Highlights
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Practical Information - click for more
The nine inhabited islands that make up the archipelago are not just rich in caves, lakes and breath-taking cliffs, but also in footpaths and trails that lead you to some of the Azores’ best hidden secrets. The islands have volcanic origins, which created the ideal conditions for the existence of stunning and vibrant scenery. No matter which island you choose, be it from the Western, Central or Eastern Groups, you’ll always be surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, as well as the vast blue ocean.
The walks are along good tracks, but the terrain is undulating! Suitable for all reasonable fitness. The walks are easy to moderate level. The walks are balanced so that after a more strenuous day, a shorter easier day usually follows. A moderate level of fitness is required.Level: Easy | Walking through the magnificent and wild landscapes of São Miguel and Zona Central
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Itinerary - click for more
Day 1: Ponta Delgada
Arrival at Ponta Delgada airport, assistance by our guide and transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner and accommodation at the hotel. OvernightDay 2: Full Day City Tour/ Rocha da Relva Trail
Breakfast at the hotel. The first day on the island of São Miguel will start with a City Tour in the main city, Ponta Delgada, where you can visit some of the main points, such as the Portas da Cidade, the Church of São Sebastião, a small market, the possibility to visit Jardim António Borges, a botanical garden with hundreds of exotic species. After visiting the city, you have free time for lunch. In the afternoon you will go to Rocha da Relva Trail, where you can visit one of the island’s detrimental fajãs and admire the few local houses and vineyards. This route has a length of 5 km, average duration of 3 hours and moderate level. End your day in the best way, you will visit Quinta do Agricultor who recalls the old customs of country life in São Miguel, providing an old-fashioned candlelighted dinner of typical and regional products.
End of day return to your hotel. OvernightDay 3: Full Day Sete Cidades
Breakfast at the hotel. This day begins with the trail at Lagoa das Empadadas, heading towards Serra Devassa. Along the way it will be possible to view other lagoons, such as Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa das Éguas, as well as the Nove Janelas aqueduct. This trail is connected to the viewpoint of Grota do Inferno, where you will stop, and then the Cumeeira Grande Trail begins. This stretches along the path around the top of the Caldeira das Sete Cidades. Here, you can observe four lagoons: Santiago, Rasa, Azul and Verde. The main ones, Azul and Verde lagoon, were considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal and on certain days, these colours are visible. This entire journey will take approximately four hours followed by a picnic lunch (included), taking place during the Cumeeira Grande Trail, where you can enjoy the incredible landscape of the interior of the caldera, and nice views of the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, the descent to Mosteiros begins, in the direction the natural pools. Along the way you can see the islets of Mosteiros, formed by underwater volcanoes and at the end of the route you will have the chance to swim in the sea. Return to hotel. OvernightDay 4: Full Day Zona Central
Breakfast at the hotel. The route for this day will start in the Lombadas area, where the old Lombadas water factory was located. From this point, you will go up, towards the summit of Lagoa do Fogo and then to the interior of the caldera that of this lagoon. After some time enjoying the interior of this volcano, you will go from the interior to the Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo. After walking 8 km on a medium level trail you will have a picnic lunch at the picnic area of Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. Picnic lunch included. From here, you will go the next route to the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall. To end the day in the most relaxing way, you will finish with an immersion in Caldeira Velha (entrance fee included), a thermal water park which contains pools with water at 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. Return to hotel. OvernightDay 5: Full Day Furnas
Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a short walk to Lagoa do Congro, a pleasant area for a morning trail. You will continue to the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, which will not only be the beginning of the next trail, but is also a good spot to see the interior of the Caldeira das Furnas. This route ends in the area where the typical Cozido das Furnas are cooked, on underground in a fumarole for approximately 7 hours. In order to enjoy the best that the Furnas has to offer, You will visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden which not only contains plants from all the world, but also includes thermal water pools that vary between 36 and the 39 degrees Celsius. After the visiting this garden and the possibility of bathing, you continue for lunch where you can experience the famous and typical Cozido das Furnas stew (lunch included). In the afternoon, we walk from the restaurant to the Caldeiras das Furnas area. The largest fumarolic field on the island is observed and you can taste different spring waters. You will end in a small trail along the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest and most emblematic on the island.
Return to hotel. OvernightDay 6: Full Day Pico da Vara/Maia
Breakfast at the hotel. The Pico da Vara trail starts this penultimate day, where you walk to the highest point on the island, 1103 meters high. On more cloudy days, the trail starts in Maia and ends in at Lomba da Maia. This stretches along the north coast of the island, with a pleasant walk near the sea and the possibility of seeing old water mills at Praia da Viola. At the end the course, the picnic begins, which will be the included lunch for this day. Then proceed to the Moinho do Félix Trail which has 5.5 km and level of difficulty moderate. As you walk you will see different waterfalls, as well as the ruins of the Félix Mill Return to hotel. OvernightDay 7: Full Day Nordeste
The day starts with a brief stop at the Salto do Cavalo Viewpoint, where you can watch the Caldeira das Furnas and the Caldeira da Povoação. You will follow to the Sanguinho Trail at Faial da Terra. It leads to the Salto do Prego waterfall, one of the most emblematic of São Miguel. Picnic Lunch included, after this trail, will takes place at the Ponta do Sossego View-point, which is characterized by its stunning view over the coast and by its flowery garden aspect. In the afternoon you will do the trail to Poço Azul, and experience a walk-through nature that leads to a waterfall and to the sea. The last stop of the day takes place at Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões. Return to hotel for Farwell dinner. OvernightDay 8: Ponta Delgada
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport, with assistance. ***end of services*
Included
Not Included
Hotels or Similar
What To Pack:
Backpack, Hiking shoes, trekking multi-layered clothing (pants, t-shirts, softshell jackets), breathable and warm base layers, waterproof and windbreaker jacket, cap or head cover, light, gloves sunscreen, water bottle.
2021 Dates & Rates
| Rates Based Minimum 4 Travellers | Each (Double/Twin Room) | Single |
|---|---|---|
| 3* Hotel | $1975 | $2410 |
| 4* Hotel | $2020 | $2530 |
| Not valid during Christmas, New Year Carnival. Island Festivals, High Season |
The CAD ($) rate is indicative of Euro price and subject to change.
Price per person in CAD $ Dollars.