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Is the word caminhando the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the meaning and spelling of the word are identical, there is a difference in typical usage and grammar. In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund (caminhando) is the standard way to express a continuous or progressive action (an action happening right now). In Continental Portuguese, while the gerund is understood, it is much more natural and common to express the same progressive idea using the construction a + infinitive (a caminhar).

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

  1. Estou caminhando no parque. (I am walking in the park.)
  2. Nós estávamos caminhando pela praia. (We were walking along the beach.)
  3. Ela está caminhando muito rápido hoje. (She is walking very fast today.)
  4. Eles passaram caminhando pela rua. (They passed by walking down the street.)
  5. Você prefere ir caminhando ou de carro? (Do you prefer to go walking or by car?)

European Portuguese Usage

  1. Estou a caminhar no parque. (I am walking in the park.)
  2. Nós estávamos a caminhar pela praia. (We were walking along the beach.)
  3. Ela está a caminhar muito depressa hoje. (She is walking very fast today.)
  4. Eles passaram a caminhar pela rua. (They passed by walking down the street.)
  5. Tu preferes ir a caminhar ou de carro? (Do you prefer to go walking or by car?)