Where Small Groups Create Big Stories
Travel is not about ticking places off a list. It’s about connection, understanding, and moments that stay with you long after you return home.
EcoTrilha Portugal Tours was created for travelers who want to truly experience Portugal — its people, food, landscapes, traditions, and rhythms of daily life — while traveling responsibly. Since 2013, we have specialized in small-group tours in Portugal designed for curious, active travelers who value depth over speed and authenticity over mass tourism.
We believe the most memorable journeys happen in small groups, where stories are shared, conversations flow naturally, and every traveler feels seen, heard, and supported.
Who Our Tours Are Designed For
Our tours are thoughtfully crafted for travelers who enjoy being active, engaged, and culturally curious.
Our small-group tours are ideal for:
✔ Active travelers who enjoy walking and exploring on foot
✔ Guests comfortable walking a few hours per day
✔ Culture, history, food, and wine lovers
✔ Travelers who value personal guidance and a relaxed pace
✔ Visitors seeking authentic, meaningful experiences rather than rushed itineraries
Many of our guests travel solo, as couples, or with friends, and appreciate the confidence and comfort that comes from traveling with an experienced local guide.
Personally Guided Tours – Honest Advice Before You Book
One of the things that makes EcoTrilha unique is our personal approach.
I personally guide many of our tours. If you have any doubts about your fitness level, walking pace, or whether a specific tour is right for you, I invite you to email me before booking.
I believe in honest guidance, not hard selling. My goal is to ensure that every traveler joins a tour that truly suits their expectations, abilities, and travel style. This transparency is one of the reasons our guests consistently leave excellent reviews and recommend EcoTrilha to friends and family.
Our Story: Why EcoTrilha Exists
EcoTrilha was born from a personal dream and a deep respect for Portugal’s cultural and natural heritage.
The name EcoTrilha comes from the Portuguese words “eco” (ecology) and “trilha” (path or trail). It was inspired by a dream shared by my mother — a vision of travel that respects nature, values people, and leaves a positive impact wherever it goes.
While the name translates loosely to “ecological paths,” our mission goes far beyond walking. EcoTrilha represents a way of traveling — slower, more conscious, and deeply connected to local communities.
From the beginning, our focus has been clear: to create eco-friendly tours in Portugal that celebrate local traditions, protect cultural heritage, and support small businesses.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel in Portugal
At EcoTrilha, sustainability is not a trend — it is part of our daily decision-making.
We practice responsible tourism by:
- Supporting local guides, family-run hotels, wineries, and restaurants
- Promoting regional products and traditional gastronomy
- Designing itineraries that avoid overtourism hotspots when possible
- Encouraging respectful cultural exchange between travelers and locals
- Keeping groups small to reduce environmental and social impact
Many of our tours take place in rural Portugal, national parks, historic villages, and lesser-known regions where tourism directly benefits the local economy.
When you travel with EcoTrilha, you are not just visiting Portugal — you are contributing to its preservation.
Authentic Experiences That Engage All Your Senses
Our Portugal tours are immersive by design.
We believe travel should stimulate all the senses:
- Taste traditional Portuguese cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Hear regional music and local stories shared by residents
- See breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and hidden gems
- Feel the rhythm of Portuguese daily life through meaningful interactions
From wine tastings in the Douro Valley, to cooking classes with local chefs, to walking tours through historic cities like Lisbon, Braga, Porto, and Guimarães, every experience is carefully curated to feel genuine and unhurried.
Why Choose EcoTrilha Portugal Tours
There are many travel companies in Portugal — but our travelers choose EcoTrilha because of how we travel.
What Sets Us Apart:
✔ Small Group Tours
Maximum comfort, flexibility, and personal attention.
✔ Expert Local Knowledge
Tours designed and guided by professionals who live in Portugal and know it deeply.
✔ Personalized Itineraries
We customize tours for groups of two or more, adapting routes, pacing, and themes to your interests.
✔ Cultural & Culinary Focus
Food, wine, history, and local traditions are central to every journey.
✔ Carefully Selected Accommodations
Comfortable, well-located hotels that enhance your experience.
✔ Easy Online Booking
Simple and secure booking for Portugal vacation packages.
Our goal is simple: to deliver fabulous trips that feel personal, enriching, and unforgettable.
