Get ready for an epic adventure in the stunning Azores – join us for hiking, exploring, and creating unforgettable memories.

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About this event

Event lasts 2 days 13 hours

WHY GO?

Natural beauty: The Azores are known for their stunning landscapes, including lush green hills, crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Adventure activities: The Azores offers a range of adventure activities, such as hiking, diving, whale watching, and surfing, making it a great destination for adventure-seekers.
Wildlife: The Azores is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife, including endemic species of birds, dolphins, and whales.
Relaxation: With its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, the Azores is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in a tranquil and scenic environment.
Cultural heritage: The Azores has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Portuguese, European, and indigenous influences. Visitors can explore the region’s history and traditions through its charming villages, museums, and festivals.

Overall, the Azores offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for tourists who want to experience the best of what Portugal has to offer.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

Sete Cidade: It is named after the seven dormant volcanic craters that form the Sete Cidades Massif. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Sete Cidades Lake being a major attraction. The lake is actually a twin lake, formed by the two volcanic craters that make up the Sete Cidades Massif. The two lakes are connected by a narrow strait, and their waters have different shades of blue and green, creating a striking contrast. The area is also surrounded by lush greenery and scenic vistas, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
Islet of Vila Franco do Campo: The Islet of Vila Franco do Campo is a volcanic islet located off the coast of Vila Franco do Campo on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago. It is a natural reserve and a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The islet is formed by the caldera of an extinct volcano and is part of a protected marine area due to the rich variety of marine life found in its waters.
Lagoa do Fogo: Highest lake in the Azores, with an altitude of 575 meters above sea level, and it has a depth of approximately 30 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors can hike to the lake or take a guided tour to enjoy the scenic views and explore the surrounding area.
Caldeira Velha: is a natural park located on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is situated within the Água de Pau Massif, a volcanic complex that covers the western part of Sao Miguel. The park is known for its thermal pools and natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity in the area.The water is rich in minerals and is believed to have therapeutic properties that can help with various ailments.
Ponta Delgada: is the largest city on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is located on the south coast of the island and is the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the Azores. Ponta Delgada is known for its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Portas da Cidade (City Gates), a historic gateway to the city that dates back to the 18th century.
Pico Island (based on selecting Opt. B or C): Pico Island, in the Azores, is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Dominated by Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Its UNESCO-listed vineyards, grown in volcanic soil, produce the famous Verdelho wine. The island’s dramatic coastline is perfect for whale watching, and its lava tube caves, like Gruta das Torres, reveal its volcanic origins. Rich in history, Pico boasts charming villages, natural swimming pools, and a deep connection to Azorean maritime traditions, making it an unforgettable destination for adventurers and explorers.
Hiking Mount Pico (based on selecting Opt. B or C): Hiking Mount Pico is a rewarding adventure, as it takes you to the highest point in Portugal at 2,351 meters. The ascent offers incredible panoramic views of the Azores, showcasing its volcanic landscape and neighboring islands. This trek allows hikers to explore the island’s geological origins, walking on lava flows and witnessing volcanic craters. The challenge of the 6-8 hour hike makes reaching the summit a fulfilling achievement. Additionally, sunrise and sunset hikes provide breathtaking, unforgettable moments. Hiking Mount Pico is not just a physical endeavor but an immersive experience in nature’s raw beauty and the island’s rich volcanic heritage.
Roadtrip Faial Island (based on selecting Opt. B or Opt. C): : Faial Island, known as the “Blue Island” of the Azores, is a must-visit for its stunning landscapes and rich maritime history. The island’s crown jewel, Capelinhos Volcano, offers a unique opportunity to explore a recent volcanic eruption site. The vibrant marina in Horta is famous among sailors worldwide, and Peter Café Sport is an iconic stop for ocean adventurers. Faial’s lush countryside, volcanic calderas, and dramatic cliffs provide excellent hiking, while its crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving and whale watching. With a blend of nature, history, and culture, Faial is an enchanting destination in the Azores.
Capelinhos Volcano (based on selecting Opt. B or Opt. C): is a must-visit for its fascinating geological and historical significance. This volcanic site, where a dramatic eruption occurred between 1957 and 1958, expanded the western part of Faial Island, creating a lunar-like landscape of ash and lava. Visiting Capelinhos offers a rare chance to walk on a relatively young volcanic terrain, witnessing the raw power of nature. The Capelinhos Interpretation Center provides insight into the eruption’s impact and the island’s volcanic activity. The site also offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a remarkable blend of natural history, science, and stunning scenery.

TRIP DETAILS

Start & End Date:

Opt. A: Thursday evening, 17 October – Mon morning, 21 October
Opt. B: Mon morning, 21 Oct – Thursday morning, 24 Oct
Opt. C: Thursday evening, 17 October – Thu morning, 24 October

Meeting location & time:

Opt. A & C: Meet your guide & other participants in Ponta Delgada Airport anytime from 6pm on Thursday, 17 October.

