Gerês
Gerês
The Gerês Mountain Loop is an 8-day adventure designed to explore the magical, lesser-known trails of this mountain range and discover its sharp valleys and steep slopes, its wild and winding rivers, its abundant flora, and its people and animals.
This circular route begins and ends in the village of Campo do Gerês, from where we set off toward the top of the Gerês Mountains to complete the most iconic crossing of the National Park. From there, through mountains and waterfalls, valleys and dams, we pass through granite villages, immersing ourselves in the region’s traditional rural world. It’s from the village of Fafião that we dive once more into the highest and most remote peaks of this mountain range, finishing with a stop in the town of Vila do Gerês and the viewpoints that reveal the grandeur of the Caniçada reservoir.
This is not just a trekking adventure – it's a journey of connection with wild nature and the culture, people, and rhythms of the mountains; a full experience for nature lovers, explorers, and those seeking peace and tranquility in the mountains.
8 days and 7 nights
110 kilometers
290 €
6 - 12 people
Included
-
7 nights (Hotel, guesthouses, pousada) – shared room with bathroom basis
-
All breakfasts and on-the-go lunches
-
Luggage transfer during the trip
-
Transfer between accomodation and beginning/end of day trips (when needed)
-
Local Portuguese Tour leader (English/Spanish speaking),
-
Basic activity insurance during the trip
Not included
-
International flights
-
Activities and visits not mentioned in the program
-
Meals not mentioned in the Included list
-
Upgrade on the insurance
-
Personal expenses
Itinerary
Day 2 | Heading to Portela through the Enchanted Forest
We begin our adventure with a peaceful day of little difficulty. We left the village and walked towards the Homem River and its Vilarinho da Furna dam, named after the submerged village there, which now evokes memories of a rural past and the importance of preserving the history and identities of traditional communities.
We walk along the Roman Geira that passes through the Mata da Albergaria – the oak grove that gave rise to the area's total protection status and a true enchanted forest – and delve into the trail of its waterfalls and lakes until we reach the final destination of the day: the border line of Portela do Homem.
Distance: 12 km | D+: 280 m | D-: 170 m
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Accomodation: Pousada, Campo do Gerês
Day 2 | Heading to Portela through the Enchanted Forest
We begin our adventure with a peaceful day of little difficulty. We left the village and walked towards the Homem River and its Vilarinho da Furna dam, named after the submerged village there, which now evokes memories of a rural past and the importance of preserving the history and identities of traditional communities.
We walk along the Roman Geira that passes through the Mata da Albergaria – the oak grove that gave rise to the area's total protection status and a true enchanted forest – and delve into the trail of its waterfalls and lakes until we reach the final destination of the day: the border line of Portela do Homem.
Distance: 12 km | D+: 280 m | D-: 170 m
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Accomodation: Pousada, Campo do Gerês
Day 3 | The Classic: from Portela to Pitões
After a hearty breakfast, we set off to cross the heart of Gerês. Located in a fully protected area, this stage will require greater physical effort, but in return, we'll experience an authentic experience marked by natural beauty, the silence of the mountains, and the discreet but constant presence of the history and culture of the Gerês people.
This hike is as challenging as it is rewarding - reaching the village of Pitões das Júnias at an altitude of 1,100 meters is like stopping time - greeting the shepherds, sleeping in granite houses and enjoying a typical meal next to the mountains we just crossed.
Distance: 26 km | D+: 1,160 m | D-: 820 m
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Accomodation: Hotel, Pitões das Júnias
Day 4 | Through the highlands of Montalegre
Now in the highlands of Montalegre, without shaking off the feeling that you're lost on the map, we walk alongside the Paradela Dam with views of the imposing peaks of the Mountain range we left behind yesterday.
We arrive in Sirvozelo, where we enjoy the traditional rural life of the Barroso region and its natural surroundings. A short transfer takes us to our overnight stay, Cabril.
Distance: 20 kms | D+: 770 m | D-: 1,142 m
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Accomodation: Hotel, Cabril