Description
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 and transfer to the Whale watching base. 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). Rain coats and trousers will be provided if necessary. After the whale watching, you will be transfered back to the hotel.
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 assist with luggage to Madalena do Pico harbor, across the hotel. 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