The Garganta do Paiva corresponds to a segment of the Paiva river where its bed becomes narrower and extends from the Alvarenga bridge (G36) to Vau (G30). This bridge, dated from the 18th century, was built by the decision of the Lamego’s bishop (D. João), and it was concluded in 1791 by D. Maria I. It is composed by three arches, where the main of them is seven meters wide. Over this bridge, it is possible to observe the sinuous fitting of the Paiva river, as well as the valley surrounding it. This narrowing is due to a bigger resistance of the Alvarenga’s granite to the weathering and erosion, when compared to the involving rocks.
Actually, during the path designated as “throat”, the Paiva river runs across the Alvarenga’s granite, limited outcrop, that for being harder than the other rocks, namely the schist, it makes the river erosion difficult, resulting in a narrower and steeper bed. This geological phenomenon is called differential erosion. This path is also characterized by the existence of giant’s kettles and the amazing Aguieiras Waterfall. This path of the Paiva river is also a classic of the white waters in Portugal, constituted by challenging rapids of class IV+ and V, on a scale from I to VI. The “Rápido Grande” (Big rapid) deserves a special mention (class VI+/V, on a scale from I to VI). It is a long and technical rapid, being the scenario for the amazing proof of Extreme Kayak of the Paiva fest, happening every year around the April 25 holiday.
Location: Arouca
Actually, during the path designated as “throat”, the Paiva river runs across the Alvarenga’s granite, limited outcrop, that for being harder than the other rocks, namely the schist, it makes the river erosion difficult, resulting in a narrower and steeper bed. This geological phenomenon is called differential erosion. This path is also characterized by the existence of giant’s kettles and the amazing Aguieiras Waterfall. This path of the Paiva river is also a classic of the white waters in Portugal, constituted by challenging rapids of class IV+ and V, on a scale from I to VI. The “Rápido Grande” (Big rapid) deserves a special mention (class VI+/V, on a scale from I to VI). It is a long and technical rapid, being the scenario for the amazing proof of Extreme Kayak of the Paiva fest, happening every year around the April 25 holiday.
Location: Arouca
