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 and hiking in Capelinhos and Horta city tour (FD)
Day 2 | Whale and dolphin watching (HD)
Day 3 | Climbing Pico Mountain (FD)
Day 4 | Hiking in Caminhos de Santa Luzia (FD)
Day 5 | Hiking in Caldeira do Santo Cristo (FD)
Day 6 | Hiking in Faja de Sao Joao (FD)
Day 7 | Hiking in Pico do Pedro (FD)
Day 8 | Departure
Itinerary
Day 1– Faial Island
Arrival and hiking in Capelinhos and Horta city tour. Lunch included. Boat trip to Pico Island (20 minutes) and transfer to the hotel.
Hiking in Capelinhos and Horta City Tour - Full day
Extension: 7 Km | Duration: 3 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium
Drive by jeep or van towards Caldeira, a big volcanic crater with beautiful views over the sea and Pico Island too. Short drive to Capelinhos Volcano and its surrounding area. The endemic vegetation is amazingly well preserved and it’s a constant during the trip. Once we reach the area affected by the eruption, we will visit the volcano’s interpretation centre and go up to the lighthouse, from where we will have a very wide view over all the new part of the island which was added by the last eruption of 1957. The views over the black volcanic rocks and sand are extremely beautiful, contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean. After the visit we will have our lunch. In the afternoon we continue our tour in Horta city and visit the famous Marina and Peter’s Café.
Day 2 - Pico Island
Pick up at the hotel. Whale and dolphin watching (3 hour trip). Free lunch and afternoon.
Whale and Dolphin watching - Half day
During this activity you will have the opportunity to watch some of more than 25 cetacean species that can be found in the Azores. Although nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half day tours, along with turtles, seabirds and other marine life.
Before the boat trip our biologists give you a briefing to explain which cetacean species can be observed, safety measures aboard, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea as well as some historical facts. 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– Pico Island
Pick up at the hotel. Climbing the highest mountain of Portugal - Pico Mountain - 2351m of altitude. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel.
Climbing Pico Mountain – Full day
Extension: 10 Km | Duration: 6.5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Challenging/Technical
The climb starts at Casa da Montanha (Mountain House), at 1200m 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.
Day 4 – Pico Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Caminhos de Santa Luzia. Picnic lunch included. Boat trip to São Jorge Island and transfer to the hotel.
Hiking in Caminhos de Santa Luzia - Full day
Extension: 10.5 Km | Duration: 3.5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium
This hike takes place in Santa Luzia and goes through some of the Pico Island vineyards which are classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Along the hike, you will notice some marks of the old horse wagons that were used to transport the wine that was produced there, as well as some interesting geological phenomena. The visit to a local alembic and to the Wine Museum complete the day.
Day 5 - Sao Jorge Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel.
Hiking in Caldeira do Santo Cristo – Full Day
Extension: 9 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.
Day 6 - Sao Jorge Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Faja de Sao Joao – Faja dos Vimes. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel.
Hiking in Faja de Sao Joao – Full Day
Extension: 10 Km | Duration: 4.5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium/Technical
The walk starts at Faja de Sao Joao and goes up all the way till Lourais village featuring great views over Pico and Faial Islands. After passing Lourais, we start a different kind of path, as we start descending to Faja dos Bodes and then to Faja dos Vimes - one of the few places in the Azores with coffee production. The last part of the downhill is also a bit technical as we find a waterfall, rocky places and some water courses on the way. Reaching Faja dos Vimes, there is a break to taste the local coffee and see the local handcraft before we go back to Velas. Not recommended for people with knee or ankle problems.
Day 7 – Sao Jorge Island
Pick up at the hotel. Hiking in Pico do Pedro - Faja do Ouvidor. Picnic lunch included. Return to the hotel.
Hiking in Pico do Pedro - Faja do Ouvidor – Full Day
Extension: 17 Km | Duration: 5 Hours | Degree of difficulty: Medium
This walk starts at Pico do Pedro, goes up to the highest point of the island (Pico da Esperanca, 1053m) and then we go slowly down to the beautiful Faja do Ouvidor. There, we have the opportunity to have a quick swim in a natural swimming area as a way to end our hike. This trail is quite long but not difficult because it is never very steep. It has beautiful sightseeing over Sao Jorge Plateau and Pico Island.
Day 8
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
Included
Transfers hotel | airport / harbor | hotel
Transfers to the activities
Boat trips Faial | Pico & Pico | S. Jorge
English speaking guide
Lunch on the full day activities
Not Included
Accommodation
Flights
Lunch on days 2 and 8
Dinners
Optional activities
Guides
Our guides speak a variety of languages so that we can offer our guests a more personalized service. Languages spoken include English, Portuguese, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Scandinavian languages, Bulgarian and Estonian.
Meals
Picnic lunch on days 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 – baguette sandwich or salad, cupcake or energy bar, fruit, water and juice.
Lunch in local restaurant on day 1 – starter, fish or beef, dessert and drinks included.
*Vegetarian options on request (24h before the trip)
Recommendations
Bring comfortable light clothes, sweater, raincoat, walking 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.
Booking your vacation
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, sightseeing tours are by
private car with English speaking driver. Other languages are
available upon request
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 $200 per
person per vacation is required to book and hold space for you
Final payment is due 45 days before departure
Option to pay full price up front is available
Cancellation Policy - Land Portion
$200 per person if canceled up to 45 days from day of
departure
25% of total reservation if canceled 15 to 45 days from day
of departure
50% of reservation if canceled 7 to 14 days from day of
departure
No refunds if canceled less than 7 days or less from date
of departure
Cancellation Policy - Airfare
Airfare cancellation terms and conditions will be provided to you before ticket is booked
I want to book. What do I do next?
Click on the Request Quote button to send your reservation request
No payment will be collected at this time
Our travel Associate will contact you via email to answer any questions and book your Package
If you don't plan to book at this time please click here to contact us with any questions or concerns about your trip or your holiday
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
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation
insurance
Similar Packages
11 Nights S. Miguel, Faial and Pico Active
From $1241 Per Person
Availability
Departure Any Day
12 Days/ 11 Nights. Discover volcanic crater lakes, thermal springs, ocean life and ancient vineyards in S. Miguel, Pico and Faial.
7 Nights Hiking in S. Miguel, Pico and Faial
From $1558 Per Person
Availability
Departure Any Day
8 Days/ 7 Nights. Track the origins of Sao Miguel, Pico and Faial Islands and experience unique places with nature at its finest.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRejectRead More
