Hiking in the Azores

In flight

Arrival at destination.

Transfer to the hotel.

Free day.

(B)

That day, the group will be divided into two. Half of the group will swim with the dolphins, and the other half will discover the city of Ponta Delgada on a walking tour.

The group will reunite for dinner and continue with the other activity in the afternoon.

Swim with the Dolphins

Your experience begins with a briefing during which we will give you all the advice for interacting with the dolphins and the rules to follow at sea to make the most of this experience. A briefing will take place to get acquainted with these friendly animals, previously spotted by our team of lookouts. When the time for interaction arrives, the entire process will be managed to ensure that the animals feel comfortable and are available to share their environment with us. It will be an experience in their natural habitat and will certainly be one of the best memories of your visit to the Azores. The return to land will allow you to fully enjoy the coastal landscapes of our island.

City Tour

Ponta Delgada started as a simple fishing village, attracted by its safe coves, but quickly became the main port of São Miguel Island. The city grew, and during the 17th and 18th centuries, convents, churches, and mansions appeared, which still define the historic center of Ponta Delgada today. Nowadays, it is a cosmopolitan city, outward-looking, with an active economic and cultural life. The waterfront, which runs along the port and the sea, defining the city’s profile, is an expression of its dynamism, its adaptation to new times, and also the gateway to the city. Ponta Delgada is a city with many facets where tradition coexists with the present and cosmopolitanism with the tranquility of Azorean life, documenting the history of the Azores.

Return to the hotel for supper.

(BD-D)

Free day.

Breakfast at the hotel.

(B)

Breakfast at the hotel

This trail begins near the “Muro das Nove Janelas” (wall with nine windows), a stone aqueduct formerly used for supplying water to the public fountain of the town of Ponta Delgada. Throughout this path, you will be able to admire vast panoramic views of the north and south coasts of São Miguel, as well as several species of endemic flora. The trail ends at the center of the parish of Sete Cidades.

Start the trail next to the “Muro das Nove Janelas”. After crossing a forest of Cryptomeria japonica and a steep cement path, you will arrive at the top of Pico da Cruz, from where you can enjoy vast panoramic views of the island’s north and south coast and, in the background, the Serra de Água de Pau.

From this point, the trail runs along the ridge of Lagoa Azul, from where you can glimpse Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa de Santiago. Along this path, you can observe several species of endemic flora such as Ilex Azorica, Erica azorica, Angelica lignescens, Hypericum foliosum, and Leontodon rigens. Conclude the trail by arriving in the center of the parish of Sete Cidades.

Return to the hotel for the included dinner

(B-L-D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the Azores, we can observe about 28 species of cetaceans out of the 90 known in the world. These excursions are always conducted in the company of a professional team of skippers, biologists, and lookouts. Before heading out to sea, a briefing is organized on cetaceans, observation methods, safety rules, and a code of conduct for whale watching in the Azores. Picos de Aventura has a 99% success rate of sightings per excursion.

Free dinner ($).

Free afternoon.

Free supper ($).

(B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The Pico das Camarinhas – Ponta da Ferraria trail begins near the Sabrina Island viewpoint, named after a historic volcanic eruption in 1811 that gave birth to a small island located about 6 km southeast of Ponta da Ferraria. This new island, extremely vulnerable to the erosive action of the waves, disappeared a few months later and today, only a low area remains.

Start the trail towards “Pico das Camarinhas”, a cone of basalt blocks, where you will have to climb a dirt road to the top. Here, there is a clear view of “Ponta da Ferraria” as well as the village of “Ginetes” and “Pico do Cavalo”. From here, it is possible to see the alignment of three craters generally oriented from west to east, typical of fissure volcanism. Then, you must descend the trail, go around the two coalescent craters and arrive at “Caminho Velho”. You will need to turn right at this point where it is possible to see a trachytic dome. Upon reaching the crossroads, you will need to turn right again onto “Rua Ilha da Sabrina” towards the “Ferraria” lava cliff.

Descending towards the lava cliff, it is possible to see in the fossiliferous cliff outcrops of pumice from the “Sete Cidades” volcano, under the pyroclastic layers of “Pico das Camarinhas”. At the base of the lava cliff, you will need to turn right where you will be able to see rock outcrops of ignimbrite and some veins in the cliff. The trail winds around the lava cliff, where it is possible to see some recesses, arches, and a pseudo-crater, a rare geological structure formed by a phreatic explosion. In the basaltic rocks of “Ferraria”, it is possible to see xenoliths, or “foreign bodies”, small rock fragments ripped deep and incorporated into the lava flow on the surface.

