Hiking in Pico, Faial & Sao Jorge - Azores.com Travel and Tours

Due the proximity of these three islands:Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge, they started to be named as the Islands of the Triangledue, in comparison to two Islands on the Central Group of the Archipelago, namely, Graciosa and Terceira that are a bit far from each and others. Explore the ancient world of volcanoes on foot. Track the origins of Pico, Faial and Sao Jorge Islands and experience nature at its finest. This is a package that lets you explore some of the best trails in the Azores, such as the Caldeira do Santo Cristo or the Pico Island vineyards, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is a package for hikers!

Summary

Day 1 | Arrival
Day 2 | Whale and dolphin watching (HD)
Day 3 | Hiking Santana -Lajido (HD)
Day 4 | Climbing Pico Mountain (FD)
Day 5 | Hiking Caldeira Velha (HD/Faial)
Day 6 | Check out from Pico / Hiking Serra do Topo- Faja dos Cubres (FD/sao Jorge)
Day 7 | Island tour Sao Jorge (FD)
Day 8 | Departure

Itinerary

Day 1 -Pico Island

Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free rest of the day.

Day 2 - Whale Watching (HD)

Pick up at the hotel. Whale and dolphin watching (3 hour trip). Free lunch and afternoon. During this activity you will have the opportunity to see more than 25 cetacean species along with turtles, seabirds and other marine life. Short briefing before the trip.During the tour each passenger is required to wear a life vest (except on our catamaran). Futurismo also provides rain coats and trousers if necessary.

Day 3 – Hiking Santana to Lajido (HD)

Pick up at the hotel. Lajido is one of the oldest wines production region and an open air musuem with many little adegas (wine cellars) and manor houses. This trail will go through dense vegetaion along pastures and over stone paths marked by the passage of charriots. Lajido is part of the Unesco Workd Heritage, time for a wine tasting. Return to the hotel and free afternoon, prepare to the next day Mountain Climbing. Hike duration: 3h30m.

Day 3 – Climbing Pico Mountain (FD)

Pick up at the hotel. Climbing the highest mountain of Portugal - Pico Mountain - 2351m of altitude. Picnic lunch included. Extension: 10 Km | Duration: 6.5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Challenging/Technical. The climb starts at Casa da Montanha (Mountain House), at 1230m high and goes up all the way until we reach the very top of the mountain, where we stop for lunch. From there, if it’s not too cloudy, we can have amazing views over 4 of the other islands around. This trail is extremely technical because most of the way is very steep and rocky. Not recommended for people with knee or ankle problems. Return to the hotel.

Important Note: The mountain access can be denied to persons that are not properly equipped with comfortable clothes (layers, raincoat/windbreaker, hat, no jeans, sunscreen,backpack, water, snacks). It is the client's responsability to be prepared.

Day 5 – Hike Caldeira Velha rim (HD-Faial Island)

Pick up at the hotel and transfer to Madalena harbor. Ferry to Faial island, 30 min trip. Pick up at Horta's Harbor and drive up to Caldeira Velha, this hike will take you through narrow paths with a beautiful land and sea views during 2h30min. The crater has approximately 2km, rises up to 3,422ft from sea level to Cabeco Gordo, the island's highest point. At the end of the hike, return to the main town, Horta. Free lunch and free afternoon to explore Horta and its famous Marina. The ferry will leave late afternoon, normally around 6 pm (time will be informed). No transfer will be provided, please plan your afternoon to walk to the end of the main avenue and be at the harbor in time to catch the ferry back to Pico. Transfer from Madalena to Pico harbor to the hotel.

Day 6 - Ferry Pico/ Sao Jorge. Hiking Caldeira Santo Cristo (FD -Sao Jorge Island)

Check out from the Hotel in Pico. Pick up at the hotel and transfer to the Madalena do Pico harbor. Ferry to sao Jorge, 1h20 trip duration. Hiking in Caldeira do Santo Cristo, light meal included. Extension: 10 Km | Duration: +-5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium/Technical. The hike starts at Serra do Topo (about 700 m high) and goes down slowly until we get to the astonishing Caldeira do Santo Cristo. This downhill is quite technical because it is steep, therefore it requires more attention and focus to avoid slipping or falling. Great views over the coast and Terceira and Graciosa islands. Time to bath in the big natural lagoon. After picnic lunch, we continue for 4 km more, until Faja dos Cubres. Not recommended for people with knee or ankle problems. Drop off at the Hotel in Sao Jorge.

Day 7 - Sao Jorge Island Tour (FD)

Pick up at the hotel for a Full day tour around the island, light meal included. Sao Jorge is famous for its cheese and you will have the opportunity of visiting the factory. On the south coast, Urzelina was spared from the lava flow of the last eruption in 1808. This island is composed by high elevations and Fajas where we will visit Europe's exclusive commercial coffee plantation at Faja dos Vimes. Continuing the tour through the Fajas, you'll be able to take a swim at Poca do Simao, Faja do Ouvidor. Return to the hotel.

