Donkey Trekking Peneda Gerês National Park, Portugal

On our donkey trekking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal you explore the land of the Iberian wolves, deers and wild horses, many wildlife still live in the most remote areas of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Aside from the wild animals, domestic species such as cattle with long horns, goats and autochthonous sheep also inhabit the park and happen to be easily found. The history of the National Park is imprinted in the local heritage such as Lindoso castle, granaries, seasonal settlements, living testimony of human occupation over the years.

With its granite landscape, oak forests, traditional villages, streams and valleys, the Peneda Gerês National Park offers great scenery for nature lovers.

Book this tour and discover some of the most wonderful trails and picturesque villages within the park. 

• Recommended for children from 4 years old.
• Maximum weight per donkey: 40 kg.
  
  

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival in Parada, Peneda-Gerês National Park

Parada is a rural village which overlooks the Lima river and where the main attraction are the local lagoons and the old stone granaries where corn is stored.
Depending on your arrival time in Parada, you can explore the village – there is one restaurant.
If you arrive in the morning, you will have the possibility to spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at the local lagoons.
Your home for the next two nights is a beautiful converted farm house in Parada.
Overnight at a cottage in Parada

Day 2 – Loop around Parada village and watermills - 8 km

You will meet your donkey in the morning when we will show you how to treat and take care of him after which we will set off for a walk through the Parada village.
Following ancient paths created by the locals in order to reach the old mills we will visit some watermills in Parada. During this walking tour, we will meet the local community and learn about the local traditions associated with the mills as well as water management which is an essential resource for the local people.
Overnight at a cottage in Parada

Day 3 – From Parada to Lindoso, Peneda-Gerês National Park - 7 km

You follow ancient footpaths walking through oak forests and enjoy stunning views over Lima Valley. The hike ends at Lindoso.
For many centuries Lindoso played a key role in the defence of the Portuguese frontier. Its main attractions today are the old castle and the country’s largest collections of granaries (total of 54 granaries) standing around the communal threshing floor.
Overnight at Lindoso

Day 4 – Serra Amarela, land of wild horses and Iberian wolves - 8 km

Following the footsteps of shepherds and cattle towards the high pastures of Serra Amarela (Yellow Mountain), you will visit an area rich in wilderness. In Serra Amarela there are still living the last Iberian wolves in Portugal and the garrano wild horses, an endangered breed of horse from Northern Portugal.
During this walk you can admire beautiful views over Spain or see the wild horses as well as the wolf tracks.
Overnight at Lindoso

Day 5 - From Lindoso to Soajo, traditional villages and shepherd trails – 16 km

Leaving Lindoso in the morning you follow the footsteps of shepherds and cattle towards different villages inside the National Park. During this day, you go through terraced fields, oak forests and deep valleys and walking through the villages of Paradela and Cunhas you can learn about the inhabitants’ lifestyle.
Overnight at Soajo

Day 6 - Paths of bread and Paths of faith, Soajo – 5 km

You will meet your donkey in the morning when we will show you how to treat and take care of him after which we will set off for a walk through the Path of Bread and Faith.
Faith because it is one of the main pilgrimage routes to the Monastery of Senhora da Peneda and Bread because it leads to the local watermills.
We will walk through stony paths with deep grooves used by ox-drawn carts transporting first corn from the village to the watermills and then flour on the way back. The way starts and ends at your place of stay and after our walk you can spend the rest of the day at a hidden natural pool where you can swim and relax.
Overnight at Soajo

Day 7 – Departure.

After breakfast it will be time to say good bye to your donkey.

What´s included on self-guided program (without a guide)?

• Free transfer from Ponte da Barca or Arcos de Valdevez to Parada (day 1);
• 6 nights in local cottages in a double or twin private bedroom, private bathroom and fully equipped kitchen;
• All breakfasts;
• Briefing by a Descubra Minho tour leader (day 1);
• 5 days donkey rent - one donkey (more donkeys are available on request);
• Luggage transfers between hotels;
• Accommodation and food for the donkey;
• Saddle and saddle bag for donkey to carry your picnic;
• Rental Garmin GPS with tracks;
• Roadbook: information pack including maps, route notes and guidebook (available in german or english);
• Emergency support (24/7);
• Free transfer from Soajo to Arcos de Valdevez or Ponte da Barca.

Optional services:

• Transfer from Braga, Porto or other locations to Parada (day 1);
• Transfer from Soajo to Braga, Porto or other locations (day 7);
• Extra nights during the program;
• Guided donkey trekking: on request;
• Extra donkey: more donkeys are available on request and with an extra price.
  
  

Make An Enquiry

This trip can be enjoyed as shown, or made longer or shorter to suit you.

You can also do this trip without a donkey.

Please contact us for full details and to discuss your trip.