WildSoajo Trail

The WildSoajo Trail is a long-distance hike that runs through the entire mountainous complex of the Serra do Soajo, along paths and trails that have revitalized a mountain ecosystem, sometimes gentle, other times imposing and rugged. In the landscape, the efforts of the ancestors in conquering agricultural lands, which are so scarce in these parts, stand out. Examples of this are the thousands of terraces, which are particularly impressive in the parish of Sistelo. You will also see it in the extensive set of agro-pastoral infrastructures, such as corrals, enclosures, dwellings, ditches, cairns, fences, walkways, irrigation systems, threshing floors, and granaries.

Stage one begins as you leave the village of Soajo behind, heading towards the valley, bordered by granite walls covered by an oak forest. The Gerês region has a type of green that only exists here. From there, stage two takes you to where field horses run freely and mountain goats reign on the granite peaks. At this point, you’ve truly plunged into the heart of the Gerês National Park. By stage three, you will be in the heart of the Serra do Soajo, where nature and the tranquility of the mountains just smell like freedom. You will follow the cairns to find the trail, skirting Cachena cows and, in the distance, you will watch beautiful herds of Garrano horses. The wolves are here, too, and likely watching you hike, but you will never see them.

In the fourth stage of the trail, you will climb to what feels like heaven along the ancient pilgrim paths, to the slopes of Penameda. As the day progresses, you will follow the banks of the Peneda River and the Veiga River through an oak forest, pastures, and winter pastures, on ancestral paths. Finally, on the fifth day, you will pass by the waters of the Lindoso reservoir and the refreshing lagoons. You’ll have a chance to say a final goodbye to the grandeur of the mountains, with the reward of spectacular views, before you eventually return to the village of Soajo.

The WildSoajo runs through distinct habitats that shelter a great variety of plants, such as Galician-Portuguese oak forests, riparian forests, natural mountain meadows, scrubland, and meadows. In this region, there is also one of the most emblematic species of Portuguese fauna, the Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus). The geological richness is very much present, where the Upper Valley of the Vez River, a glacial valley, and the granite massif of Peneda stand out. The historical and anthropological importance of this crossing is consistently present as you pass through the community villages and their respective mountain pastures, showing off a unique art and wisdom of survival in mountain territories.

The best time to hike WildSoajo is from late spring, in May, until mid-October. These periods are recommended due to the mild weather conditions, which make hiking along the Minho highlands more pleasant. Note that the climate above 1000 meters above sea level can change rapidly, and that it is a rainy region. Even in summer, there is a high probability of heavy rain and sudden drops in temperature, therefore the trail is not recommended during winter.

You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for the uneven paths and sometimes loose rock trails on mountain cliffs. Also, remember that the weather in the region is unpredictable, so it’s important to wear layered clothing to adapt to sudden changes from rain to sun. A good waterproof jacket is essential. We recommend carrying at least 1.5 liters of water and enough food for the day. For your safety and peace of mind during the hike, it will be helpful to have the GPX file installed on your navigation device.

The weather in the high mountains can change very quickly, which means you need to have the right equipment and a defined plan. Bring clothes that can withstand different weather conditions, from cold to rain and wind. You’ll want solutions that keep you comfortable. We have a list of gear for long-distance trails here.

The WildSoajo trail is considered moderately difficult, where the level of technical difficulty and physical requirements increase as the route progresses. Passages above 1000 meters and rugged mountainous terrain require good physical preparation and experience in mountain conditions, but it is not difficult from a technical point of view.

Considering the large variations in altitude and steep climbs, this trail can be quite challenging. Stages 3 and 4, in particular, are at high altitude, and some paths have loose or slippery rocks, which can be tricky at times. Additionally, navigation can be difficult if the trail markers have been blown away by the wind, so downloading the GPX and bringing a guidebook can be helpful. Nonetheless, this trail is considered moderately difficult, as it has pleasant temperatures during the warmer months (between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius). However, it is important to keep in mind that in locations above 1000 meters altitude, the temperature can drop significantly if weather conditions combine with wind or rain. Always check the weather forecast before starting the trail.