About the route
This walking holiday is a moderately easy level 1. Scenic and easy walked routes of shorter lengths (2-5 hours of walking per day). The walks are arranged so that you typically will have a taxi transfer in the morning to the top of the walking trail, and then mostly walk downhill from there (400-600 vertical meters/1,312-1,970ft). On day 6 there will be an ascent of around 600 m/ 1,970 ft.
Itinerary
Here you can see the programme for the tour.
You arrive to the first hotel of your journey. After you have settled in your room you can explore your surroundings. Transfer from the airport to the first hotel in the Valley of Furnas is included in the price.
Hotel (example): Hotel Terra Nostra****
The tour starts at the hotel and goes up around the crater lake Lagoa das Furnas, which with its greenish colour beautifully matches the island's vegetation. It is also close to the lakeshore that you can experience some of the island's hot springs with boiling mud and water holes that give an impression of how alive the island's interior is. It is at these springs that the famous stew Cazido das Furnas is cooked using only the heat from underground. On this tour you will also pass by the Furnas Monitoring & Research Centre, where we recommend a visit - entrance fee included.
It is possible to extend the day's hike by about 2 hours if you want to hike from the hot springs up to Pico do Ferro, a beautiful viewpoint that offers a fantastic view of Lagoa das Furnas. However, this part of the hike can be slippery and muddy after rainfall.
The hike starts and ends at the hotel.
Hotel (example): Hotel Terra Nostra****
Today's hike combines two interesting routes. The Lomba do Cavaleiro route (also called the Agrião route) and the Redondo route. These take you through a beautiful green area and along a small creek with acacia and avocado trees growing around it. In Ribeira Quente there is a beautiful beach where you can take a dip. You can also visit the small fishing harbour or have lunch in one of the town's small, cosy cafés before continuing your hike. The next part of the hike takes around 1.5 hours and follows the path along the riverbank out of Ribeira Quente and up to a point with magnificent views of Salto do Cavalo.
Included in the tour is today's transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the walk (9.00am). And return from the end of the hike to the hotel in Furnas Valley (16:00).
Hotel (example): Hotel Terra Nostra****
Today's hike is the shortest of the week and takes you from the village of Faial Da Terra to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. On the way up, you'll pass the village of Sanguinho, which has been abandoned since the 1970s. However, renovations are underway for future sustainable tourism. The trail takes you up through the forest to a clearing where a waterfall idyllically fills a small lake. Taking a dip here is an experience, even though the water is cold.
Back in Faial Da Terra, you'll have time to find a cosy spot to enjoy lunch or afternoon coffee.
Included in the tour is today's transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the hike (9:00 am). And return from the end of the hike to the hotel in Furnasdalen (16:00).
Note: In rainy weather this hike can be difficult. If it rains a lot, it may be necessary to skip this hike.
Hotel (example): Hotel Terra Nostra****
Today's hike takes you along the Ribeira Funda river, which meanders through a stunning undulating landscape. Along the river you'll see several ruins of old watermills and there are several beautiful waterfalls along the way. The paths take you all the way to the coast, from where you walk along the beach in the bay of Praia da Viola and end up in the coastal village of Maia. This is the largest town on the north coast and it is recommended to walk past the town church, known for its characteristic facade.
Included in the tour is today's transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the walk (9.00 am).
After the walk, you will be driven to your next hotel in Ponta Delgada. On the way, it will be possible to make a stop at Santa Iria, where there is a fantastic viewpoint. The taxi will also make a short stop at the island's famous tea plantation, rumoured to be the only one in Europe.
Hotel (example): São Miguel Park Hotel****
The crater lake Lagoa do Fogo is the highest lake on São Miguel and also the most inaccessible lake in the Azores, as it can only be reached on foot. The last stretch up to the lake, the path follows a levada - an open water conduit. At the lakeside, you can enjoy a picnic or take a dip.
The hike then follows other trails back to the shore where it is possible to swim from the beach.
Included in the tour is today's transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the hike (9.00 am). And return from the end of the walk to the hotel in Ponta Delgada (16:00).
Hotel (example): São Miguel Park Hotel****
On the last day of hiking you have the choice between two different hiking routes.
The A route is approximately 3 hours long, but may not be suitable if the day is foggy.
The B route is about 2 hours long and easier to hike.
The A route starts at an old overgrown aqueduct at an altitude of 710 metres, also known as the wall of nine windows due to its appearance. From here it climbs the last 140 metres to the crater rim of this ancient volcano, from where there are magnificent views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. The lakes have a funny phenomenon as they reflect the sun's rays in different colours, making one lake appear blue and the other green, even though they are connected, divided only by a bridge and therefore really only one lake. From here, the hike continues through beautiful nature down to the village of Sete Cidades, where you can find a cosy restaurant or enjoy a picnic by the lakeside.
The B route starts directly on the crater rim at the Vista do Rei viewpoint (550 metres above sea level), which also offers fantastic views of the twin lakes. From here, the route follows dirt roads and paths through beautiful nature down to the lakeshore at the village of Sete Cidades.
In the afternoon, take a stroll along the shores of either the blue or green part of the lake. Whichever direction you choose, you'll have to return the same way as there are no paths around the entire lake.
Included in the tour is today's transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the hike (9.00 am). As well as the return from the end of the walk to the hotel in Ponta Delgada (16:00).
Hotel (example): São Miguel Park Hotel****
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel in Ponta Delgada and transfer to the airport (included in the price).
Photos from the tour
Prices and dates
Price includes
- 7 nights in two 4-star hotels
- Breakfast every day
- Transfer from airport to first accommodation
- Daily transfers between the hiking trail and hotels (on days when transfer is applicable)
- Transfer from the hotel in Furnas to the hotel in Ponta Delgada
- Transfer from last accommodation to the airport
- Route descriptions, maps and other relevant information
- Admission to Furnas Monitoring & Research Center
- A phone number for 24-hour local support
- Contribution to the local social and environmental organization
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Transportation to and from São Miguel
- Tourist tax (if due)
- Handling fee (EUR 20)
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Ponta Delgada are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 3-4 business days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Airport transfer
Upon arrival to Ponta Delgada Airport you will be picked up and driven to the hotel. It does not matter what time of day you arrive.
On this tour you will be accommodated in 4-star hotels with breakfast included.
In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.
Breakfast is included every day. Lunch can either be arranged with the hotel, or you can buy lunch at a nearby café or supermarket. For dinner, you can either choose to eat at the hotels or select from the many nearby restaurants.
The day trips described in the program are a mix of grade 1 and the easier end of grade 2.
Grade 1
Easy hiking that anyone in generally good health can participate in. Short hikes of 2-4 hours a day. The trails are good, without significant climbs. Luggage is transported, and the trip does not require special equipment.
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
Breakfast is included every day. Lunch can either be arranged with the hotel, or you can buy lunch at a nearby café or supermarket. For dinner, you can either choose to eat at the hotels or select from the many nearby restaurants.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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