🌺 AZORES - TREKKING TO THE BLOOMING HEART OF THE ATLANTIC
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Volcanic islands
The mighty ocean, whose heartbeat is felt everywhere, the green peaks of majestic underwater mountains, tons of flowers, beautiful waterfalls, warm salt lagoons, lakes with multicolored water in volcanic craters, hot springs, and orange rivers with iron water.
All of this is the Azores Islands - a lush, blooming anti-stress haven in the center of the Atlantic that urgently needs to be visited to embark on a series of easy and incredibly picturesque hikes with KULUAR, which are part of our Macaronesian series (see also the trek on the island of Tenerife with climbing on Teide volcano, Tenerife hiking hut-to-hut tour, the trek on the island of Madeira).
Trekking in the Azores is for those who like a balance of outdoor activities among greenery and water and deep relaxation in hot springs after intense hiking. This trek will have it all - from summit ascents and day hikes through fir forests with descents to lakes in the craters of dormant volcanoes, to picnics with swimming in the ocean, waterfalls, and hot springs under the open sky.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has approved the ticket purchase, you can confidently buy it. There will be no cancellation of the program on our part.
A real hiking, not just a set of excursions, but at the same time maximally comfortable. We will spend a lot of time in nature, go on radial hikes every day, and yet we hike without heavy backpacks. We live in a comfortable campsite with showers, electricity, and Wi-Fi. All transfers are by car, no buses.
The program price includes all accommodation, meals, and visits to all hot springs and parks.
Services of a Ukrainian team-leader-photographer who is well-versed in the entire Atlantic region and Macaronesia and specializes in hiking on volcanic islands. The team leader communicates in Ukrainian and English.
The program is specially designed for those who want to go on a trek without heavy backpacks, while visiting the most interesting places on São Miguel Island in the Azores.
Over 24000 participants have already taken part with KULUAR and 98.7% have remained satisfied. We are confident that you will too!
Overview of São Miguel Island
Arrival of participants. Our meeting point is Aeroporto João Paulo II (IATA: PDL, ICAO: LPPD) - an international airport located on São Miguel Island.
We will start with a guided tour by car, which will be at our disposal throughout the trek.
Today's program also includes swimming at Ponta da Ferraria cape in the so-called "Hot Ocean" - a lagoon on the coast where hot spring water mixes with cool salty ocean water, creating a remarkably peculiar effect.
We will have lunch at a local restaurant and will visit the only tea plantation in Europe. We end this wonderful day, enjoying extraordinary sunset views while sipping quality Portuguese tea.
Later, we will check in at our main campsite, from which we can conveniently explore any part of the island. Dinner will be served at the camping area.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Today we will embark on the famous hike in the western part of São Miguel Island in the area of Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lake of the Seven Cities) - a large twin lake occupying the caldera of a dormant volcano. These lakes are called Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) due to the different colors of their waters. It is said that this place, whose name translates as "Seven Cities," is associated with a legend about ancient mythical cities that were hidden and invisible to the outside world, providing a safe refuge for their inhabitants.
The surrounding landscape is lush greenery, hills, and a quaint picturesque village right in the crater. Our hike for today is to follow a circular route around the entire crater, admiring the lakes from different sides and witnessing the sunset at one of the viewpoints near the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, which is a well-known filming location. Dinner will be served at the campsite.
Total distance: 20 km. Elevation gain: 807 m.
Pico da Vara
It's time to visit the highest point of São Miguel Island, called Pico da Vara (1103 m). This trekking day will offer a nice contrast to our previous one - dense scented fir forest will replace the spacious landscapes of Sete Cidades. The trees here are unique - the Azore's firs are endemic plants found only here. They are distinguished by the bright red color of their trunks.
We will dedicate the first half of the day to a radial hike, and for lunch, we will have a picnic with local wine at the Cascata do Porto Formosso waterfall, followed by swimming at the local beach with black sand. Dinner will be served at the campsite.
Total distance: 7.7 km. Elevation gain: 638 m.