Opt.B: Meet your guide & other participants in Pico Airport anytime from 10am onwards on Monday, 21 Oct.

Finishing Location & time:

Option A (Sao Miguel only): Dropped off in in Ponta Delgada Airport @ 7:00 am on Mon morning, 21 October.
Opt. B & C: Dropped off in Horta Airport @ 9:00am on Thursday, 24 Oct.

Note: If you are leaving earlier or later, please us know in the sheet that will be shared with you closer to the event date, so that we can accordingly make the relevant arrangements.

Hiking Distance:

Day 0 (No hiking): <3km – Arrive in Ponta Delgada.
Day 1: 20km – Hike Sete Cidades + whalewatching (optional)
Day 2: 16km – Lagoa do Fogo – loop from Ribeira Chã + hot water springs
Day 3 (No hiking): <3km – Whalewatching (optional) + Exploring Vila France + Coastal island drive around the eastern and north part of São Miguel island.
Day 4 (No hiking): <3km – Head back home or continue to Pico Island and explore Pico.

Pico + Faial Island (Opt. B & X)

Day 4 (No hiking): <3km – Explore Pico.
Day 5 : 15km + Hiking Pico Mountain + Explore Pico’s Wine Region
Day 6 (Faial Island – Horta): <5km hiking while exploring Faial Island
Day 7 (Head back home from Horta): <2km walking.

Note: There is an optional paid tour available for participants only wishing to participate for 1 day of hiking and they can then skip the hike on Day 1.

Hiking Difficulty: Intermediate / advanced – hiking at relaxed pace on well-marked paths, moderate elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required.

Price: Starting from 595 euros (before any discounts).

What is included in the basic trip?

Community leader & guide for for the entire duration (Guide can speak German as well). Note: English is the main language spoken in all our trips.
4 x nights shared accommodation in Ponta Delgada. Note: Additional accommodation upgrade options can be found under add-on’s while purchasing the ticket.
Organizing places to eat during the trip (participants to pay themselves).
Breakfast supplies provided for the entire trip (Breads, Eggs, Cereals, Milk, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetable, Spreads etc).

Guided hikes on Day 1 & 2
Boat trip to the incredible island of Vila Franca.
Entry to Caldeira Velha hot springs.
Road trip around Island to discover waterfalls, parks & possible whale sightings.
Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location. Note: You will be driven around in cars / vans by your guide(s) on this trip.
Access to a dedicated whatsapp group for this event to connect with other trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to whatsapp group in the ticket).
Access to a shared Google photo album where you can share & view all amazing pictures & videos from the trip (link to google photos album in the whatsapp group description).

For those participants with Pico & Faial Island Add-on, see inclusions below (on top of the inclusions above):

2 x nights shared accommodation in Pico Island
1 x night shared accommodation in Faial island (Horta)
1 x flight from Ponta Delgada to Pico with 23kg Check-in luggage included
Ferry from Pico to Faial Island.
Roadtrip of Faial island including Capelinhos volcanic region.
Entrance for Capelinhos Interpretation Center
Guided tour of Gruta das Torres (Lava Tube)

Guided hike by Local for Pico Mountain – Portugal’s highest mountain (Weather permitting).
Roadtrip around Pico Island to explore vineyards and visit natural pools.
Winetasting in Pico Island,
Entry to Whalers’ Museum (Museu dos Baleeiros)

Optional Add-On:

There is an optional paid tour available for participants only wishing to participate for 1 day of hiking and they can then skip the hike on Day 1. Please reach out for more details.
Whalewatching cruise from a boat (Sao Miguel)

How to get to Azores?:

Flying is the fastest way to reach Aeroporto de Ponta Delgada
Note: Reach out directly to Urbanature Travel for flights inclusive offers.

Check out pics from our last 2 Azores trips here.

WHAT IS THE DETAILED PLAN?

Day 0 – Meet & Greet: Meet the guide & other participants in Ponta Delgade airport and then proceed to accommodation. Time permitting, we do a quick intro and talk about our upcoming hikes and excursions to come. Note: We will be staying in Ponta Delgada for the next 4 nights.

Day 1 – Hiking Sete Cidades & Miradouro da Boco do Inferno: As we will have our own transport our starting time on the first morning is flexible so please take advantage of the breakfast in the accommodation before we begin. As long as we arrive at our first destination at a reasonable time to be able to take full advantage of the beautiful scenery at Sete Cidades and Miradouro da Boco do Inferno then we are on the right track for a great first day. Don’t forget we will be whale watching at Terro do Pico after our hike so if you are prone to sea sickness then best bring something to aid against it.

