Hiking the Azores
6 days, Ponta Delgada to Angra do Heroísmo
Itinerary Notes
Due to landscaping and infrastructure updates along the hiking trails, our itinerary for groups visiting the Azores has been adjusted. On Terceira Island, travellers will explore the Gruta do Natal caves instead of Algar do Carvão. These changes are effective until Summer 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1Ponta Delgada
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Sao Miguel, known as the green Island.
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 (or similar)
Day 2Ponta 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.
Ribeira Funda to Maia Hike
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 (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Ponta 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lagoa do Fogo Hike
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sete Cidades Parish Hike
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Jardim António Borges
Visit Jardim António Borges, a local urban botanical garden with trails and grottoes that dates back to 1858.
Forte de São Brás
3EUR per personVisit Forte de São Brás, a Renaissance-style fortress dating back to 1552 which is home to the Azores military history museum.
Accommodation
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Ponta 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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Rocha do Chambre hike
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Angra do Heroísmo Walking Tour
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 (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Angra 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.
Mistérios Negros trail Hike and Algar do Carvão lava caves
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle - its a short 30 minute drive each way.
Accommodation
Hotel Cruzeiro (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Angra do Heroísmo
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.