Hiking the Azores

Maybe you’ve been to the Azores before — but definitely not like this. Spend six incredible days hiking this famous archipelago,...

Portugal
DAY 1 Ponta Delgada

Arrive at any time. Welcome to Sao Miguel, known as the green Island.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada

Hotel
DAY 2 Ponta Delgada

Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Pause to eat lunch at Praia da Viola, also known as the 'secret beach.' Along the way pass many viewpoints along the coast of the island. The tour ends in the friendly parish of Maia. After returning from the hike the group will head into Furnas town for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens and geothermal hot springs. While there, the group will have a chance to take a dip in the natural hot waters or wander around the 24-acre botanical garden.

Land Tour

Ribeira Funda to Maia Hike

8km

Hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the dramatic and beautiful north coast of the island of São Miguel. Pass by several ruins of old water mills that once used the force of the Ribeira do Salto river to transform wheat and corn into flour that was mostly used to bake bread. Bread was a key staple in the eating habits of the many families in the village and of the island. Lunch will be had at Praia da Viola also known as the 'secret beach'. The hike ends in the friendly parish of Maia, right next to a little beach area where we can cool off if the weather is nice. Length: 8km Avg duration: 4 hours. Elevation: approx 180-200m

Terra Nostra Geothermal Hot Spring Visit

Visit the 24 acre thermal springs and botanical garden in a town of Furnas. There will be time to dip into the natural waters or wander the grounds.

Accommodation

NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada

Hotel
DAY 3 Ponta Delgada

Spend the morning on a hike to the highest body of water in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo, "lake of fire". Wander down to the shores of the lake through a forest of Eucalyptus and Japanese Cedars. Later, after a picnic lunch, travel to the Sete Cidades Parish and hike the trails for stunning views of the lakes within the caldera.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Ponta Delgada- Lagoa do Fogo0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Lagoa do Fogo Hike

Lagoa do Fogo2.5h7km

Known as the "lake of fire," Lagoa do Fogo is the highest body of water in the Azores. Embark on a hike down to the shores of the lake which has formed in the bottom of the caldera. Walk through a forest of Eucalyptus, Japanese Cedars and along a levada water way.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Lagoa do Fogo- Sete Cidades1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Landsport

Sete Cidades Parish Hike

Caldeira das Sete Cidades3h10km

Walk the rolling hills along groomed trails in the Sete Cidades parish. Hike around the caldera for spectacular views of the crater lakes formed within the former volcano. Marvel at the blue-green lake reflecting two different colours due to sunlight and algae growth.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Sete Cidades- Ponta Delgada0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

2

Optional Activities - Day 3Show

Accommodation

NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada

Hotel
DAY 4 Ponta Delgada/Angra do Heroísmo

Fly from São Miguel to Terceira island, considered the capital of Azorean culture. Meet your CEO and hit the trails. Hike 9.5km on a circular route right in the middle of the island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Air

Plane

Ponta Delgada- Angra do Heroísmo0.75h-1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Angra do Heroísmo- Rocha do Vale Longo0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Rocha do Chambre hike

Rocha do Vale Longo3.5h10km

This 9.5km circular route takes place in the middle of the island explores the rich agriculture of Azorean Heather, Laurel and Juniper plants. The Rocha do Chambre trail is considered rolling terrain. It has some flat sections through the forest which provide very dramatic scenery and a few steep inclines. It crosses a forest and meanders along a small stream up to the top of the Pico Alto crater at just over 700 meters. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Total elevation gain is about 360 meters.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Rocha do Vale Longo- Angra do Heroísmo0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Land Tour

Angra do Heroísmo Walking Tour

Angra do Heroísmo0.5h-0.75h3km

Enjoy a walking tour of the capital city, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city maintains its stunning Renaissance architecture, housing fortresses, churches and manor houses. Walk through this beautiful city and discover the hidden history of the main streets, squares and monuments.

Accommodation

Hotel Cruzeiro

Hotel
DAY 5 Angra do Heroísmo

Head to the middle of the island with stunning views of the agricultural patchwork fields contrasted by the centuries old lava flow (often called the Black Lagoon). Here we hike the Mistérios Negros trail and visit the Algar do Carvão lava caves.

Landsport

Mistérios Negros trail Hike and Algar do Carvão lava caves

Lagoa do Negro5h-6h7km

Hike the Mistérios Negros trail which starts near the site of the last volcanic eruption on Terciera, in 1761. Learn about this incredible landscape while traversing uneven trails, over hardened lava flows and volcanic rock. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Algar do Carvão lava caves, which are a naturally formed tunnel of air developed under the warm lava.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Angra do Heroísmo

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle - its a short 30 minute drive each way.

Accommodation

Hotel Cruzeiro

Hotel
DAY 6 Angra do Heroísmo

Depart at any time.

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Day
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