Reserva Natural da Lagoa do Fogo
Even if you try your hardest to avoid picturesque views in the Azores, you won't succeed. Today, according to the plan, we have a hike to yet another lagoa (lake in a volcanic crater) - Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon) in the Reserva Natural da Lagoa do Fogo. This place is the highest and largest lake on São Miguel Island. This area is protected due to its extraordinary biodiversity - many birds, including those crossing the Atlantic, nest here.
The crater of the Fogo volcano has a diameter of several kilometers and is part of the Agua de Pau mountain range. The "Fire Lake" itself is located at an altitude of 575 m above sea level. Our hike today will be in the "sea to summit" format - we will ascend to the crater rim from the ocean shore and then descend into the crater to enjoy the coolness of the lake and to hunt for real volcanic pumice souvenirs, which are abundantly washed ashore as a reminder of the time when this was the kingdom of fire. Dinner will be served at the campsite.
Total distance: 15.5 km - 13.5 km in the morning and 2 km in the evening. Elevation gain: 904 m.
Waterfalls trail
We've already seen several volcanic lakes - it's time to hike to the waterfalls!
Today, we have a hike starting from the picturesque village of Faial da Terra through a lush gorge along the so-called "Waterfalls Trail" in the eastern part of the island. We will see two famous waterfalls - Salto do Prego and Salto do Cagarrao. If the weather permits, we may even take a dip in them!
Total distance: 9.2 km. Elevation gain: 510 m.
Area de Paisagem Protegida das Furnas
This day is dedicated to a well-deserved break from intense hiking, and we'll take a stroll through the geysers valley of Caldeiras near the town of Furnas, famous for its geysers and 28 hot springs.
We'll visit the local lake, geysers, the Grena Park with the "English Jump" waterfall, the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs with iron-orange water at a temperature of 40°C, and the hot pool at Terra Nostra Park.
For lunch, we'll taste volcanic cuisine "Cozido" - meat with vegetables cooked for several hours underground, and eggs boiled in a geyser.
Ponta Delgada
We'll transfer to the capital of São Miguel Island - Ponta Delgada, closer to the airport. Those who have later flights will have the opportunity to take a stroll around the city or visit the lava cave Gruta do Carvão nearby. Those departing on other days can choose to stay in the Furnas Valley for further relaxation at the hot springs or move to the beach.
The consultant will advise you on equipment, help you choose the best flight, and share hotel information. You make payments and purchases independently.
Depending on weather conditions, the group's condition, and general preferences, the team leader has the right to make changes to the itinerary.
For Ukrainian citizens visiting Portugal, a biometric passport, insurance, and return ticket are sufficient (these documents may be requested at the airport). Citizens of other countries need to have a Schengen visa or arrange a visa to Portugal specifically for tourism. We provide the necessary documents and assist with the process. It's not as scary as it may seem at first glance;)
After completing the hike in the Azores, we recommend the following routes:
The Azores, like Madeira, belong to Portugal but are located almost in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, between the Iberian Peninsula to the West and Canada to the East.
They are known for their warm subtropical climate, tranquility, and unspoiled nature.
The Azores are home not only to introverts but also to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the archipelago. During your hike, you may encounter endemic flora such as Azorean heather and laurel forests, as well as various birds and cetaceans.
Hiking routes in the Azores cater to all levels of experience and physical fitness, ranging from leisurely coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice seeking scenic walks, there are routes to suit every taste. The islands are geologically active, and hiking through the archipelago often brings you close to captivating geothermal features such as geysers, hot volcanic springs, and fumaroles. These natural phenomena add one more dimension of intrigue to your hiking experience.
Additional adventure opportunities include canyoning, whale watching, caves, and paragliding.
Despite their distance, getting to the Azores is very easy. There are many flights from Lisbon - the capital of Portugal. The flight to the main island of the archipelago, São Miguel, to the city of Ponta Delgada, takes just 2.5 hours and is quite inexpensive - less than 100 euros, and in the low season - less than 50 euros with baggage. Welcome to the 21st century!