Day 8 - Departure

Transfer to the airport and departure.

Highlights

Visiting Capelinhos Volcano
Watching some of the 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores
Climbing Portugal’s highest Mountain
Hiking in the beautiful Fajas of Sao Jorge Island
Hiking on a crater's rim

This program can be done before April with different lodgings, subject to a new quote.

Choose a Package Type

For some packages you may be given a choice of different package types. They should be listed on the "Dates & Rates" tab:

Superior/Premier – Includes first class 4-star lodging. May include 5-star lodging.
Comfort/Standard – Includes 4-star tourist class lodging. May include first class 3-star lodging.

Room Type

Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room traveling with one or more persons. Single travelers share land services such as transfers and tours
Double = 2 Persons per room
Triple = 3 Persons per room

Included

4 nts accommodation Pico, Apart T1 Standard BB
3 nts accommodation Sao Jorge Double BB
Transfers hotel | airport / harbor | hotel
Transfers to the activities
Boat trips Faial | Pico & Pico | S. Jorge
English speaking guide
Light meals on the full day activities
Professional guides

Not Included

Airfare - Please contact us for quote
Dinners
Optional activities

Recommendations

Bring comfortable light clothes, sweater, raincoat, walking/hiking boots or shoes, swimming suit and towel, hat, sunblock, backpack and bottle of water to refill.

Note

The weather or sea conditions may restrict the activities therefore the order of the itinerary may be switched so that guests can take the most enjoyment of their trip.

Comfort Hotels

Madalena - Baia da Barca

Boasting panoramic views of the Atlantic, these apartments are tucked away in a quiet bay and provide guests with a great base during their stay on Pico Island.

Striking architecture and a comfortable atmosphere awaits guests at Baia Da Barca - Apartamentos Turísticos Lda. Wake up to vistas of Ponta de Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. If you get up early enough you can watch the sunrise from your own balcony or terrace.

All apartments have a private entrance and impress with their stylish décor. Relax in front of your unit’s fireplace and enjoy a drink from the minibar. Soundproofing ensures a good night’s rest.

Spend the day exploring the island or pay a visit to the central Madalena. Upon your return, you can make the most of the facilities offered, including the Jacuzzi. Baía Da Barca also features an outdoor pool and sauna for your convenience.

Velas - Hotel Sao Jorge Garden

This hotel is 199 m from the shopping area of Velas and half a kilometer from the harbor. It features a terrace overlooking the grounds, the outdoor pool, and the Atlantic Ocean.

São Jorge Garden Hotel‘s rooms are decorated in neutral colors and have wooden furniture. Each of the air conditioned rooms has a balcony overlooking the grounds and the ocean.

The breakfast room offers panoramic views, and the breakfast buffet includes a wide variety of fruit, cereals, and regional cookies. The bar serves refreshing drinks.

The Sao Jorge Garden Hotel has an outdoor sea water pool, with separate areas designated for adults and children. Guests can relax on the lounge chairs by the pool, and enjoy the views of the Pico and Faial islands.

Booking your vacation

While prices are shown in $USA, we can convert and charge in British Pound, Euro and Canadian dollar
Early booking is advised. Availability of accommodations and inter-island flight is limited especially in summer months
If hotels named in itinerary are not available at time of booking, alternate similar same rating properties will be confirmed, and subject to new quote.
Order of islands visited may need to be altered due to flight schedule changes
Unless otherwise indicated, tours and activities are not private
Quotations with different hotels have a non refundable deposit of $50. Deposit will be credited towards final booking price

Booking your Vacation with Air

International airfare for this package is additional to price shown on Rates table. Departure cities are limited to those serviced by SATA International (Azores Airlines)
If you want a quote for airfare to be included make sure to check yes when prompted during the booking/reservation request process

Booking Conditions

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person per vacation is required to book and hold both land and/or air for you.
Final payment is due 80 days before departure
Option to pay full price up front is available

Cancellation Policy - Land Portion

$350 per person deposit if canceled up to 80 days from day of arrival plus any other additional fees
50% of total reservation if canceled 79 days from day of arrival plus any other additional fees
80% of reservation if canceled 79 Days prior arrival for bookings between July 15 and August 25 plus any other additional fees
No refunds if canceled less than 78 days from date of arrival

Cancellation Policy - Airfare

Airfare cancellation terms and conditions will be provided to you before ticket is booked

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Booking Changes

A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed.
If the change increases the value of the booking, the $35 per person fee will be waived

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7 Nights Hiking the Triangle (Pico, Faial and S. Jorge)