Paiva‎ Walkways & 516 Arouca Suspension Brigde

The Guided Tour to the Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge will make you discover the hidden gems of this internationally awarded riverside hike. Our local guides with specific training, and fluent in English, will enrich your experience of visiting this nature sanctuary.

The Paiva Walkways

The Paiva Walkways are an 8.7 km wooden walkway that were built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. It's located in the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, which is in the north of Portugal, at 75 km southeast from Porto.  This amazing attraction, due to its impressive beauty, has been awarded for 10 times at the World Travel Awards contest.

The 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge

It is the longest suspension pedestrian bridge in the world, with 516 meters long and 175 meters high. Suspended on steel cables in a Tibetan style, the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge was a big Engineering challenge. This amazing structure connects both banks of the Paiva River Gorge, over the beautiful Aguieiras Waterfall.

The Guided Tour

The Paiva Walkways and 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge Tour will start at Areinho river beach with a safety briefing and a contextualization on Arouca Geopark and Paiva River valley. Then, we start the hike at each one´s pace until the other end, Espiunca, stopping at the most interesting points of the walk. We will cover topics such as: Biodiversity, Geological Phenomena, Archeology and Historical-Cultural aspects of this valley. Reaching the impressive 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, the crossing is optional, but highly recommended. You will have the feeling of walking in the air, as well as immersing yourself in an imposing landscape of wild and stunning nature. Moving on, along the Paiva Walkways, we will show you the best sceneries for your photos. Highlighting the famous zig-zag staircases, riparian forests, the idyllic waterfalls and the impressive cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. Our guides are young locals who enjoy what they do, that is, you can expect a relaxed and fun atmosphere! Halfway through, we will rest for a while at Vau River Beach, contemplating the landscape, while the guides prepare a pic-nic with homemade and traditional products, juice, tea, coffee and fresh fruits. On hot days, the river invites you to take a refreshing dip, so bring a swimsuit! From here to the end, the path is easier, but no less interesting. On this part, the wooden walkway goes closer to the river. Therefore, we can feel the strength of the rapids, along what is the best White Water Rafting course in Portugal.

We take care of everything!

Your comfort is a priority, so we want you to worry about nothing. Thus, this Tour includes: tickets for Paiva Walkways and 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge (even when they’re sold out), transfer between the two ends of the route in a convertible jeep, water, picnic and photo report.

Stay for lunch…

The Paiva Walkways & 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge Guided Tour can be combined with a typical gastronomy experience. So, upon request, we will make the reservation for you, in one of the best local specialty restaurants.

We can pick you up from Porto, or wherever you are…

We have hotel transfer service available. Please inquire to know more about: price, duration, schedule and any other information that depends on where is your accommodation.

Tips on what to see or what to do.

Your guide will be happy to help to suggest you the best spots to see or activities to do in the area. This region has many possibilities, and there’s no better adviser than a who knows the territory the best.