Day 2 – Whalewatching + Discover Lagoa De Fogo: Post breakfast, let’s check out Lagoa De Fogo! A beautiful lake in the centre of the island. But first let’s start at the coast and work our way up to it, but why stop there!? We will be passing by this beautiful lake, being also the highest lake on the island, once a volcano that collapsed 5000 years ago we will walk around its crater walls and visit its sandy beaches before we head north to visit the beautiful waterfall at Cascato do Salto do Cabrito. A chance to swim in its cool waters before heading down to Caldeira Velha hot springs. After the springs, we head out for an evening meal to end the night. Note: The sulfuric water at the natural thermal baths will stain your swim wear so bring something old or black, I am sure our walk back to the car will be a very floaty one:)

Day 3 – Hiking Vila Franca + Roadtrip around Island: Our final hiking day will be a mix of hiking and driving, swimming and eating! Starting with a boat to an incredible island called Islet of Vila Franca, a tiny island with a volcano crater making up half of its size. Afterwards we head east to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, a beautiful park high up on the cliffs which also affords stunning views of the ocean and the occasional whale if we are lucky. Then a change to go to Furnas town and try their earth cooked stew. Yes its cooked in the ground! A tour including amazing views, waterfalls and a tea plantation will take us to the end of our final day on Sao Miguel. Our last evening together will im sure be full of fine food and drink.

Day 4 – Head back home or fly to Pico Island: Post breakfast, we head to the airport, say our goodbye’s to participants heading back home. For those continuing to Pico, we head to Pico by a morning flight. Once in Pico, we head to our accommdation and rest up for a bit before heading Late Afternoon swim in the Natural Pools, relax at Lajes do Pico or the Natural Pools of São Roque. These natural volcanic pools offer great spots for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.

Day 5 – Hike Portugal’s Highest Moutain with a Local Guide (weather permitting):

Start early and embark on a hike to the summit of the highest mountain in Portugal, Mount Pico, standing at 2,351 meters. The hike takes around 6-8 hours round trip. Mt. Pico is also the third tallest volcano in the Atlantic. Those stats alone are one of the main reasons people hike this formidable mountain and one of the reasons people flock to the Azores Islands. The other reasons for hiking it of course is for the unmistakably beautiful views and physical challenge.
Post the hike, we relax with a visit to the UNESCO-listed vineyards. The region is known for its lava-stone walls (currais) that protect the vineyards from harsh winds and sea spray.
Cooperativa Vitivinícola: Tour the local wine museum or take a guided wine-tasting tour to sample Pico’s famous Verdelho wine.
Evening: Sunset at Criação Velha: Head to Criação Velha for a stunning sunset view over the vineyards and the Atlantic Ocean. A peaceful end to your day on Pico Island.

Day 6 – Roadtrip around Faial Island & overnight stay in Faial: Faial Island, one of the beautiful islands of the Azores archipelago in Portugal, offers stunning landscapes, history, and culture. We start with:

Caldeira do Faial: The massive volcanic crater at the center of the island. It’s one of the island’s most iconic spots, with breathtaking panoramic views. There’s a 2-hour hiking trail along the crater’s rim for those who enjoy nature walks.
Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre: Visit the Capelinhos Volcano on the western end of the island. It’s the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores (1957-58). The moon-like landscape and the Interpretation Center provide insight into volcanic activity and the formation of the Azores. You can also climb the lighthouse for a stunning view.
Varadouro Natural Pools: Finish your afternoon at the Varadouro Natural Pools, a great place to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Atlantic waters. The surrounding volcanic rock formations create a unique and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 7 (24 Oct) – Head back home or link up with our Portugal trip starting from Lisbon (Fri, 25 Oct – Tue, 29 Oct): Head to Horta airport where we say out goodbye’s and head back home via Lisbon.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

WHATSAPP: Reach out to us directly by clicking here: Ask Questions

WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TRANSACTION FEES?

Transaction fees apply only when you use the ticketing system available on this page. If you prefer to avoid these fees, we offer the option of paying via bank transfer. To arrange a bank transfer or if you have any questions, please reach out to us directly by clicking here: Ask Questions

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

WHAT IS NEXT?

WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Free cancellation up to 7 full days before the start of the trip. After that, cancel up to 5 days before the trip to get a 50% refund.
If the event is cancelled by Urbanature Travel (UNT), you will get a full refund (excluding any airfares), unless you have purchased a flight inclusive package directly with Urbanature Travel (UNT) in which case you will get a refund including the flights.
Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
Urbanature Travel (UNT) needs a minimum of 5 participants for this trip to take place, else we may cancel this trip.
UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

Organized by Urbanature Travel

Welcome my fellow travellers! We are looking to provide you with options to travel to amazing places with our like-minded community guides. Our trips would involve a mash-up of urban exploring and comfortable nature trails & hikes planned & designed by us to ensure that you have a great time & have a more holistic experience.

Looking forward to seeing you on our trips!!!