This 10-day, 9-night São Miguel hiking tour explores the island’s volcanic highlands, crater lakes, waterfalls, coastal landscapes and geothermal scenery through five guided hikes and one full-day sightseeing tour. Walk toward Pico da Vara, follow a protected trail to Lagoa do Fogo, cross the lake-filled Serra Devassa landscape and hike to Salto do Prego waterfall.
The program also includes a coastal hike through Ribeira Funda to Praia da Viola and a more relaxed day in Furnas, where geothermal activity, botanical surroundings and traditional cozido provide a change of pace. Two completely free days allow time to rest, explore Ponta Delgada or add optional experiences.
The sequence of hiking days may change because of weather, trail access or local operating requirements. Scheduled hikes are guided and may operate as shared rather than private activities.
Is this package right for you?
Is this São Miguel hiking tour right for you?
This itinerary is designed for travelers who enjoy regular walking and want a hiking-focused exploration of São Miguel. It includes four full-day hiking excursions, one half-day hike and a full-day Furnas sightseeing tour, followed by two free days for recovery or independent exploration.
You should be comfortable walking for several hours over uneven volcanic and coastal terrain. Trails may be steep, wet, muddy or slippery after rain. The Pico da Vara hike is the most demanding day because of its elevation, highland conditions and approximately seven-hour excursion length.
The scheduled hikes are guided and may operate as shared services. This program suits couples, friends and solo travelers who are comfortable joining other participants. Travelers requiring private guides and transportation throughout should request a tailor-made quotation.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 — Arrive on São Miguel; transfer to Ponta Delgada
Day 2 — Full-day Pico da Vara hike
Day 3 — Full-day Lagoa do Fogo hike
Day 4 — Full-day Furnas geothermal and cultural tour
Day 5 — Half-day Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades hike
Day 6 — Full-day Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hike
Day 7 — Full-day Ribeira Funda and Praia da Viola hike
Day 8 — Free day on São Miguel
Day 9 — Free day on São Miguel
Day 10 — Airport transfer and departure
Day-by-day itinerary
Walking times and distances are approximate. Trail access and the order of activities may change because of weather or local operating requirements. The descriptions below show the planned itinerary.
Day 1 — São Miguel Island — Arrival
Arrive on São Miguel and transfer privately from the airport to your hotel, where you will stay for nine nights. The remainder of the day is free to rest or begin exploring Ponta Delgada independently.
Day 2 — Full-day Pico da Vara hike
Travel into the highlands of Nordeste for a guided hike toward Pico da Vara, the highest point on São Miguel at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. The route begins near Graminhais at an elevation of roughly 900 meters and crosses rugged volcanic terrain and areas of native vegetation.
The return follows the same general route, with changing views across the island’s northeastern landscapes. The complete excursion lasts approximately seven hours. Lunch or a picnic and hotel transportation are included.
On the return journey, stop briefly at the Gorreana Tea Plantation for an introduction to São Miguel’s tea-growing tradition before continuing to the hotel.
Day 3 — Full-day Lagoa do Fogo hike
Follow a dirt trail through changing vegetation toward Lagoa do Fogo, one of São Miguel’s best-known protected crater-lake landscapes. As the route gains elevation, views may open toward Vila Franca do Campo and its offshore islet.
Pause for lunch near the lake before continuing along trails bordered by endemic vegetation and open pasture. The guided hike lasts approximately six hours. When conditions permit, the return journey includes time for a swim at Caloura before continuing to Ponta Delgada.
Day 4 — Full-day Furnas geothermal and cultural tour
Enjoy a slower-paced day centered on the geothermal landscapes of Furnas. Explore the valley’s lake scenery, fumaroles, mineral springs and botanical surroundings while following all safety instructions provided by the guide.
The tour includes traditional cozido das Furnas, a regional meal prepared underground using natural volcanic heat. Planned sightseeing may also include Furnas Lake, its lakeside chapel and one of the area’s botanical gardens or thermal environments.
The complete van excursion lasts approximately eight hours. Lunch, applicable listed entrance fees and hotel transportation are included.
Day 5 — Half-day Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades hike
Hike through Serra Devassa in the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, an elevated landscape of small lakes, wetlands and forest. The route passes Lagoa das Éguas and Lagoa Rasa before continuing through Japanese cedar woodland toward Lagoas das Empadadas.
The approximately three-hour guided hike introduces the volcanic and botanical character of western São Miguel. Return transportation to the hotel is included.
