A national park for nature lovers and hikers
Drive into the steep valley full of eucalyptus trees to the village of Espiunca, a strenuous 1 hour drive. In town you find a new sanitary dumping station provided by the city council. A bit further along the riverbed there is a restaurant with a nice shaded terrace. At its parking lot, you can freshen up in the river or use their basic shower/toilet facilities.
The Paiva walkways (8km long) start across the road, pay the entrance fee or book in advance online for half the price. The walk is a nice wooden trail with the occasional steps to the river bank. Beware: keep some energy for the end – a 500-stairs flight takes you up to the road where jeep-taxis take you back to Espiunca.
Decide whether you want to cross the suspension bridge ‘516 Arouca' at the end of the trail, the longest in the world! It is not for the fainthearted because you walk for 516 meters on transparent grating!
Bring sufficient water and something to eat, the hike takes you between two and three hours and not all parts are shaded. There is a river beach halfway to cool off.
- 10 lots
- Open all year
- Free
Found on the spot
Amazing views
Cafe Bar
Countryside
Fishing
Free
Gray disposal
Hiking trails
Mountains
