This 9-day, 8-night Azores hiking tour combines guided walks on São Miguel, Pico and Faial with volcanic scenery, waterfalls, crater lakes and the UNESCO-listed Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture. The itinerary includes four nights on São Miguel followed by four nights on Faial, with two ferry trips to Pico for guided hiking excursions.
On São Miguel, follow the Sanguinho trail to Salto do Prego waterfall, hike through Serra Devassa in the Sete Cidades volcanic complex and explore the protected landscape surrounding Lagoa do Fogo. After flying to Faial, cross by ferry to Pico for the Santana-to-Lajido vineyard trail and Caminho dos Burros before completing a guided hike around Faial’s caldera.
A minimum of two participants is normally required. Solo travelers may request a quotation, but the price and availability of individual activities must be confirmed for their travel dates.
Is this package right for you?
Is this Azores hiking tour right for you?
This itinerary is designed for travelers who enjoy regular walking and want to experience three Azores islands through guided hikes. The program includes moderate trails over uneven volcanic ground, with individual routes of up to approximately 11.2 kilometers (6.96 miles). Trails may be wet, muddy or slippery after rain.
You should be comfortable walking for several hours and managing moderate climbs and descents. The hikes are non-technical, with no planned scrambling or exposed climbing. Several half-day excursions and the free time on arrival and travel days provide opportunities for recovery.
A minimum of two participants is normally required. Scheduled hikes may operate as shared services, so this program suits couples, friends and solo travelers who are comfortable joining other participants. Travelers requiring a fully private itinerary should request a tailor-made quotation.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 — Arrive on São Miguel; transfer to Ponta Delgada
Day 2 — Full-day Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hike
Day 3 — Half-day Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades hike
Day 4 — Full-day Lagoa do Fogo hike
Day 5 — Fly from São Miguel to Faial; afternoon at leisure in Horta
Day 6 — Ferry to Pico and half-day Santana-to-Lajido vineyard hike
Day 7 — Ferry to Pico and half-day Caminho dos Burros hike
Day 8 — Half-day Faial Caldera perimeter hike
Day 9 — Airport transfer and departure
Day-by-day itinerary
Walking distances and times are approximate. Trail access, ferry schedules and the order of activities may change because of weather, sea conditions or local operating requirements. The descriptions below show the planned itinerary.
Day 1 — São Miguel Island — Arrival
Arrive on São Miguel and transfer to your hotel in Ponta Delgada, where you will stay for four nights. The remainder of the day is free to rest or begin exploring the city independently.
Day 2 — São Miguel — Full-day Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hike
After hotel pickup, travel approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Ponta Delgada to Faial da Terra in the municipality of Povoação. The guided walk follows a green valley trail through the former village of Sanguinho to the Salto do Prego waterfall. The hike itself takes approximately 3.5 hours, while the complete excursion lasts about seven hours.
Enjoy a packed lunch and, when conditions permit, an opportunity to swim near the waterfall. Return along a parallel trail beside the stream before stopping in Vila da Povoação, the island’s first settlement, founded in 1427. Transfer back to your hotel at the end of the excursion.
Day 3 — São Miguel — Half-day Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades hike
After hotel pickup, hike through Serra Devassa and the Nascentes do Canário area in the Sete Cidades volcanic complex. The approximately 9.1-kilometer (5.65-mile) route passes lakes, historic aqueducts and waterfalls within one of São Miguel’s most recognizable volcanic landscapes.
The hike is rated moderate and takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. A meal is included. Return transportation operates as arranged locally.
Day 4 — São Miguel — Full-day Lagoa do Fogo hike
Transfer from the hotel for a guided hike through varied vegetation and volcanic scenery surrounding Lagoa do Fogo. The approximately 11-kilometer (6.84-mile) route leads through a protected natural landscape associated with São Miguel’s highest crater lake.
The hike is rated moderate, and the complete excursion lasts approximately seven hours. A meal and return transportation to the hotel are included.
Day 5 — São Miguel to Faial
Check out from your Ponta Delgada hotel and transfer to the airport for the inter-island flight to Faial. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Horta, where you will stay for four nights. The remainder of the day is free to explore Horta independently.
Day 6 — Pico Island — Half-day Santana-to-Lajido vineyard hike
Transfer from your hotel to Horta harbor and take the approximately 30-minute ferry to Madalena on Pico Island. Meet the local hiking team near the ferry terminal before beginning the Santana-to-Lajido trail.
The approximately 8.5-kilometer (5.28-mile) route explores Pico’s historic wine culture, including black-lava wine cellars, old ox-cart tracks and traditional vineyard plots known as currais. These stone-walled plots form part of the cultural landscape associated with Pico’s UNESCO World Heritage designation.