The trail continues towards the natural thermal pool, where you can swim in the ocean at temperatures exceeding 30°C during low tide. The thermal water springs have contributed to the construction of the “Ferraria” thermal spa. The walk then continues towards the Sabrina Island viewpoint, where it ends. If you wish to walk a few more meters, at this viewpoint, there is a small shortcut to the “Ferraria” lighthouse.

Return to the hotel for the included dinner.

(B-L-D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This hike starts towards the church “Santana” and the “Poça da Dona Beija” (not included), where we find a trail that leads us to the viewpoint “Lombo dos Milhos”. From there, we have a beautiful view of the entire Furnas Valley. We continue following the trail, along the shore of the “Lagoa das Furnas”, passing by an interpretation center (CMIF, not included), the largest classified “Araucaria” in Europe and several leisure spots. Before descending back to the starting point of this trail, we take a break near the boilers, where you can see where the traditional “Cozido das Caldeiras” is prepared/cooked.

After dinner in a local restaurant (traditional stew – “Cozido das Caldeiras”), the group will visit the Terra Nostra Park (included), perhaps the finest example of romantic 18th-century gardens in the region. Here, in addition to walking along paths surrounded by vegetation from around the world, there will be time to enjoy a thermal bath in the natural pool.

Return to the hotel for the included supper.

(B-L-D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The hiking trail begins with a dirt path that climbs through the woods. The trail continues along a levada (approximately 2 km) until it reaches a wider area, with steep slopes on each side down to the shore of Lagoa do Fogo. During the ascent, we will have the chance to see Vila Franca do Campo and its islet. Lunch is taken by the shore of the lagoon where you can capture fantastic photographic moments of the most pristine lagoon on São Miguel. The return to the starting point is via a trail that passes through an area covered with endemic vegetation, turning into a grazing area as we descend in altitude.

Return to the hotel for the included dinner.

(B-L-D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day.

Dinner and supper on your own ($).

(B)

Breakfast at the hotel

During this walk, you will be able to observe lagoons, conquer a mountain, and enjoy a privileged view of the central part of the island of São Miguel, all on a single trail, in the “Serra Devassa” region. On this route, we find some species of endemic flora, many of which are rare to see. During this walk, we discover the various lagoons and wetlands of the western part of the island of São Miguel. It lasts about 2.5 hours, during which it will be possible to observe the “Lagoa das Éguas” and the “Lagoa Rasa”, before climbing to one of the highest points of the island, “Serra Devassa”. We will then continue towards the “Lagoa das Empadadas”, through a forest of Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica), before returning to the starting point.

Dinner, afternoon, and supper free.

(B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This trail begins and ends in the parish of Faial da Terra – municipality of Povoação and takes about 3.5 hours. Initially, it climbs up to the local village of Sanguinho, which is believed to be named due to the strong presence of the endemic plant Sanguinho (Frangula azorica). Then, the trail continues to the Salto do Prego waterfall, one of the most beautiful spots on the island. It is the perfect stop for a picnic lunch and also for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the waterfall.

The return is along the trail parallel to the stream that flows from the waterfall to the parish of Faial da Terra, through lush vegetation. The return to Ponta Delgada includes a stop at Vila da Povoação, the first town on the island of São Miguel.

Return to the hotel for dinner included.

(B-L-D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This trail starts at the “Vista do Rei” viewpoint, crosses the southwestern slope of the “Sete Cidades” ridges, and ends inside the village. Throughout the walk, it is possible to admire the interior of the crater with its different lakes and volcanic formations. Upon reaching the paved road, you can make a small detour to the left and visit the “Lomba do Vasco” viewpoint with a view of the west coast, highlighting the village of “Mosteiros” and its small islets. The trail continues to the right, on the regional road, descending towards the village of “Sete Cidades”. Once in the village, take the opportunity to visit the lake shore rehabilitation project and the “Casa do Parque”. The trail ends at the “São Nicolau” church.

Free dinner ($).

Free afternoon.

Free supper ($).

(B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day. Dinner and supper at your expense ($). (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

The trail starts at the “Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande”, heading towards “Lombadas/Monte Escuro” until you find a pipeline. This trail follows the pipeline until you find a steep staircase that will lead you to the “Salto do Cabrito” hydroelectric power plant. Upon arriving here, you will need to turn right, go around the building to admire the waterfall that gives its name to this power plant.

Free dinner ($).

Free afternoon and dinner ($).

(B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Return flight to Montreal.

(B)