Overnight adventure - Rafting in Arouca Geopark

Let's go rafting in the Magic Mountains!

We're heading north with up to 10 adventurous crew members to Arouca Geopark, nestled within Portugal's famous Magic Mountains, for an unforgettable long weekend in and out of the water.

We will journey to Aveiro city for a stroll around town and lunch before heading into the geopark to walk the famous Passadiços do Paiva, including the new suspension bridge Arouca 516 - the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. We will spend the rest of the evening relaxing in our common space to have dinner together.

After breakfast the following morning, we have some time to play games and relax, getting to know each other better before our water adventure. We will head out to have lunch beside the river before we gear up for rafting. Accompanied by expert local guides, we will raft the river Paiva - the best and most diverse whitewater river in Portugal. The route includes up to 17 rapids and a few opportunities for several jumps into the river. Check out this video for a better idea of what to expect. We will spend the afternoon relaxing at our accommodation before a group barbecue.

After breakfast on our last day, we will hike into the hills for a fabulous view that includes the geosite of S. Pedro Velho, the oceanic coast of the Ria de Aveiro, the mountains of Gerês and Larouco, and all the way to Porto - practically half of Portugal. We will have lunch at a local restaurant before we head back to Lisbon.

Itinerary (changes possible):
Saturday, October 3rd
08:00 Depart Lisbon
11:00 Aveiro city
13:00 Lunch*
17:00 Passadiços do Paiva & Arouca 516
20:00 Group dinner

Sunday, October 4th
08:00 Breakfast
10:00 Relax
13:00 Lunch*
14:30 Rafting
20:00 Group dinner

Monday, October 5th
08:00 Breakfast
10:00 Hiking
14:00 Lunch*
19:00 Return to Lisbon

What's included:

• Organization and reservations
• Transportation to and from all destinations on the itinerary (incl. bus tickets, car rental, driver, gas, and tolls)
• 2 nights in shared accommodation with a common space
• Fee for Passadicos do Paiva and Arouca 516 bridge
• Fee and equipment for rafting (expert guides, wetsuit, dry bags, helmet, life jacket, harness, accident insurance, etc.)
• Dinner on Saturday
• Breakfast on Sunday
• Dinner on Sunday
• Breakfast on Monday
• Bottled water throughout the weekend

What's not included:

• Lunch* on Saturday
• Lunch* on Sunday
• Lunch* on Monday
• Snacks
• (Alcoholic) Drinks

Price: €220 per person. To reserve your spot and facilitate organization, please send at least 50% of your payment, including your name, via Revolut (@maaadison) or MBWay (926105878) within 48 hours of joining this event - otherwise, you will be moved to the waitlist. The remaining balance is due by Sunday, September 13th.

First come, first served!

After you have pre-paid, you will be invited to the WhatsApp community to better organize details and share pictures etc. throughout the trip.

The minimum number of participants for this event is 5; the maximum is 10. Refunds will be issued if the minimum is not reached and for cancellations made 2 weeks or more in advance.

What to bring:

• Swimsuit + towel
• Water shoes or old sneakers (not neoprene, not sandals!)
• Hiking shoes/boots
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Personal hygiene items + sunscreen
• Sturdy water bottle

Safety is taken very seriously and there will be certified monitors guiding us throughout the rafting activity. All participants must be able to swim. At least a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

See you there!

Please note that Lisbon Kayak Crew is not liable for any damages or injuries incurred during this event. Please evaluate your own health and physical state and participate at your own risk.