Day 6 — Full-day Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hike
Travel to Faial da Terra in the municipality of Povoação for a guided hike through a green valley landscape. Follow the trail through the former village of Sanguinho to Salto do Prego waterfall.
Pause for a packed lunch and, when conditions permit, an opportunity to swim near the waterfall. Return toward Faial da Terra along the trail before stopping in Vila da Povoação, the island’s first settlement.
The complete excursion lasts approximately six hours. Lunch and hotel transportation are included.
Day 7 — Full-day Ribeira Funda and Praia da Viola hike
Explore São Miguel’s north coast on a guided hike through Ribeira Funda toward Praia da Viola. The route begins in open countryside before entering denser vegetation and passing streams and old watermills once used to grind corn into flour.
Continue toward viewpoints overlooking Praia da Viola, a secluded black-sand beach set beneath coastal cliffs. The complete excursion lasts approximately seven hours. Lunch or a picnic and hotel transportation are included.
Day 8 — Free day on São Miguel
Take a break from the hiking schedule and enjoy a free day. Rest at the hotel, explore Ponta Delgada or arrange an optional sightseeing tour or outdoor activity elsewhere on São Miguel.
Day 9 — Free day on São Miguel
Enjoy a second free day for independent sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. Optional activities can be requested separately, subject to availability.
Day 10 — São Miguel Island — Departure
Check out from your hotel and transfer privately to the airport for your departing flight.
What's included
Important tour information
Weather and trail conditions may affect hiking activities. When necessary, the itinerary order may change for operational or safety reasons.
Scheduled hiking activities are guided and may operate as shared rather than private services.
Arrival and departure airport transfers operate privately. Activity transfers operate as described in the itinerary.
Tell us when booking about food allergies, dietary requirements or medical conditions that may affect meal or activity planning.
Included in this São Miguel hiking tour
9 nights of hotel accommodation on São Miguel
Daily breakfast
Private arrival and departure airport transfers
Hotel pickup and return transportation for scheduled hiking tours
English-speaking guides for scheduled hikes and sightseeing
Full-day Pico da Vara hike
Full-day Lagoa do Fogo hike
Full-day Furnas sightseeing tour by van
Half-day Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades hike
Full-day Sanguinho and Salto do Prego hike
Full-day Ribeira Funda and Praia da Viola hike
Lunch or a picnic during scheduled hiking days
Lake and park entrance fees specifically included in the itinerary
Complimentary crate of local São Miguel products
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
Optional activities during the two free days
Meals
Included hiking-day meals may be provided as a picnic or served at a local restaurant.
The Furnas tour includes traditional cozido, prepared underground using geothermal heat.
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.
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
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
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 9-night São Miguel hiking tour
How fit do I need to be?
You should be accustomed to regular walking and comfortable spending several hours on uneven terrain. The itinerary includes four full-day hikes, with Pico da Vara generally the most demanding because of elevation, terrain and variable highland weather.
How many guided hikes are included?
Five guided hikes are included: Pico da Vara, Lagoa do Fogo, Serra Devassa and Sete Cidades, Sanguinho and Salto do Prego, and Ribeira Funda and Praia da Viola.
Is this a private hiking tour?
The arrival and departure airport transfers operate privately. Scheduled hiking and sightseeing activities may operate as shared services, and you may join other travelers. Request a tailor-made quotation if you require private guides throughout the trip.
Are lunches included on hiking days?
Yes. Lunch or a picnic is included during the scheduled hiking days. The Furnas tour also includes traditional cozido. Dinners and meals not specifically described as included are additional.
Can I swim during the itinerary?
When weather and local conditions permit, there may be opportunities to swim near Salto do Prego waterfall and at Caloura. The Furnas day may also include access to a botanical garden or thermal environment according to the confirmed operating plan. Swimming opportunities cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if weather affects a hike?
Weather and trail conditions may affect access or safety. The itinerary order may be changed for operational reasons. When a scheduled hike cannot operate, the local team will advise you of the available arrangements.
What can I do on the two free days?
You can rest, explore Ponta Delgada independently or request additional sightseeing and outdoor activities elsewhere on São Miguel. Optional activities are not included and remain subject to availability.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing is available, but the final price may be affected by minimum-participant requirements for some hiking activities. Request a quotation for your preferred dates so availability and the applicable solo rate can be confirmed.
When is the best time to take this hiking tour?
The package can begin throughout the year, subject to hotel and activity availability. Weather on São Miguel 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. 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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