# Paçó Route

> This route grows out of the Rota da Barragem de Prada and takes it further. It is not only woodland and water; it is also the rural landscape of Montesinho: 19.4 kilometres and around 450 metres of cumulative ascent, with pastures, chestnut groves, flocks and two stone villages, Paçó and Prada. Compatible with Gravel.

URL: https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/en/percurso/rota-de-paco

- **Activity:** Mountain biking
- **Distance:** 19.8 km
- **Elevation gain:** 515 m
- **Elevation loss:** 518 m
- **Altitude:** 841–1088 m
- **Estimated time:** 2h
- **Technical difficulty:** Easy (blue)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_BTT02AZL
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/en/)
- **GPX:** https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/percurso/rota-de-paco/export-gpx

**The reservoir and the shepherds' villages**

This route grows out of the Rota da Barragem de Prada and takes it further. It is not only woodland and water; it is also the rural landscape of Montesinho: 19.4 kilometres and around 450 metres of cumulative ascent, with pastures, chestnut groves, flocks and two stone villages, Paçó and Prada. It is a blue route, of moderate difficulty, for those who want more than a first encounter with the area.

Encounters with flocks of sheep and their shepherds are not the exception; they are part of everyday life here, and one of the most authentic images of the Parque Natural de Montesinho.

**Start and finish at the Parque Biológico**

The route is circular and begins and ends at the entrance to the Parque Biológico de Vinhais. The first kilometres descend gently to 890 metres, at kilometre 2.5, before climbing towards the reservoir.

**Barragem de Prada**

At kilometre 7.3, the Barragem de Prada, with its expanse of water and the Charca do Vidoeiro nearby, is the first significant landmark of the day. As in the route from which this one originates, it is the water that guides the way, always among oak and chestnut trees.

**The high point above the vale de Dine**

Between kilometres 9 and 10.5 the route climbs around 80 metres to the highest point of the day, at 1,034 metres, and the landscape opens out over the vale de Dine, with Dine, Fresulfe and Santa Cruz in view. This is followed by the longest descent, around 160 metres over two kilometres, down to Paçó.

**Paçó**

Paçó is reached at kilometre 12.8, with a fountain, a café and, in the square beside the Igreja de Paçó, the Pelourinho, listed as a Public Interest Property, a reminder of a former municipality that was once headquartered here. It is the ideal stop to restore energy before the return leg.

**Prada**

Prada, at kilometre 15.9, is the second village — small and quiet, with stone houses and a café. Between Prada and the Parque Biológico the path climbs around 90 metres, the final ascent of the day, before closing the loop at 940 metres. Those looking for a shorter version of the same landscape will find the Rota da Barragem de Prada, a green route, starting from the same point.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Paçó Route route and how much climbing does it have?

19.8 km, with 515 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Paçó Route route take?

About 2h (estimated time).

### Is the Paçó Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is easy (blue). Physical effort: 2 out of 5.

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Paçó Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Paçó Route route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Paçó Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Paçó Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://rotasdosdiabos.pt/percurso/rota-de-paco/export-gpx.