Hiking the Azores

Portugal

From £949

Maybe you’ve been to the Azores before — but definitely not like this. Spend six incredible days hiking this famous archipelago, and experience a side that few ever see. Trek to the highest lake in the Azores, wander through storied towns, and hike through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you ever did see.

Dates

Trip Overview
Trip Overview

Accommodation
Hotel (5 nts).
Checklist
Documents:
- Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
- Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
- Passport (required) (With photocopies)
- Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
- Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
- Ear plugs
- First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
- Fleece top/sweater
- Footwear
- Hat
- Locks for bags
- Long pants/jeans
- Moneybelt
- Outlet adapter
- Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
- Shirts/t-shirts
- Sleepwear
- Small travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
- Watch and alarm clock
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
- Face masks (required)
- Hand sanitizer (required)
- Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
- Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
- Sun hat/bandana
- Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) on each Island
Group Size Notes
Max 16, average 12.
Highlights
Explore the Islands of São Miguel and Terceira, Hike to the highest body of water in the Azores called the Lake of Fire, Stare in awe inside ancient lava caves, Take a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo’s UNESCO World Heritage site
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Introduction
Maybe you’ve been to the Azores before — but definitely not like this. Spend six incredible days hiking this famous archipelago, and experience a side that few ever see. Trek to the highest lake in the Azores, wander through storied towns, and hike through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you ever did see.
Meal Budget
Allow USD160-210 for meals not included.
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Optional Activities
Ponta Delgada
- Forte de São Brás (3EUR per person)
- Jardim António Borges
- Ponta Delgada Foodie Walking Tour

Start / Finish
Ponta Delgada to Angra do Heroísmo
Transport
Private vehicle, hiking, plane.
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group. Pico da Vara hike. Angra do Heroísmo Walking Tour. Visit to the Terra Nostra Geothermal Hot Springs. Hike to the highest body of water in the Azores Lagoa do Fogo. Mistérios Negros trail Hike and Algar do Carvão lava caves. Sete Cidades Parish Hike. Rocha do Chambre hike. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Itinerary

Route Overview

Day 1: Ponta Delgada
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACCOMMODATION
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada
Day 2: Ponta Delgada
Drive to the village of Santo António today and the start of the Pico da Vara hike, featuring the highest point on São Miguel island. After returning from the hike the group will head into Furnas town for a visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens and geothermal hot springs. While there, the group will have a chance to take a dip in the natural hot waters or wander around the 24 acre botanical garden.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
The Pico da Vara hike features the highest point on São Miguel island. In the Nordeste provence, the trail starts at an altitude of 700 meters and climbs upwards through forested land and eventually reachers areas with shorter vegetation closer to the mountain top. Pico da Vara sits at about 1105m above sea level. On a clear day you can see Santa Maria island and the slope of the mountain down to the town of Povoação, the first settled town on the island. Afterwards the group will stop for a visit to the 24 acre thermal springs and botanical garden in a town of Furnas. There will be time to dip into the natural waters or wander the grounds.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada
Day 3: Ponta Delgada
Spend the morning on a hike to the highest body of water in the Azores, Lagoa do Fogo, "lake of fire". Wander down to the shores of the lake through a forest of Eucalyptus and Japanese Cedars. Later, after a picnic lunch, travel to the Sete Cidades Parish and hike the trails for stunning views of the lakes within the caldera.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
Known as the "lake of fire," Lagoa do Fogo is the highest body of water in the Azores. Embark on a hike down to the shores of the lake which has formed in the bottom of the caldera. Walk through a forest of Eucalyptus, Japanese Cedars and along a levada water way.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
Walk the rolling hills along groomed trails in the Sete Cidades parish. Hike around the caldera for spectacular views of the crater lakes formed within the former volcano. Marvel at the blue-green lake reflecting two different colours due to sunlight and algae growth.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION
NEAT Hotel Avenida Ponta Delgada
Day 4: Ponta Delgada/Angra do Heroísmo
Fly from São Miguel to Terceira island, considered the capital of Azorean culture. Meet your CEO and hit the trails. Hike 9.5km on a circular route right in the middle of the island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
TRANSPORT
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
This 9.5km circular route takes place in the middle of the island explores the rich agriculture of Azorean Heather, Laurel and Juniper plants. The Rocha do Chambre trail is considered rolling terrain. It has some flat sections through the forest which provide very dramatic scenery and a few steep inclines. It crosses a forest and meanders along a small stream up to the top of the Pico Alto crater at just over 700 meters. Enjoy beautiful views of the Azinhal Valley and Biscoitos village with its rocky lava formations that meet the sea. Total elevation gain is about 360 meters.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
Enjoy a walking tour of the capital city, Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city maintains its stunning Renaissance architecture, housing fortresses, churches and manor houses. Walk through this beautiful city and discover the hidden history of the main streets, squares and monuments.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Zenite Terceira
Day 5: Angra do Heroísmo
Head to the middle of the island with stunning views of the agricultural patchwork fields contrasted by the centuries old lava flow (often called the Black Lagoon). Here we hike the Mistérios Negros trail and visit the Algar do Carvão lava caves.
ACTIVITY
Hike the Mistérios Negros trail which starts near the site of the last volcanic eruption on Terciera, in 1761. Learn about this incredible landscape while traversing uneven trails, over hardened lava flows and volcanic rock. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Algar do Carvão lava caves, which are a naturally formed tunnel of air developed under the warm lava.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle - its a short 30 minute drive each way.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Zenite Terceira
Day 6: Angra do Heroísmo
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Pricing & Availability

Date From	Date To	Price
04 September 2023	09 September 2023	£1059
11 September 2023	16 September 2023	£1059
25 September 2023	30 September 2023	£1059
23 October 2023	28 October 2023	£999
06 November 2023	11 November 2023	£949
13 November 2023	18 November 2023	£949
20 November 2023	25 November 2023	£949
04 December 2023	09 December 2023	£949
11 March 2024	16 March 2024	£949
18 March 2024	23 March 2024	£949
25 March 2024	30 March 2024	£949
08 April 2024	13 April 2024	£999
15 April 2024	20 April 2024	£999
22 April 2024	27 April 2024	£999
06 May 2024	11 May 2024	£1059
13 May 2024	18 May 2024	£1059
20 May 2024	25 May 2024	£1059
27 May 2024	01 June 2024	£1059
03 June 2024	08 June 2024	£1059
10 June 2024	15 June 2024	£1059
17 June 2024	22 June 2024	£1059
24 June 2024	29 June 2024	£1059
08 July 2024	13 July 2024	£1059
22 July 2024	27 July 2024	£1059
05 August 2024	10 August 2024	£1059
12 August 2024	17 August 2024	£1059
26 August 2024	31 August 2024	£1059
02 September 2024	07 September 2024	£1059
09 September 2024	14 September 2024	£1059
16 September 2024	21 September 2024	£1059
23 September 2024	28 September 2024	£1059
07 October 2024	12 October 2024	£999
14 October 2024	19 October 2024	£999
21 October 2024	26 October 2024	£999
28 October 2024	02 November 2024	£999
04 November 2024	09 November 2024	£949
11 November 2024	16 November 2024	£949
18 November 2024	23 November 2024	£949
02 December 2024	07 December 2024	£949

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