Adventure travel is so not my thing. I expected my trip around Portugal to involve vinho verde, port wine tastings and lots of good food and while I did experience that, I also found myself taking part in (but mostly watching) adventure sports.
I’m not even sure how I got roped into doing it but before I knew it I found myself looking down the steep hillside as I was strapped into a harness and given safety instructions.
It seemed like everyone was nervous about doing it except me. I think it was because I didn’t plan on actually going through with it but then it just kind of happened. I was strapped in ready to go zip lining for the first time.
Before I had time to think about it I was zipping down the hill then coming to an unexpectedly violent stop at the end. It was all over before I knew and I think I actually enjoyed it!
The excitement must have gotten to my head because I then decided to tackle the pendulum, a free fall jump where you hang on to the end of a rope and then swing. Fun, right? Well, not so much. My fear of heights got the better of me and after getting my gear on and walking the plank, I then chickened out and turned back.
Others in my group pushed through the fear though and loved it in the end. Backpacker Steve was the first to go, looking only slightly petrified.
Bianca very elegantly took the jump and it was seeing her do it that made me think I could too. I was wrong.
After that I’d had enough and let the others continue to be brave without me. They took part in suspension bridge walking, caving and a few other activities. They all had a blast and even though I had fun zip lining I think my adventure travel days are already over.
How to Get There
Diverlanhoso Adventure Park is a northern Portugal adventure park 35 minute drive from Braga. You really need a car to get there but it’s a good idea to rent one anyway for exploring the region.
Where to Stay
For my visit to the adventure park in northern Portugal I stayed in Braga at the Melia Braga Hotel. It’s a cool boutique hotel with a huge swimming pool which I unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to use. The Portuguese national football team were also staying at the hotel while we were there which seemed to impress everyone except soccer hating me. I should also thank the hotel for letting me have a late checkout so I could get some much needed recovery time!
