Azores: Hiking in Sao Miguel

Flight city of origin destination Punta Delgada. Arrival at Punta Delgada airport and transfer to the hotel.

We will explore the western part of São Miguel. The Sete Cidades lake is one of the most famous and legendary on the island. During the 11km of the trail, we will have the opportunity to learn about the fauna, flora, history, volcanic formation of the island, and of course, we will learn about the legendary love story that explains the formation of the lake. After the walk, we'll take the coastal road south to stop at Ferraria, an enchanting bathing area in the sea, where salt water is heated inside a volcanic fissure.
Walk: 11 km / 4 hours
Difficulty: Low

This walk takes us to one of the most beautiful lakes on the island and its surroundings. It is a very complete activity that allows you to observe a great variety of endemic vegetation. The lake fills the bottom of the caldera, and on arrival we will have the opportunity to take a swim before or after the picnic lunch. This trail is of medium difficulty – in the morning, on the way to the lake, the route is mainly hilly (more or less for 2 hours). After lunch, the path is mainly downhill, and we have to be careful not to slip. We do not recommend this activity for people with knee or ankle problems.
Walk: 12 km / 4.30 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Faial da Terra is a small town that belongs to Povoação, located in the southeast of the island of Sao Miguel. Our walk begins on a steep and narrow path that leads us to Sanguinho – a small town that was abandoned in the early 70's and is now being restored. The rest of the trail is through a wooded area, with many short ascents and descents among very dense and beautiful vegetation. Finally we will arrive at the Salto do Prego waterfall, where we will have the opportunity to take a bath before our picnic lunch. On the way back, we will follow a different path but with similar characteristics to the way out. When we finish the walk we will have time to have a drink in the town and meet the local people. We do not recommend this activity for people with knee or ankle problems.
Walk: 6 km / 3 hours
Difficulty: medium/technical

During this activity you will have the opportunity to see some of the more than 25 species of cetaceans that can be found in the Azores. Although nature does not give us guarantees, whales and dolphins are normally sighted during our half-day outings, as well as turtles, seabirds and other types of species. Before the boat ride, our biologists give an explanation about what species can be seen, safety measures on board, how to respect the animals, observation rules and some historical facts. During the trip each passenger must wear a life jacket (except on our catamaran). Option to order waterproof jackets and pants, if required.

On this excursion we will feel and experience the volcanic origins of the island in Furnas, a magical place. We will start by visiting the calderas next to the Furnas lake, where the famous Furnas “Cozido” is cooked (a very special meal cooked with the heat of the Earth) and we continue with a slight walk that crosses the stream and surrounds the lake. During this walk we will have the opportunity to appreciate the variety of endemic flora species. The next visit is to the town of Furnas, with its fumaroles and hot springs that contain waters of different flavors. The “Cozido” will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch we will visit the Terra Nostra centenary botanical garden, very famous for its extraordinary collection of native plants from the Azores, as well as from the rest of the world. At the end of the visit, we will have the opportunity to bathe in a pool of hot water rich in iron with a temperature of 35-40ºC, a magnificent experience. On the way back to Punta Delgada, we will make stops at several viewpoints on the north coast and at the only tea plantation in Europe, where we will visit the factory and have some tea.

We will leave Ponta Delgada towards Lomba de Sao Pedro, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande to tour the north coast of the island.
The walk begins near the church of São Pedro and follows a dirt road that descends towards the Atlantic.
The first stops will be at the Rocha viewpoint and the Homem waterfall.
We will continue towards the old Félix water mill, the Teófilo and Gruta waterfalls, and the trout well.
At the end of the route we will find some sources that supplied water to the agricultural towns in the area, before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Walk: 5.5 km / 2.30 hours

At the agreed time, transfer to the airport and return to the city of origin.