The visit to Gerês National Park is almost mandatory for travellers in Porto.
The only question is in which way -on your own or with a local guide?
First of all, remember that Sergio and I (company owners) are passionate travellers of natural places all around the world. Every traveller will be tempted to explore places by themselves; always looking for their own time management and freedom to choose where they want to go. One of the main reasons that made us start this company was the certainty that going to Gerês with a local guide would always be the best option for any traveller. Do you know why? Have a look:
1. Make the most of your time on your trip to Porto
When we are travelling, time seems too little for all we want to do. So, if you decide to visit it on your own, you will lose time with:
- All the journey logistics and planning (car rental or bus trip, etc.);
- Finding the spots of the waterfalls and lagoons;
- Finding a place to eat;
- Finding information on the places you want to visit;
- And many other time consuming reasons
2. Only a clear mind with no concern will be capable to absorb all the natural surroundings of Gerês
We are so used to be constantly worried about something, that it will be in fact strange to “turn-off” the button. However, the nature in Gerês is so expressive and dense that you are not able to absorb everything completely when you are worried with, either the safety of your car, or where you are going next.
The challenge of “turning-off” the button may be bigger than crossing the Gerês on your own.
3. Silence is part of our tour
We want to be on our own without interference, stimulus or distractions.
Therefore we want to go alone into nature or at least with someone very close to us.
Well, we, as company owners, as well as our guides feel the same.
Therefore, our 10 hour trip will always have enough moments to be on our own, being this also the reason why our tours don’t have more than 8 participants.
4. Safety Counts
5. Our local nature guides are special
The best thing in travelling are the people we meet during the journey… and we can guarantee you that our guides are worth to know!
However, being nice is not enough to be a guide for a full day in Gerês. Therefore we offer continuous internal training for our guide staff and every year we recycle knowledge and training on the following:
- Flora and fauna of Gerês;
- First aid;
- Evacuation procedures;
- Dangers and safety procedures in mountain terrains;
- Special cares to reduce the effects of human presence on nature, etc.
After reading these five reasons for visiting Gerês with a local guide, we can give you 50 other reasons, you may still want to do it on your own.
Independently from what you decide, don’t let Gerês out of your trip plans when coming to Oporto. If you choose our services, we guarantee you that we will treat you, nature travellers, with the same respect and attention as we like to be treated when travelling. Just come… you definitely won’t regret it!
We are waiting for you!
See you soon at one of our tours
Author: Carla Couto
(Oporto Adventure Tours owner)