with a traditional picnic treat.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Personal Expenses

The 8 km route of the Paiva Walkways crosses what has always been one the most remote and inhospitable areas of the valley, the Paiva´s Gorge. Guardian of a singular Biodiversity, this enchanted valley still hides many stories related to its geological formation and the geographical importance that it had in the human occupation of this territory throughout the times. In this tour, we propose a true "journey" in time and in the surrounding landscape. Our local guides, with adequate training, will make you understand the landscape that surrounds you in terms of Biodiversity, Geodiversity, Archeology, Historical-Cultural Aspects and White Water Sports. Since your comfort is important to us, our Walking Tour on the Paiva Walkways includes a picnic with local products, water, juices and a hot drink on cooler days.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide along the walk., Photo Report , Personal Accident Insurance, Ticket to the Paiva Walkways , Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request., Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request.

A jeep tour through the Plateau of Freita Mountain, by road and with some off-road experiences in a route that links some of the main places of interest of the Arouca Geopark. In this tour you will have the opportunity to visit some archaeological sites such as "Portela da Anta" and "Calçada Romana", to visit and understand some geological phenomenons such as "Birth giving Stones", "Giant Potholes", "Bread Rocks" and "Frecha da Mizarela "(The highest waterfall in mainland Portugal!) and to enjoy unique panoramas from the view point of "Detrelo da Malhada" or the tower of the Serra da Freita Weather Radar, from where you can observe the most important mountains of the center and north of Portugal and even see the ocean!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide , Photo Report , Personal Accident Insurance, Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

A Jeep scenic drive alongside mountain roads and the steep slopes of the Arada Mountain Range, including the once-feared "Portal do Inferno" (Hell's Gate) road. On a visit to the village of Refoufe (and Rio de Frades on the Day Tour) we will travel back in time, to a period when these mountains witnessed unpredictable moments of human auspices, due to the mining exploitation of both "German" and "Allied" Forces during the last century two World Wars. An incursion into the magical village of Drave. Deserted, uninhabited and isolated in a deep and almost inaccessible valley (can only be accessed by Jeep or foot), this schist village owns an inspiring beauty that will make you reflect on the simplicity and difficulties of rural Man's life in times past.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide, Photo Report, Personal Accident Insurance, Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request., Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request.

Cano-Rafting is a river descent in 2 or 3 seat inflatable canoes that allow you to navigate the rapids of the Paiva River in the summer, even with low flow conditions. After a technical and safety briefing by our team of guides, it is time to get into the water and down the river. Here, it is you and the crew of the canoe, that navigate down the river, under the accompaniment and instructions of the experienced guides. In cano-rafting, discovery and fun are the motto! After each rapid, where you can put your skills as navigators into action, you can expect other moments of relaxation and fun, in which the serenity of the Paiva’s valley landscape is interrupted by the euphoria of the jumps into the water and many other moments of joy... A funny nature experience, to be lived with family or friends!

Inclusions: Snacks, All the necessary equipment, Experienced and Certified Guides, Bottled water, Personal Accident Insurance, All Fees and Taxes, Photo Report

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

Walking at more than 1000 meters of altitude by ancestral paths, on this tour you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the main geological phenomenons of the Arouca Geopark. Here, you will be amazed by the beauty of Frecha da Mizarela - the highest waterfall in mainland Portugal, you will understand the phenomenon of Pedras Parideiras (rocks that give birth) which is unique in the World, you will be amazed by the Biodiversity that the rugged relief of the mountain preserved until nowadays, and realize the historical importance of this place through the marks of the ancient human presence in this plateau. A truly mountainous walk, full of historical and landscaping experiences and nature.

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide, Photo Report, Personal Accident Insurance, Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

OUTCROP invites you to discover the beauty of the natural heritage of Serra da Freita through the watchful eye of a Geologist. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to adopt the recommendations of the Clean & Safe certification, which aim to minimize the risk to all participants. Being a personalized experience and carried out outdoors, it has, by itself, a lower associated risk. Between car and hiking routes, we will go through the granites and shales of Serra da Freita, between the villages of Albergaria da Serra, Merujal and Castanheira, and the springs of the Caima river. We will see breathtaking panoramic views of the central and northern regions of Portugal, which will allow us to know the geomorphology of this vast region. We will observe imposing waterfalls, rare nodules, "redoubled" folds, typical villages, ancestral practices and vestiges of ancient peoples, where geology is the vehicle to understand the whole landscape, or if we were not in the Arouca Geopark.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Geologist Guide, Sending photos, Differentiation of prices with the number of travelers

Exclusions: I recommend that each participant bring something to have a picnic in the middle of the experience., Other points of departure and transfers upon prior consultation., Mask (OUTCROP can also supply - plus 1 euro / unit)

The River Hike is a pedestrian walk where the trail is the bed of a river! Accompanied by an experienced guide and equipped with a neoprene suit, vest and helmet, you will feel confident to discover the best kept havens of the Arouca rivers! With no need to rope maneuvers or the need to overcome particularly difficult obstacles, this activity is accessible to everyone. Jumping into the water, natural slides, swimming in crystal clear lagoons and enjoying dream landscapes .... You can count on all of this and much more! Come and have fun with your friends and family!

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, All the necessary equipment, Experienced and Certified Guides, Personal Accident Insurance, Photo Report

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

Rafting is an Adventure Sport, consisting on descents of whitewater rivers in inflatable boats (Rafts) specially designed for this purpose. Under instructions and commands from an experienced and certified guide, the crew actively participate in the navigation of the Raft along the descent, trying to follow the best "lines" of the various rapids of the course. The Paiva River is considered the best Portuguese river for Rafting. The route, which is chosen according to the river flow, is of class III / IV on a scale of VI, which means that you can count on a lot of fun, with some moments of high emotions and the guarantee that your safety is above everything. Fun, good vibes and team spirit are part of the game. A unique adventure you don’t want to miss!

Inclusions: All the necessary equipment, Experienced and Certified Guides, Hot shower at the end of the activity, Personal Accident Insurance, Photo Report, Snack

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

Rafting is the descent of a river course, paddling in inflatable rafts, under the instructions and navigation of an experienced guide. The Paiva River is a very versatile river in terms of white water levels. There are sections suitable for those who are looking for more adrenaline and others who are much calmer and that allows a descent in a tour pace. Family Rafting is the ideal activity for those who are looking for a deep contact with nature without great emotions, as well as for families or groups that include children from 6 years of age. The moments of discovery and fun with your family in a natural environment so different from your daily life, will leave very positive memories and will be the reason for many smiles and laughs at home!

Inclusions: All the necessary equipment , Experienced Guides, Hot Shower at the end of the Activity , Personal Accident Insurance, Photo Report, Snacks

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request