The easy-rated hike takes approximately 2.5 hours. Afterward, return to Madalena for the ferry to Faial and transfer back to your hotel. The afternoon is free. If you would like additional time on Pico, ask whether a later return ferry can be arranged.
Day 7 — Pico Island — Half-day Caminho dos Burros hike
Transfer to Horta harbor and take the ferry to Madalena on Pico. Meet the local hiking team near the terminal and continue to the starting point of the Caminho dos Burros trail.
The approximately 11.2-kilometer (6.96-mile) moderate route begins on Pico’s central plateau and descends through endemic vegetation toward Prainha Forest Park and Baía das Canas. Stop for a break at the forest park; lunch is not included. When conditions permit, there may be an opportunity to swim in the natural bay.
The hike takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Afterward, return to Madalena for the ferry to Faial and transfer back to your hotel.
Day 8 — Faial Island — Half-day caldera perimeter hike
Transfer from the hotel for a guided circular hike around Faial’s caldera within the Faial Natural Park. The volcanic crater is approximately 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) wide, and its rim lies at roughly 840–1,040 meters (2,755–3,412 feet) above sea level.
The approximately 6.8-kilometer (4.23-mile) moderate hike takes about 4.5 hours and offers elevated views across the crater and surrounding island landscapes. Return to the hotel after the hike and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 9 — Faial Island — Departure
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Faial Airport for your departing flight.
What's included
Important tour information
Weather and sea conditions in the Azores may restrict hiking or ferry services. When necessary, the itinerary order may change for operational or safety reasons.
All scheduled hikes are guided and may operate as shared rather than private activities.
A minimum of two participants is normally required. Solo travelers may request a quotation, but prices and activity availability are subject to confirmation.
Included in this Azores hiking tour
4 nights of hotel accommodation on São Miguel Island
4 nights of hotel accommodation on Faial Island
Daily breakfast
Lunch, picnic or another meal when specifically described in the itinerary
One-way inter-island flight from São Miguel to Faial
Round-trip passenger ferry tickets between Faial and Pico on Days 6 and 7
Airport, harbor, hotel and scheduled activity transfers as described in the itinerary
English-speaking guides for scheduled hikes
Full-day Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hiking excursion
Half-day Serra Devassa and Nascentes do Canário hike
Full-day Lagoa do Fogo hike
Half-day Santana-to-Lajido hike through Pico’s UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape
Half-day Caminho dos Burros hike on Pico
Half-day Faial Caldera perimeter hike
Complimentary crate of local São Miguel products
24-hour assistance during the trip
Not included in the tour price
International airfare to and from the Azores; ask us to include airfare in your quotation
Meals not specifically listed as included
Entrance fees not specifically listed as included
Municipal tourist taxes payable directly at hotel check-in
Meals
Included meals may be provided as a picnic or served at a local restaurant.
Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements must be requested when booking.
What to bring
Bring comfortable layered clothing, a sweater or lightweight insulating layer, a waterproof jacket, walking boots or supportive trail shoes, a small backpack and a refillable water bottle. Also pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a hat.
Dates & rates
Understanding the rates
Package Type
For some packages you may be given a choice of different hotel categories.
Superior/Premier Hotel Package - Includes first class 4-star lodging, and standard rooms.
Comfort/Standard Hotel Package - Includes 4-star tourist class lodging. May include first class 3-star lodging in the smaller islands, standard rooms.
Hotel Notes
Each package has a hotel summary description. For detailed information, please visit the hotel's official webpage online.
For specific hotel or ocean-view room preference, please notify us when filing your booking form. Additional charges may apply.
Pousada Forte da Horta (Faial) will be closed until March 31. Hotel Azoris Faial Garden will be booked as alternative.
Alternative hotel accommodation will be provided for triple rooms, as not all properties offer this specific room type.
Room Rate Type
Solo = Person traveling alone
Single = Person staying in a single room and sharing tour services with others in travel party
Note: Hotels shown are for reference only. We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability, group size or other factors. Should an alternate hotel be required, it will be of the same or a better rating.
Comfort Hotels
Horta - Hotel Horta
Located in the old Azorean town of Horta, the newly-renovated Hotel Horta offers views of Pico Island. It features rooms with balconies, a large garden and an outdoor pool.
Horta’s rooms are decorated in neutral colors, and have wooden furniture. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
The hotel’s panoramic restaurant offers international and regional dishes. The bar and the lounge offer views of the outdoor pool, the pool bar and the garden.
Guests can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area. Horta is famous for the whale watching and the volcanoes of Capelinhos and Caldeira.
Horta Airport is 4.3 mi away, and the hotel provides free private parking on site.
