Tour Overview
This program will have overnights in only two islands: São Miguel and Faial . It does include two 30 minute each way ferry trips to Pico. Explore the ancient world of volcanoes on foot. Track the origins of São Miguel, Pico and Faial Islands and experience some of the thermal springs and nature at its finest.
NOTE
Minimum number of persons required to book this program is 2. Prices may need to be adjusted for solo travelers according to the activities availabilties.
Summary
- Day 1 | Arrival
- Day 2 | Full-day hiking Sanguinho
- Day 3 | Full-day hiking Serra Devassa e Nascentes do Canario
- Day 4 | Full-day hiking Lagoa do Fogo
- Day 5 | Flight Faial / São Miguel
- Day 6 | Half-day hiking Unesco Heritage Santana to Lajido
- Day 7 | Full-day hiking Caminho dos Burros
- Day 8 | Half-day hiking Volcano Crater Perimeter
- Day 9 | Departure
Itinerary
Day 1 - São Miguel Island
Arrival and transfer to the hotel for 4 nights. Free rest of the day.
Day 2 - Hiking Sanguinho - Duration 7 hours.
You will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day hike on the Sanguinho Trail, located about 40 miles from Ponta Delgada. This 3.5-hour hike begins and ends in Faial da Terra, Povoação, and is named after the endemic Sanguinho plant (Frangula azorica). The trail leads to the stunning Salto do Prego waterfall, where you can enjoy a lunch break (lunchbox) and, if conditions allow, a refreshing swim. The return follows a parallel path along the stream. Before heading back, there will be a stop at Vila da Povoação, the island’s first settlement, founded in 1427. Return to the hotel.
Day 3 - Full-day Hiking Tour of Serra Devassa & Nascentes do Canario - Extension: 10.4 Km/6.46 miles - Level: Easy -Duration: 7hours.
Pick up at the hotel. The beautiful hike to the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades will take you through trails of serenity and beauty of lakes, aqueducts and waterfalls. Meal included.
Day 4 - Full-day Hiking Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake) - Extension: 11 Km/6.84 miles - Level: Medium - Duration: 7 hours
Pick up at the hotel. Lagoa do Fogo is a lake born from fire with astonishing sights and untouched nature. The endemic vegetation and the seemingly unused trails will take you through old ruins, convents, natural swimming pools and charming beaches. Meal included. Return to the hotel.
Day 5– Flight São Miguel to Faial Island
Check out from the Hotel in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport. Fly to Faial, andtransfer to the hotel for four nights. Free rest of the day do enjoy the town of Hora.
Day 6 - Half-day Hiking UNESCO Heritage Santana to Lajido - Extension: 8.5 Km/5.28miles - Duration: 2.5 Hours - Level: Easy.
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Horta harbor for a 30-minute ferry ride to Pico, arriving at Madalena do Pico. The hiking company’s base is conveniently located across from the terminal. This half-day hike explores historic places such as wine cellars built from black lava rock, preserved ox cart tracks imprinted in the lava, and traditional "currais" vineyards, where grapes thrive in the rocky soil's retained heat. After the hike, return to the office near the ferry terminal and take the ferry back to Faial. Upon arrival at Horta harbor, a guide will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon in Faial.
Note: If you'd like to spend extra time in Pico after the tour, let us know, and we’ll arrange a later ferry while still providing your transfer back to the hotel.
Day 7 - Full-day Hiking in Caminho dos Burros - Extension: 11.2 Km - Duration: 3.3 Hours - Level: Medium.
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Horta harbor for a 30-minute ferry ride to Pico. Upon arrival at Madalena do Pico Harbor, meet the hiking company at the terminal to begin your tour. The trail starts in Pico’s central plateau and gradually descends from south to north, showcasing lush endemic vegetation with impressive specimens. At Prainha’s Forest Park, take a break for lunch (meal not included). The hike continues downhill to Baía das Canas, where the trail ends, with a chance to swim in the natural bay, weather permitting. The tour concludes at Madalena do Pico harbor, followed by a return ferry to Faial. Upon arrival at Horta harbor, a guide will transfer you back to your hotel.
Day 8 - Half-day Hiking Faial Crater - Extension: 6.8 Km/3.7miles - Duration: 4.5 Hours - Level: Medium.
You will be picked up from your hotel for this scenic circular trail within the Faial Natural Reserve. Formed by multiple eruptions over 400,000 years, the crater spans 2 km (1.24 miles) in diameter at an elevation of 840–1,040 meters (2,755–3,412 ft). The hike begins with a short tunnel leading to a breathtaking view of the crater. After the hike, return to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 9- Departure
Check out and transfer to the airport.
