Ribeira das Quelhas: canyoning, Serra da Lousã near Coimbra

Imagine jumping into crystal-clear waterfalls, sliding down natural rock formations, and navigating through towering canyon walls—all in a safe, guided environment that makes adventure accessible for most. This is exactly what you’ll find at Ribeira das Quelhas, a scenic canyon located in Portugal’s Serra da Lousã. Offered by Get Out Experience, this 3-hour canyoning tour costs $85 per person and promises an adrenaline rush amid some of the most beautiful landscapes in central Portugal, just 2 hours from Lisbon and 1.5 hours from Porto.

What we love most about this experience is the friendly, professional guides who tailor every maneuver to your comfort, making sure everyone, from first-timers to those with some experience, can enjoy the fun without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the quality gear, including sturdy canyoning boots, ensures safety and comfort throughout the descent. The option to share stories over a post-adventure bite adds a human touch that turns a great outing into a memorable day.

A potential consideration is that the activity depends on weather conditions—so if rain has recently fallen, it’s best to check ahead. This tour suits adventure seekers, families, and nature lovers who want a taste of Portugal’s stunning landscapes with a splash of adrenaline, all while being well-supported by skilled guides.

Key Points

• Accessible Location: Just a short drive from Lisbon and Porto, making it an easy day trip.
• Professional Guides: Friendly, skilled guides ensure safety and a positive experience.
• All Equipment Included: Helmets, wetsuits, canyoning boots, and more, so you’re ready to go.
• Stunning Scenery: Towering rock walls, waterfalls, and natural lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop.
• Suitable for Beginners: Maneuvers are tailored to comfort, making it approachable for first-timers.
• Post-Activity Fun: Optional shared snacks or drinks to relax and recount the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Location and the Setting

Ribeira das Quelhas is set in the Serra da Lousã, a mountain range renowned for its scenic beauty and charming villages. The canyon itself features towering rock walls and waterfalls, which make it one of the most spectacular canyoning spots in central Portugal. This area is easily accessible—about 2 hours from Lisbon and 1.5 hours from Porto—making it an inviting escape for a day’s adventure.

The backdrop of lush greenery and rugged cliffs offers not only a thrilling activity but also an opportunity to connect with Portugal’s natural beauty. It’s one of those places where you’ll want to bring your camera, but also keep your focus on the experience.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour begins with a meeting point near Castanheira de Pêra at the Câmara Municipal. You’ll start your day with a briefing and equipment fitting—the guides are vigilant about safety and make sure everyone understands what’s ahead. You might have a quick coffee or tea (not included) to energize yourself before hitting the road for a 10 km drive to Coentral Grande, the starting point.

From there, you’ll walk about 10-15 minutes along scenic walkways—the Ribeira das Quelhas walkways—leading you close to the canyon’s entrance. This short stroll not only warms you up but also offers views of the river and surrounding cliffs, setting the stage for the adventure.

Once at the canyon, your guides will give a technical briefing on canyoning techniques and safety. This is especially helpful for those new to the sport, as the guides customize each maneuver to your comfort level, whether it’s abseiling, jumping, or sliding. The 650-meter descent takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, during which you’ll experience waterfalls, natural slides, and lagoons—each step a new thrill.

The activity concludes at a convenient exit near the parking area, making it easy to retrieve your vehicle. Afterward, you’re invited to share stories and photos—the guides often provide photos and videos of your adventure, as one reviewer noted, “Nuno kept us safe and also provided photos and videos.”

The Equipment and Safety

Included in the price is all the necessary gear—helmets, neoprene suits and socks, canyoning boots, harnesses, and backpacks. This ensures a safe and comfortable journey, even if you’re not used to water sports or outdoor adventures. The activity is insured for civil liability and personal accident, adding peace of mind.

The guides are certified, and their friendly, positive vibe helps to keep everyone relaxed and engaged. They’re skilled at adapting the difficulty of maneuvers, so even those who are a bit nervous can enjoy the experience without feeling pressured.

The Post-Adventure Experience

Once out of the canyon, many guests choose to relax with a meal or drink—a tradition that’s encouraged but not included in the price. It’s a great way to connect with fellow adventurers and reflect on the highlights of the day.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This canyoning adventure is perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a fun, active day outdoors. Thanks to the personalized approach of the guides, it’s accessible to beginners and those with some experience. If you’re craving stunning scenery, a moderate challenge, and a chance to disconnect from daily life, this tour ticks all those boxes.

What sets Ribeira das Quelhas apart is the combination of scenery, safety, and the personal touch. The towering rock walls and waterfalls create an almost otherworldly environment, making each jump or slide feel like an adventure from a movie. One reviewer mentioned, “With just our family of 4 with 2 kids of 10 and 12, we had a wonderful canyoning experience in beautiful surroundings with very professional and friendly guide Nuno.”

The quality gear and certified guides are critical in making this activity accessible and safe, even for those new to canyoning. The guides’ ability to tailor the experience ensures that everyone can enjoy the fun without feeling overwhelmed by technical demands. It’s the kind of tour where your adrenaline kicks in, but you always feel in capable hands.

The stunning landscape, combined with friendly guides and well-organized logistics, makes this an experience that’s both exciting and reassuring. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling challenge or just a beautiful day in nature, Ribeira das Quelhas offers a memorable outing.

The Value of the Tour

At $85 per person, this activity offers great value considering all equipment, guides, insurance, and photos are included. Compared to the cost of similar adventure sports, the quality and safety provided by Get Out Experience make it worth every penny. Plus, being able to share the experience with family or friends and keep photos/videos adds lasting memories.

Ribeira das Quelhas provides a fantastic introduction to canyoning for those curious about outdoor adventures, but it also impresses seasoned thrill-seekers with its breathtaking scenery and well-organized setup. The tour’s emphasis on safety, personalized guidance, and natural beauty makes it a standout choice for anyone wanting to combine adventure with Portugal’s stunning landscapes.

If you’re looking for an active day trip that balances adrenaline, scenery, and friendly company, this canyoning tour will serve you well. It’s especially ideal if you want to escape the city and explore Portugal’s rugged, water-carved landscapes in a safe, fun environment.

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation is not included. You will need to arrange your own travel to the meeting point near Castanheira de Pêra, but the meeting point is conveniently located for travelers coming from Lisbon or Porto.

What should I bring for the activity?
You should bring swimwear, a towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water. It’s also advisable to wear comfortable clothing underneath the wetsuit.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for children aged 4 ft 3 in (130 cm) and above, as long as they are comfortable in water and with physical activity. Always check with the guides beforehand about specific age and size restrictions.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Is the activity dependent on weather conditions?
Yes, weather conditions can influence whether the activity can go ahead safely. It’s best to check ahead of time if rain or storms are forecasted.

How long does the canyoning descent take?
The main descent lasts about 2 to 3 hours, covering approximately 650 meters of action-packed terrain.

What is included in the cost?
The price includes guides, all safety gear, insurance, and photos/videos of your adventure. Meals and transportation are not included.

To sum it up, Ribeira das Quelhas offers a well-organized, scenic, and safe canyoning experience that combines Portugal’s natural beauty with a good dose of adrenaline. It’s ideal for those wanting to get outdoors, challenge themselves a little, and enjoy some of the most stunning canyon landscapes in central Portugal. Whether traveling solo, with family, or friends, this tour promises a memorable adventure worth every euro.

You can check availability for your dates here: