WILD AZORES: TREKKING ACROSS FOUR ISLANDS- LifeXtreme

WILD AZORES: TREKKING ACROSS FOUR ISLANDS

From €2100 per person

9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS

Trekking and natural wonders: an unforgettable journey through the Azores islands.

Four islands, one itinerary dedicated to hiking and nature lovers.
Begin in São Miguel with trails winding between volcanic lakes, majestic craters and hot springs. Continue on to São Jorge, where you’ll hike along spectacular fajãs, dramatic cliffs, lush forests and sweeping ocean views. Then fly to Flores, the island of waterfalls and wild landscapes, perfect for hikes deep into untouched nature. Finally, end your adventure in Corvo, the smallest and most remote island, crowned by its vast crater dominating the horizon.
An intense and authentic experience, designed for those who love hiking and discovering hidden corners in freedom.

DURATION: 9 nights / 10 days

TYPE OF TRIP: Package with airport transfers on all islands, transfers for each trek included, 10 nights with breakfast in selected 3–4* hotels, plus internal flights. Activities: 6 trekking days – 2 hikes in São Miguel, 2 in São Jorge, 1 in Corvo and 1 in Flores.

SUITABLE FOR: Families, couples, friends, independent travelers passionate about trekking, nature lovers, dynamic travelers, and anyone seeking an active adventure among pristine landscapes. Perfect for those who want to explore multiple islands and immerse themselves in unique natural settings.

LEVEL: Intermediate. The program can be adapted to your own pace.
RECOMMENDED SEASON: from April to October

PRIVATE DEPARTURES: Individual trip or for private groups of up to 10 people. Departures available every day. Price based on 2 participants.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Four islands, four different souls – From the lush green craters and volcanic lakes of São Miguel, to the rugged lava landscapes of São Jorge, and the wild and authentic panoramas of Flores and Corvo – each island offers its own unique emotions.
Spectacular hikes and untouched nature – Six days of trekking across volcanoes, sheer ocean cliffs, lush green trails and breathtaking viewpoints: a total immersion in the most striking landscapes of the Azores.
Authentic experiences, off the tourist trail – Encounters with pure nature, traditional villages, local flavors, and the regenerating silence of little-trodden paths.
Everything organized, nothing to worry about – From transfers for every hike to carefully selected hotels with breakfast included: every detail is arranged so you can enjoy full freedom with the peace of mind of having everything prepared.

PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrival in Ponta Delgada – Transfer from the airport to hotel – Overnight in São Miguel
Day 2: Transfer + Trekking Lagoa do Fogo – Transfer back to hotel – Overnight in São Miguel
Day 3: Transfer + Trekking Serra Devassa / Cumeeira Grande – Transfer back to hotel – Overnight in São Miguel
Day 4: Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport – Flight to São Jorge – Arrival & overnight in São Jorge
Day 5: Transfer + Trekking Serra do Topo / Caldeira de Stº. Cristo / Fajã dos Cubres – Transfer back to hotel – Overnight in São Jorge
Day 6: Transfer + Trekking Pico do Pedro – Fajã do Ouvidor – Transfer back to hotel – Overnight in São Jorge
Day 7: Transfer to São Jorge airport – Flight to Flores – Arrival & overnight in Flores
Day 8: Transfer + Day trip to Corvo – Transfer back to hotel – Overnight in Flores
Day 9: Transfer + Trekking Lajedo / Fajã Grande – Transfer back to hotel – Overnight in Flores
Day 10: Transfer to Flores airport – Flight to Ponta Delgada – End of trip

INCLUDED

3 nights in São Miguel (3–4* hotel with breakfast)
3 nights in São Jorge (3–4* hotel with breakfast)
3 nights in Flores (3–4* hotel with breakfast)
Airport transfers on all islands
2 treks in São Miguel: Lagoa do Fogo and Serra Devassa / Cumeeira Grande
2 treks in São Jorge: Serra do Topo / Caldeira de Stº. Cristo / Fajã dos Cubres, and Pico do Pedro – Fajã do Ouvidor
Day trip to Corvo
Trek in Flores: Lajedo / Fajã Grande
Qualified staff and 24-hour telephone assistance with our office team

NOT INCLUDED

International and national flights
Meals and dinners
Tourist tax – to be paid at check-in in each hotel/apartment
Anything not listed under ‘included’
Optional visits and activities, and extra services due to force majeure

EXTRA

Inter-island flight package (Ponta Delgada – São Jorge, São Jorge – Flores, Flores – Ponta Delgada)
Additional guided treks on any island
Cultural tours on all islands
Group activities: climb Mount Pico, whale watching, kayaking, canyoning, etc.
Upgrade: superior or luxury hotels, superior rooms, premium car categories
Possibility to extend your stay or add other activities.

Get in touch with us for a tailor-made quote!

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Tour Plan

Day 1: Welcome to Ponta Delgada!

On this day you will arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport and transfer to your hotel, where you will check in and settle in.

Day 2: Lagoa do Fogo Trekking

Distance: 12 km | Estimated duration: 8 hours (hike: 3–4 hours) | Difficulty: Hard | Type: Linear The trail starts in the parish of Água D’Alto, on the south coast of São Miguel Island, about a 25-minute drive from the city of Ponta Delgada, and takes around 3–4 hours to complete. The hike begins with an ascent across several pastures, leading to areas where you can observe different types of vegetation such as cryptomeria and heather. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of Vila Franca do Campo, the first village founded on São Miguel, famous for its small islet. You will then cross the levada, a water channel that beautifully reflects the surrounding vegetation and has been used since ancient times for water transportation. Admire the unspoiled nature, majestic mountains, and endemic plants such as heather until you reach Lagoa do Fogo. Lunch will take place on the shores of the lake, where you can appreciate the crystal-clear waters of one of Portugal’s natural reserves. On the return, you will face a steep descent, during which you can admire hydrangeas and enjoy a beautiful view over the island’s south coast. The day will end with a relaxing moment in a peaceful spot or by the sea. Depending on the weather conditions, the group’s abilities, and the participants’ interests, the guide may suggest different stops to visit, such as beaches, the village of Caloura, Vila Franca do Campo, or other places to enjoy a refreshing or hot drink. Note: The order or structure of the activity may change depending on weather conditions.

Day 3: Sete Cidades & Ferraria Trekking

Estimated time: 6 / 8 hours (trail: 3h) Extension: 7 km Difficulty: Medium Type: Circular Start the day by exploring the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, located on the west side of São Miguel island. Start the trail passing through a green area mixed with rocky soils. You will then climb to one of the highest points of Sete Cidades, from where you can see the centre of the island and its lakes. As you descend, enjoy the vast pastures on the south coast and its paths lined with hydrangeas in various colours. Continue your descent through a cryptomeria forest towards the Lagoa das Empadadas. You will then pass through an extensive blanket of moss and its surrounding vegetation until you reach Lagoa do Canário. Continue the walk towards one of the emblematic viewpoints on São Miguel island, the Grota do Inferno viewpoint. Before descending into the parish, you will visit the Vista de Rei viewpoint, overlooking the blue lake and the green lake, where you can also see the abandoned “Monte Palace” hotel. When you reach the parish of Sete Cidades, enjoy a picnic lunch. After a short break, the tour continues by van towards the Escalvado viewpoint to see the parish of Mosteiros and the Ponta da Ferraria. Visit the local viewpoint which provide a panoramic view of the entire lava platform including the Ferraria Lighthouse. Finish the day with thermal baths in the natural pools of Ferraria. The thermal springs have volcanic origins and occur underground in the ocean, close to the coast. The combination of salt water and thermal water makes this place so special and well-known. Note: You should pay attention to the tide conditions, as high tide can reduce the water temperature while low tide can make the waters excessively hot. Bearing this in mind, the exact itinerary may change according to the weather forecast and tide predictions.

Day 4: Welcome to São Jorge

São Jorge is one of the most fascinating and wild islands of the Azores archipelago, famous for its spectacular landscape dominated by high cliffs, green pastures, and the iconic fajãs: coastal plains of volcanic origin formed by ancient landslides or lava flows, now true corners of paradise suspended between mountain and ocean. These unique environments, often accessible only on foot or via narrow scenic roads, represent the island’s identity and offer breathtaking scenery. São Jorge is an ideal destination for nature and trekking lovers, thanks to the presence of numerous trails winding through ridges, forests, and rugged coastlines. The island is also renowned for its local cheese (Queijo de São Jorge), one of the most famous products of the Azores, and for the tranquility found in its small villages such as Velas and Calheta.

Day 5: Serra do Topo – Caldeira de Stº. Cristo – Fajã dos Cubres Trekking

Distance: 12 km | Average duration: about 2h30 | Elevation gain: 700 m | Difficulty: Medium This linear itinerary, around 12 km long and of medium difficulty, is one of the most iconic on the island of São Jorge, in the Azores. The trail offers an authentic immersion in the nature of the fajãs, the characteristic coastal plains formed by landslides or lava flows. Start – Serra do Topo (Wind Farm) The hike begins at the Serra do Topo Wind Farm, accessible from the regional road. From the very first steps, you are surrounded by rich endemic vegetation. Descent towards Caldeira de Santo Cristo Following the signs, the trail begins a rather steep descent. You pass a shelter and then cross Tia Júlia’s bridge, a section that can be slippery and requires caution. Shortly after, a detour to the right leads to the picturesque Cascata Pequena, a small waterfall that offers the perfect spot for a photo stop. Arrival at Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo During the descent, panoramic views open over the spectacular Caldeira de Santo Cristo. Upon reaching the fajã, you will find two main points of interest: the Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo and the Environmental Interpretation Center. The lagoon of Caldeira de Santo Cristo, a protected area of great landscape and cultural value, is famous for its clams (Ruditapes decussatus) and for its rich birdlife, both resident and migratory. In recent years, the site has also become a reference point for surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts. Continuation towards Fajã dos Cubres The trail continues northwest, along the Atlantic coast. Along this stretch you pass the Fajãs dos Tijolos and do Belo, the latter inhabited until the 1980 earthquake. Along the way, you can still see the old steel cables once used to transport firewood from the mountain areas down to the fajãs. Arrival at Fajã dos Cubres In the final sections of the trail, you will finally reach Fajã dos Cubres, where the hike ends near the church of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes.

Day 6: Pico do Pedro – Fajã do Ouvidor Trekking

Distance: 16.9 km | Elevation: 300 m ascent + 1000 m descent | Estimated duration: about 4 hours | Difficulty: Medium This linear itinerary crosses the central mountain ridge of São Jorge Island, connecting Pico do Pedro to Fajã do Ouvidor on the northern coast. A panoramic hike offering spectacular views, wild nature, and an authentic encounter with the volcanic landscape. Start – Base of Pico do Pedro The trail begins at the base of Pico do Pedro, near the EN3 road, along a dirt path climbing the northern slope of the mountain. Following the signs, you reach a detour leading to Pico da Esperança. Crossing the ridge and Pico da Esperança The trail continues along various secondary peaks: Pico do Carvão, Pico da Junça, Pico Verde, Pico Montoso, and Morro Pelado. Pico da Esperança, at 1053 meters, is the highest point of the island. You can walk the summit loop and admire the volcanic lagoon inside the caldera. Descent along the ridge to the north After enjoying the panorama, return to the main trail to tackle the descent along the mountain ridge. The hike passes other peaks such as Pico do Areiro and Pico Pinheiro, both featuring craters with small lagoons. Arrival at Fajã do Ouvidor From the ridge, the trail heads north, crossing forests, farm roads, and sections of asphalt. You then reach Fajã do Ouvidor, one of the island’s largest fajãs. Unlike the typical debris fajãs of São Jorge, Fajã do Ouvidor has a volcanic origin and features a wide flat surface. This geography has encouraged the development of the village, which has local shops, a fishing port, and a popular bathing area.

Day 7: Welcome to Flores

Flores is considered one of the most picturesque and unspoiled islands of the Azores, a true jewel of wild nature. Its name, meaning “flowers,” immediately recalls its extraordinary vegetation, with lush landscapes dominated by hydrangeas, spectacular waterfalls, and deep green valleys. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Flores is the ideal destination for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and a deep connection with the environment. High cliffs carved by the ocean, volcanic lakes set in the plateaus, and numerous waterfalls — including the famous Poço do Bacalhau — offer breathtaking scenery. Small villages such as Santa Cruz das Flores and Fajã Grande preserve the island’s authentic atmosphere, far from mass tourism. Flores is a true paradise for hikers, but also for those who simply want to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and the slow rhythm of an island still deeply connected to nature and traditions.

Day 8: Corvo Island Trekking - Caldeirão – Santo Antão – Cara do Índio – Vila do Corvo

Type: Linear | Difficulty: Medium | Distance: 15.5 km | Estimated duration: 5–6 hours (with breaks) | Altitude: from 5 m to 570 m The trek starts from the Caldeirão viewpoint, a spectacular volcanic caldera about 2 km in diameter and up to 300 meters deep, with small lakes and reliefs that, according to tradition, represent the nine islands of the Azores. The trail continues across pasture paths to Santo Antão, a place of great historical and symbolic value linked to religious traditions and ancient routes of the inhabitants. The route then heads to the Cara do Índio viewpoint, a cliff shaped by erosion that resembles the profile of a human face, with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and, on clear days, Flores Island. Finally, you descend along old traditional paths lined with stone walls and endemic vegetation until you reach Vila do Corvo, where the trail ends and you can explore the village’s unique rural heritage. Points of interest: Caldeirão viewpoint, Santo Antão, Cara do Índio, pastures and traditional paths, endemic flora and fauna, ocean views and views of Flores Island, Vila do Corvo. Curiosities:

Cara do Índio is one of the island’s most iconic geological formations, visible from both land and sea.
Caldeirão is one of the best-preserved volcanic calderas in the archipelago, with rich biodiversity.
Santo Antão has historically been a reference point for pilgrimages and pastoral routes of Corvo’s inhabitants.

Logistics:

Transfer included to and from accommodation if necessary.
Certified local guide with natural and cultural insights.
Personal accident insurance included.

Day 9: Waterfalls Trekking

Estimated duration: 8 hours (Trail: 2 / 3 h) Length of the route: 5.5 km Difficulty: Medium Type: Circular Start the day with a visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation and Factory, currently the oldest still in production in Europe. Enjoy a guided tour through the tea production process, which you will also have the opportunity to taste. The trail is located at Lomba de São Pedro, on the northern coast of São Miguel Island, known for its landscape diversity. It begins with a steep descent among hydrangeas, where you can observe the first waterfall, Cascata do Homem. Along the way, you will find varied vegetation and enjoy the melody of nature. Continuing along the trail, you will see the old Félix Mill, once used to produce flour from corn or wheat. Descend towards the stream and reach the Palma da Mão viewpoint, which reveals the second waterfall, Cascata do Teófilo. Continue through a forest of cryptomeria trees leading to Cascata da Gruta and its natural pool, Poço da Truta. On the final ascent, via the staircase, you will discover several springs and green areas with different types of vegetation, including morning glories. At the end of the trail, you will pass through the village, past several fountains, and observe local life and activities. After the picnic lunch, visit the emblematic Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its impressive waterfall, where you may optionally enjoy a refreshing or hot drink. End the day with a stop at the Santa Iria viewpoint. Note: Depending on the weather conditions and the group’s abilities, the activity may be subject to changes in its order and structure.

Day 10: Farewell Day – Departure from Ponta Delgada

Today is your departure day: it is time to say goodbye to the Azores, with the hope of returning soon to discover everything they still have to offer.

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