CLIFFS, VIEWPOINTS AND VULTURES

What you can expect

We've selected two routes along the Douro International that, together, offer the greatest number of viewpoints and observation points overlooking the stunning cliffs. Viewpoints and promontories, in their natural state, sculpted exclusively by the hand of nature. At some of them, you'll feel a thrill.

Along ancient trails, abandoned by man and forgotten by time, in addition to the viewpoints and cliffs, we'll discover stories, legends, and find sites and attractions that emerge in the most unlikely places of this natural paradise.

Here, the hard part will be not spotting vultures. They only need to want to show themselves, and the spectacle in the skies is guaranteed.

Program

DAY 1

The meeting point is in the village of Peredo da Bemposta, Mogadouro.

We will follow the Trail of Legends where we will discover enigmatic crags (rocks), learn about the Legend of the Serpent and other stories that prove the ancient relationship between Portugal and Spain. Much of the route offers views of the cliffs of our Spanish neighbors, from which an imposing rocky promontory stands out, always visible on the horizon.

We will explore Pala dos Mouros, an ancient rock shelter, and finish in awe of the views at the Picões viewpoint.

Schedule – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Distance – 12 km

Accumulated elevation gain – 480 m

Difficulty level – Moderate, Level 2 of 4.

This hike is recommended for people with experience in hiking in nature and who are in good physical condition. The route, of medium distance, presents some accumulated elevation gain, some sections with steep slopes and uneven, sometimes rugged terrain, which requires moderate physical effort and stamina to walk for 2 to 4 hours.

DAY 2

The meeting point is in the village of Bruçó, Mogadouro.

In this parish, we find some of the most impressive cliffs in the entire Douro International region. Near the cliffs, the walk is slow, because the views require constant stops to contemplate the granite cliffs, which reach hundreds of meters in height.

Most of the route follows abandoned trails, old paths that served agriculture, smuggling, and ancestral peoples. Where, out of nowhere, in the most improbable and idyllic location, the building of the old Fiscal Guard Barracks appears, now abandoned, or even the Moorish Castle, an ancient Iron Age fortification.

Time – 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Distance – 11 km

Accumulated elevation gain – 475 m

Difficulty level – Moderate, Level 2 of 4.

This hike is recommended for people with experience in hiking in nature and who are in good physical condition. The route, of average distance, presents some accumulated elevation gain, some sections with steep slopes and uneven, sometimes rugged terrain, which requires moderate physical effort and stamina to walk for 2 to 4 hours.

Details

The program includes:

• Local guide.

• Refreshments, snack type (fruit, energy bar, sandwich or equivalent).

• Personal Accident Insurance.

• Civil Liability Insurance.

The program does not include:

• Water or other beverages.

• Transportation to the meeting point.

• Other items not described in the included items.

What to bring:

• Comfortable footwear.

• Clothing appropriate for the season.

• Water or a canteen.

• Snacks (optional).

Booking Conditions

Registration – To register for this program, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page. You will receive an automatic email with instructions to finalize your booking. You must fill out one form for each participant.

Pre-booking – After filling out the form and receiving the automatic email, please pay 50% of the total program cost. This is the only way to guarantee your place.

Booking – To complete your booking and participate in this program, please pay the remaining 50% up to 48 hours before the start of the program.

Proof of Payment – ​​To expedite the booking process, please email us your proof of payment.

Important Information

Minimum Number – This program will only be carried out with a minimum of 8 participants.

Schedule and Duration – The end time and duration of the activity are given only as an indication and approximately, always depending on several factors external to Explora Douro.

Difficulty Level – The classification of difficulty levels is always ambiguous and depends on several factors, especially the individual's perception of effort. All hiking programs require that the participant has experience and a history of hiking in nature and contact with natural spaces.

Age – The minimum age to participate in this program is 16 years.

Activity Duration: 2 days

Participants: 8 people (min)

Distance: 12 km / 11 km

Physical Effort: Medium

€50 [price per person]