Destinations We Explore Across Portugal
Our small-group Portugal tours include some of the country’s most culturally rich and scenic destinations:
- Lisbon & Sintra
- Porto & the Douro Valley
- Braga & Fatima
- Óbidos & Nazaré
- Arcos de Valdevez & Northern Portugal villages
We also design custom itineraries that include lesser-known towns and rural areas, offering travelers a deeper look into Portugal beyond the typical tourist routes.
Community Engagement: Giving Back to Portugal
EcoTrilha’s commitment goes beyond travel planning.
We actively collaborate with local communities, artisans, farmers, and family-run businesses to ensure tourism remains a positive force.
By choosing small group tours, our travelers help:
- Preserve traditional crafts and gastronomy
- Support regional economies
- Promote sustainable tourism practices
- Protect cultural and natural heritage
Every journey is designed to be meaningful — for both the traveler and the community.
Meet Cris Fonte – Founder & Tour Manager
EcoTrilha Portugal Tours was founded by Cris Fonte, a tourism professional with more than two decades of experience in the industry.
After earning a degree in Tourism in Viana do Castelo, Cris began her career in 2004, working in hospitality and adventure tourism. Her professional path includes roles in boutique hotels, outdoor adventure companies, and international travel agencies based in Porto.
In 2012, driven by a desire to showcase the authentic side of Portugal — especially the north — she founded EcoTrilha as a Destination Management Company (DMC) focused on small-group, culturally immersive tours.
Cris personally designs and often guides the tours, bringing insider knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail to every itinerary.
Her favorite place in Portugal is the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary in Braga, a place that reflects her love for nature, history, and quiet reflection. When she is not guiding tours, you’ll find her practicing yoga or pilates, walking by the sea, or enjoying traditional Portuguese dishes like alheira, duck rice, and codfish.
Travel Portugal the EcoTrilha Way
If you are looking for authentic Portugal tours, meaningful cultural experiences, and small groups guided by someone who truly cares, EcoTrilha is here to welcome you.
Join us and discover Portugal through local eyes — responsibly, personally, and unforgettable.
EcoTrilha Portugal Tours
Small groups. Real stories. Sustainable travel.
Cris Fonte - Founder & Manager
Having completed her education in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, she earned a degree in Tourism that paved the way for her journey in the vibrant industry. Commencing her career in 2004, she initially served as a receptionist at a quaint hotel, later transitioning to the role of an assistant manager at a rafting school in Portugal, specializing in adventure sports. Her most recent professional endeavor led her to an outgoing travel agency based in Porto, where she further honed her expertise.
In the year 2012, a pivotal moment prompted her to embark on a new venture. Fueled by a passion for showcasing the rich culture and natural beauty of northern Portugal, she decided to establish her own tour company, operating as a Destination Management Company (DMC). This entrepreneurial leap allowed her to curate experiences that highlighted the unique charm of the region.
Despite her extensive involvement in the tourism realm, she maintains a personal connection with her family’s homeland. Her most cherished attraction in Portugal is the park of Bom Jesus shrine in Braga. Furthermore, her gastronomic preferences reveal a deep appreciation for traditional Portuguese flavors, with favorites including Alheira (smoked Portuguese Jewish sausage), duck rice, and codfish.
Apart from her career and culinary endeavors, she discovers comfort and happiness in life’s uncomplicated delights. In times of relaxation, you may find her practicing pilates or yoga at the gym, or perhaps taking a leisurely walk along the beach?a clear expression of her connection to nature and the serenity it offers.
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Eco Trilha is an officially licensed Tour Operator by Turismo de Portugal (RNAVT 3766 & RNAAT 431/2022), its official tourist entity. Besides our official documents that prove our work as a competent Portuguese Tour Operator, you can check out our TripAdvisor profile. In this social network, our travelers usually write about their experiences in Portugal with us.
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- Meet Portuguese people and learn all about Portugal, its history, and culture.
- Explore Portugal’s most remote and beautiful places right away from the tourist trail.
- Relax within a safe, informal, friendly, and welcoming environment.
- Make the absolute most of their time on holiday.
- Keep group sizes small to give a more personal and flexible service.
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Eco Trilha – Viagens e Turismo, Lda, with tax residence in Rua Cónego Arlindo Ribeiro da Cunha No. 10 – 5th Dto Taxpayer No. PT 510453783, registered at CRC Braga, with RNAVT No. 3766 & RNAAT 431/2022 and Alvará IMTT n.º: 115369.