“Portela do Home/m” is the name given to the mountain port with 822 meters of altitude that forms the border between the countries of Spain and Portugal, separating the municipalities of Lobios (Ourense, Galicia) and Terras de Bouro (Braga). This was the step used almost two thousand years ago to connect two Roman-founded cities such as Braga and Astorga. The road that connected them is still noticeable on much of this route. It is marked by numerous landmarks (milestones) that set the distance between the two cities, with several sites in places that served as support and rest for their users.

From the top of this quadrangular valley we can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the Gerês-Xurés Cross-border Biosphere Reserve (RBTGX), such as the imposing Corga da Fecha Waterfall, which can be reached by different pedestrian paths. At the end of our journey, as the Romans did about two millennia ago, we will be able to recover from the effort in the thermal waters for public use along the Caldo River.

Just 500 meters from the political border, marked by the people but ignored by nature, we have the Cascata do Rio Homem (waterfall), of great natural beauty and much sought after in the summer for its crystal clear waters. The waterfalls, more than half a mile away, are surrounded by heavily eroded granite rocks. In the background are blue-green pools, perfect for bathing in the summer.

Any of the routes that depart from Lobios or Vila do Gerês, towards Portela do Homem, are ideal for discovering the most authentic nature of the Natural Park or Gerês-Xurés Cross-border Biosphere Reserve (RBTGX). On the Portuguese side, the Miradouro da Pedra Bela or the Cascata do Arado delight visitors. On the Galician side, the route of Moinhos, in Vilameá, (with the chapel of Virxe do Xurés at the top) perfectly complements that of A Corga da Fecha, which runs along the river Caldo and the Mansio Originis. A few meters away, the natural wonder in the form of a waterfall.