If you've been on a hiking trip with us in the Canary Islands (northern Tenerife) or Madeira, then trekking in the Azores might remind you of both. And that's not surprising - all these islands and archipelagos belong to the same group called Macaronesia (from Greek: "Islands of the Blessed"). They are all volcanic, have a warm subtropical climate, rich in delicious fruits, and feature rugged volcanic landscapes. The terrain is steep with impressive cliffs and terraced slopes. Comparing the Azores to the Canaries, the Azores are greener with many flowers, waterfalls, and abundant water in general. Compared to Madeira, nature is very similar, but the Azores would appeal more to those interested in geology and earth sciences because of the more pronounced volcanism - geysers, hot springs, and so on. Additionally, the Azores consist of as many as 9 islands, providing ample opportunities for hiking. Moreover, the Azores are home to the highest point in Portugal - Pico Mountain (2351 meters), a dormant stratovolcano considered a geological wonder. It formed over thousands of years as part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, at the boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
With their dense forests and green pastures, the Azores also somewhat resemble the Carpathians and Switzerland.
Water from all springs and rivers is drinkable, so on the trek, we not only avoid carrying heavy backpacks but also don't take much water because it's available almost everywhere.
It is warm here and there is never any snow. In winter, the daytime air temperature is around +18°C. The Azores are ideal for year-round hiking. However, we recommend spring, summer, and autumn as the best seasons for hiking. During this time, it is not as cloudy or humid, with more sunny days, resulting in better visibility in the mountains. The high season is the peak of summer. It is the warmest time, but there are many tourists, and prices are slightly higher. So, if you are looking for a more introverted retreat, it is better to choose early spring or late autumn.
Interestingly, in any season in the Azores, the daily temperature fluctuations are not very pronounced, which is usually not typical for mountainous areas. This is all due to the mild Atlantic climate. The best way to describe the general feeling of being in the Azores is "humid and warm."
Local wine, local tea (from the only plantation in Europe), and volcanic barbecue cooked in geysers will captivate you. We promise.
Yes, it is entirely safe. The islands are geologically active, but all volcanoes are dormant or extinct. They have enough energy to keep the hot springs hot, but not enough for catastrophic eruptions. The last volcanic eruption on the island of São Miguel occurred approximately 5000-6000 years ago. Since then, the island has experienced geological stability without significant volcanic activity. Additionally, the Azores Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory (OVGA) continuously monitors seismic and volcanic activity in the region to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
There are no poisonous snakes, large predators, or other animal hazards on the Azores islands. Some insects and jellyfish may cause discomfort, mostly in the summer, but such risks are easily avoidable.
Fortunately, Portuguese people in the Azores are indeed proficient in English and gladly communicate in it, so there shouldn't be any issues with that.
To participate in the program, you will need insurance that covers mountain trekking in Portugal. Please, do not ignore this requirement. For some participants, it has saved thousands of euros.
We will be staying in well-equipped campsites (depending on the trekking season, these will be different locations). The campsites have everything you need - a kitchen, hot showers, Wi-Fi.
Accommodation includes staying in tents rented by us, so you won't have to bring your tent to the island.
Food: The team leader will prepare hot, tasty, and healthy breakfasts and dinners for you at the campsite throughout the program. For lunch, we'll have snacks on the trail or picnics at waterfalls and lakes. Also included in the price is lunch at a cafe during the island tour on the first day, and lunch in the Furnas Valley (Cozido - volcanic food).
Minimum group for this program: 5 participants. We have calculated the costs for a smaller number, but increased them slightly. So as not to be in the red ourselves.
So we can confirm the date earlier, and you will have the opportunity to buy tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
Additional expenses are at your discretion, but we recommend having around €300 on your card for souvenirs, possible additional expenses, and entertainment. If you arrive on the island earlier or depart later, keep in mind that you can expect to spend approximately €15-20 (per meal) at cafes.
We recommend a whale watching expedition (May) - 3 hours (€75) or swimming with dolphins - 3 hours (€150)
If the amount of prepayment is too much for you at the moment, but you still want to book a place, write to the consultant and he will break it down into comfortable parts.
👉 Check out: payment methods and refund conditions in case of cancellation or departure from the route
Dear friends, please don't take 500 euro banknotes. There are always problems with them when settling payments with partners in Europe. Thank you for your understanding!
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
