Mining Villages & Drave

Explore the Mining Villages and the Mystical Village of Drave on an Unforgettable Jeep Tour!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the mountains of Arouca and uncover the history, nature, and mystery hidden within the Mining Villages and the Village of Drave, also known as “The Magic Village.”
Following a panoramic route along mountain roads and trails, your 4x4 Jeep will take you across the steep slopes of the Serra da Arada, including the famous — and once feared — “Portal do Inferno Road.”

This tour perfectly combines adventure, heritage, and emotion, allowing you to relive stories from another time while admiring breathtaking landscapes in the heart of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark.

For your comfort, we offer pick-up service from Porto or directly from your hotel in Arouca, subject to availability and additional cost. That way, you can focus solely on enjoying the experience while we take care of the logistics.

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What to Expect from Your Jeep Adventure

Join a guided tour that will take you through some of the most emblematic and authentic places in the region:

• Serra da Arada & Portal do Inferno – Impressive mountain roads with panoramic views over valleys and peaks that seem to touch the sky.
• Village of Regoufe – Known for its old tungsten mines, it was a hub of intense activity during the World Wars, when both “Germans” and “Allies” competed for the precious mineral.
• Village of Rio de Frades (included in the Day Tour) – A secluded valley with crystal-clear waters and mining ruins, where time seems to have stood still.
• Village of Drave – Abandoned and isolated in a deep valley, it’s one of the most magical places in Portugal. Accessible only on foot, you’ll walk with your guide to this schist village that inspires silence, reflection, and awe.

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Why Visit the Mining Villages and Drave?

This Jeep Tour is a true journey back in time.
The ancient mines of Regoufe and Rio de Frades tell stories of espionage, smuggling, and courage, while Drave represents the purity and simplicity of rural life, untouched by modernity.
Every curve of the road and every hidden village reveals a piece of Arouca’s soul — a region where nature and history intertwine in a truly unique way.

Perfect for those seeking adventure, culture, and unforgettable landscapes, this tour combines off-road excitement with moments of peace, discovery, and connection to the past.

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Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark – A Land of History and Nature

Located within the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, this tour explores one of the most remarkable areas of the region, where geology, mining heritage, and traditional villages coexist in perfect harmony.
Here, every rock, ruin, and trail tells a story about the deep relationship between humankind and the mountains.

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Your Jeep Tour Experience

Meet your guide in Arouca, where your adventure begins.
After a short introduction, set off in a 4x4 Jeep towards the mountains, exploring dirt tracks, hidden villages, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Stop for stunning photos;

• Hear fascinating stories about the mines and the people who worked there;

• Hike to Drave and soak in its mystical atmosphere;

• Enjoy a regional picnic with local products;

• And finish your experience with the famous Oven-Roasted Arouquesa Veal (if you choose the lunch option).

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What’s Included?

• ✔ Professional Guide – Expert in local history, culture, and nature.
• ✔ Picnic – Includes coffee, tea, juice, fresh fruit, homemade pastries, and a savory snack.
• ✔ Photo Report – Relive your adventure with high-quality photos.
• ✔ Lunch (if selected) – Enjoy traditional Oven-Roasted Arouquesa Veal.

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Pick-Up & Drop-Off Service

Meeting Point: Next to the Arouca Monastery

Staying near Arouca? We offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, subject to availability. This may affect the tour's start time - contact us for more details!

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Book Your Jeep Tour Now and Discover the Mining Villages and Drave – An Unforgettable Journey Through the Mountain Heart of Arouca!

Just Come!

RESERVAR AGORA