Guarda - Mondego Walkways: ancestral stories, walking tour.
ID: GYG519243-908466
Category:
Country: Cuba
Duration:
06:00 hours
Description
Immerse yourself in an incredible natural landscape that camouflages a recent past. Listen to their stories and enjoy the adventure and excitement of the Mondego Walkways.
Itinerary:
Start your journey at the “Caldeirão” Dam Car Park.
Climb to the top of the “Mocho Real” Viewpoint to be dazzled by the view of the surrounding landscape... The adventure has begun! A great challenge awaits! ... about five hundred wooden steps... always going down! On the descent into the depths of the Mondego Valley, enjoy the imposing “Caldeirão” waterfall, which reveals its rare beauty. Then, cross the ancient Roman bridge of the "Mizarela" and observe the natural sculptures left by the waters. Follow the trail past old wool yarn and fabric factories and learn how the traditional Papa's Blanket was woven and used. Get to know the oldest electricity factory in the City of Guarda – the “Pateiro” Hydroelectric Power Plant and the ingenious solutions that allow to move its turbines. Learn the stories of the exploitation of black gold that allowed us to feed several families during World War II.
Enjoy a pleasant snack with traditional products handmade by locals without dyes or preservatives, recognized as EcoFood by the UNESCO World "Estrela" Geopark.
Already refreshed, dare to cross some breathtaking suspension bridges. At the end of this route, enjoy the stories of the ancestral flour mills that are housed in the “Moinhos” stream, a tributary of the “Mondego” River.
Finish the route at the “Videmonte” car park, where you can take a taxi that will take you back to the “Caldeirão” Dam, the starting point of this adventure.
On warm days you can enjoy a refreshing bath in the calm waters of the largest river 100% Portuguese. Don't forget to bring your suit and bath towel.
Total distance of the route: 12 Km, one-way
Accumulated slope: 600 m;
Difficulty: Moderate (level 2/3 of 5 - MIDE);
Highlights
- Find a nature in its natural state.
- Be transported back to the nineteenth century as you stroll along the river.
- Enjoy the adventure to get to know some traditional sweets handmade by locals.
- Meet the traditional "Papa” Blanket.
- Learn the workings of the "Water Wheels," which powered mills and looms.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Optional use of walking sticks.
This tour will take place with sun or moderate rain.
There are toilets along the route.
Your guide will be in the car park next to the entrance to the Mondego Walkways of the Caldeirão Dam, with an orange umbrella.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