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada
Hotel Ponta Delgada (RNET 6591) is centrally located and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Hotel Ponta Delgada features a family ambiance and comfortable furnishings. It features an indoor pool.
Air-conditioned rooms all open out on to a private balcony and are fitted with double-glass windows. All rooms include a TV set with cable channels and private bathrooms with walk-in shower or bathtub. Free WiFi access is available in all areas of the hotel.
The Ponta Delgada’s Baco Restaurant offers authentic cuisine from the Azores. The hotel’s bar has an esplanade, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail.
Guests can stroll in the narrow streets of the city center. Alternatively, they can dip in the hot tub or relax in the on-site hammam and sauna.
Superior Hotels
Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta
Just an 8 minute walk from the beach, The Pousada Forte da Horta is set in a 16th century fortress with a view of Horta Bay and Pico island. This Pousada features air conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a regional restaurant. Most of the rooms offer a view of the marina.
Classified as a National Monument since 1947, the Pousada Forte da Horta offers modern rooms with cable TV and a minibar. Each private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and bathrobe.
A breakfast buffet is served daily on the poolside veranda terrace. Guests may taste fried pork, tuna and passion fruit pie in Pousada Forte da Horta’s restaurant.
The swimming pool area is furnished with sun beds, tables and parasols. Indoors, there is a lounge with various seating areas and a bar with a piano.
The 24-hour reception offers car rentals and free on-site parking. The Horta Airport is just 5.4 miles from the Pousada Forte da Horta.
Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel
Located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, the Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel provides superior accommodations, excellent restaurant, bar, sauna, swimming pool, kid's club and private parking.
The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, each with a private bathroom, and is at a short walking distance to the center of town.
All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony. At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.
At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel guests are welcome to use a sauna and a Turkish bath.
The attentive and professional reception staff speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and are always on hand to help.
Booking & policies
Booking Your Trip
While prices are shown in USA dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate.
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 Trip 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 is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
Final payment is due 50 days before departure.
Option to pay full price up front is available.
Cancellation Policy - Land Portion
Full-payment minus the $350 deposit per person is refunded if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
75% of full-payment paid per person if refunded if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure.
50% of full-payment paid per person is refunded if canceled 38-31 days prior departure.
No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.
Cancellation Policy - Airfare
Airfare cancellation terms and conditions are those of the Airlines company and will be provided to you before ticket is booked.
Refund Fees
On any payments made via a bank credit card, a 3.9% bank credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.
I Want To Book. What Do I Do Next?
Click on the Request pricing 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.
Common questions about this package
Common questions about this 8-night Azores hiking tour
How fit do I need to be?
You should be accustomed to regular walking and comfortable spending several hours on uneven volcanic terrain. The scheduled hikes are rated easy to moderate, but distance, elevation changes and variable weather can make them more demanding than an ordinary city walk.
What is the longest scheduled hike?
The longest listed route is the Caminho dos Burros hike on Pico at approximately 11.2 kilometers (6.96 miles). The Lagoa do Fogo route is approximately 11 kilometers (6.84 miles). Distances and walking times are approximate.
Is this a private hiking tour or will I join a group?
Scheduled hikes may operate as shared services, and you may join other travelers. Transfers and operating arrangements vary by day. Request a tailor-made quotation if you require private guides and transportation throughout the trip.
Is there a minimum number of travelers?
A minimum of two participants is normally required to operate this program at the published package price. Solo travelers may request a quotation, but prices and activity availability must be confirmed for the requested dates.
Are the inter-island flight and Pico ferries included?
Yes. The package includes the one-way flight from São Miguel to Faial and the round-trip passenger ferry journeys between Faial and Pico required on Days 6 and 7. International airfare to and from the Azores is not included but can be requested with your quotation.
Do I stay overnight on Pico?
No. The package includes four nights on São Miguel and four nights on Faial. Pico is visited on two day trips by ferry from Horta.
What happens if weather affects a hike or ferry?
Weather and sea conditions can affect hiking trails and ferry services. The itinerary order may be changed for operational or safety reasons. When a scheduled service cannot operate, the local team will advise you of the available arrangements.
When is the best time to take this hiking tour?
The package can begin throughout the year, subject to hotel, flight, ferry and activity availability. Weather in the Azores is changeable in every season, so waterproof layers and flexible expectations are important. Summer generally brings greater demand, making early booking advisable.
What is the difference between Comfort and Superior hotels?
Comfort packages generally use tourist-class four-star hotels and may include first-class three-star properties on smaller islands. Superior packages use first-class four-star lodging. Named hotels remain subject to availability, and a comparable property may be substituted.
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