Nestled amidst the breathtaking Serra da Lousã near Coimbra, Ribeira das Quelhas offers a thrilling canyoning adventure. This 3-hour experience takes adventurers on a 650-meter descent, complete with abseiling, jumping, and sliding through stunning landscapes and waterfalls. Led by certified guides, participants get to enjoy high-quality gear and soak in the region’s natural beauty. But those seeking this adrenaline-filled challenge must meet certain safety requirements to take part.
Key Points

- Canyoning adventure at Ribeira das Quelhas in Serra da Lousã, near Coimbra, with a 3-hour duration and starting price of £62.88 per person.
- Scenic 10-15 minute walk to the canyoning starting point, followed by a 650-meter descent involving abseiling, jumping, and sliding.
- High-quality canyoning gear provided, and the activity is led by certified guides fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
- Canyoning may not be suitable for certain individuals, including children under 10, pregnant women, and those with mobility impairments or weighing over 264 lbs (120 kg).
- Recommended items to bring are swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water, while alcohol, drugs, and littering are prohibited.
Activity Overview

Canyoning at Ribeira das Quelhas, Serra da Lousã near Coimbra, offers an exhilarating outdoor experience.
This 3-hour activity is priced from £62.88 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests have the option to reserve now and pay later.
Accessible from Lisbon (2 hours) and Porto (1.5-2 hours), the activity features a scenic 10-15 minute walk to the canyoning starting point, followed by a 650-meter descent involving abseiling, jumping, and sliding.
Quality canyoning gear is provided, and certified guides fluent in multiple languages ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Looking for more options in Porto? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary

The adventure begins at the meeting point of Câmara Municipal de Castanheira de Pêra.
Guests will then drive 10 km to Coentral Grande for parking.
After a safety briefing and equipment distribution, the group will embark on a 10-15 minute walk along the scenic Ribeira das Quelhas to reach the canyoning starting point.
The descent down the 650-meter canyon, lasting 2-3 hours, involves abseiling, jumping, and sliding.
Descend a 650-meter canyon through abseiling, jumping, and sliding, a thrilling 2-3 hour adventure.
Guests will exit the river near the car park for easy retrieval of vehicles.
An optional post-adventure gathering at a local restaurant is available for an additional fee.
Highlights and Experience

Stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and adrenaline-filled activities await adventurers on this canyoning experience at Ribeira das Quelhas in Serra da Lousã.
Participants can expect tailored maneuvers for their comfort and enjoyment, with high-quality canyoning gear provided, including helmets, neoprene suits, boots, and harnesses.
The certified guides, fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, will lead the way, ensuring a safe and memorable journey.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding Serra da Lousã and Aldeias do Xisto region, making the most of this thrilling outdoor adventure.
Safety and Restrictions

While this canyoning adventure offers thrilling activities, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Canyoning adventures may thrill, but may not suit all due to inherent risks and restrictions.
There are a few restrictions in place to ensure the safety of participants. Specifically, the activity isn’t recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people over 264 lbs (120 kg), and those over 75 years old.
Plus, the activity may be dependent on weather conditions.
To have the best experience, participants should:
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Bring appropriate attire and gear
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Refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs
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Ensure they’re accompanied by adults if minors
What to Bring and Important Information

Participants should bring a few essential items for the canyoning adventure. Swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water are recommended to fully enjoy the experience. Alcohol, drugs, and littering are strictly prohibited. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to participate. Guides will be identifiable by their Get Out Experience dress code, so participants can easily recognize them.
| What to Bring | Prohibited Items | Participant Restrictions |
| — | — | — |
| Swimwear | Alcohol | Children under 10 |
| Towel | Drugs | Pregnant women |
| Snacks | Littering | Those with mobility impairments |
| Sunscreen | | Wheelchair users |
| Water | | People over 264 lbs (120 kg) |
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Meeting Point and Transportation
The meeting point for the canyoning adventure is at the Câmara Municipal de Castanheira de Pêra.
The canyoning adventure starts at the Câmara Municipal de Castanheira de Pêra, the meeting point for the activity.
From there, it’s a 10 km drive to the Coentral Grande parking area. The journey includes:
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Scenic views along the way
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Easy access to the starting point of the Ribeira das Quelhas canyoning route
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Convenient location for retrieving vehicles after the activity
Once at the parking area, the group will receive a safety briefing and equipment before embarking on the 10-15 minute walk to the canyoning starting point along the picturesque Ribeira das Quelhas.
Getting to Coentral Grande

From the meeting point at the Câmara Municipal de Castanheira de Pêra, it’s just a short 10 km drive to the Coentral Grande parking area.
The drive provides a scenic taste of the Serra da Lousã landscape before reaching the starting point.
Once parked, guests will gather for a safety briefing and to receive their canyoning equipment.
From the parking lot, it’s a 10-15 minute walk along the Ribeira das Quelhas to reach the canyoning entry point, where the exciting 650-meter descent will begin.
With vehicles conveniently located nearby, the adventure concludes with an easy exit from the river.
Post-Adventure Gathering

After an exhilarating canyoning adventure, participants have the option to join a post-activity gathering at a local restaurant.
For an additional fee, guests can:
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Unwind and share stories of their thrilling experience
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Savor regional cuisine and refreshing drinks
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Mingle with fellow adventurers and the canyoning guides
This is an excellent opportunity to relax, refuel, and reflect on the day’s excitement before heading back.
The post-adventure gathering allows participants to extend the adrenaline-filled experience and enjoy the local culture.
Since You Asked

Is Photography Equipment Allowed During the Canyoning Activity?
Photography equipment is allowed during the canyoning activity, but participants should be mindful of their safety and the equipment’s suitability for the rugged terrain and water conditions. Guides may provide guidance on appropriate camera gear and its use.
Can I Reschedule the Canyoning Activity for Another Date?
Yes, you can reschedule the canyoning activity. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available for rescheduling.
Are Wet Suits Provided or Do I Need to Bring My Own?
The activity provides neoprene suits, so there’s no need to bring your own. The provided gear includes a helmet, boots, harness, and wetsuit, ensuring you’re fully equipped for the canyoning adventure.
Can I Store My Belongings at the Meeting Point?
Yes, participants can store their belongings at the meeting point. The itinerary states there’s a 10-15 minute walk to the canyoning starting point, so leaving valuables at the meeting point is recommended for convenience and safekeeping.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Canyoning Activity?
Yes, there are age restrictions for the canyoning activity. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people over 264 lbs (120 kg), and those over 75 years old.
The Sum Up
Canyoning at Ribeira das Quelhas in the Serra da Lousã offers an exhilarating and scenic adventure. Participants can expect a thrilling descent filled with abseiling, jumping, and sliding, led by certified multilingual guides. Safety restrictions apply, making it ideal for adventurous individuals over 10 years old. Those seeking an adrenaline-filled outdoor experience will find it at this stunning location near Coimbra.
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