The Azores Triangle Walking Tour

Day 1 Arrival

Your adventure on Pico begins in the south of the island where you’ll find your comfortable accommodations.

If time permits, set out on a whale watching adventure, or perhaps unwind after your flight by the lovely hotel pool.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lajes do Pico
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore the Southern Coast of Pico Island

A taxi transfer will take you to the start of today’s route just above Silveira. Today’s walk unfolds in the mighty presence of Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico (2351m, 7713 ft), which will remain your constant companion for most of today’s route.

The route follows the coastline back to the hotel, introducing you to some of the best-kept secrets of the island’s southern coast along the way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lajes do Pico
Distance: 2.5-4.5 hours, 9 km-17 km, 10m-25m of ascent, 90m-770m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Fairytale Forest Adventure and Views of Mount Pico

Bound for the island’s central plateau, you’ll enjoy a scenic route to the island’s northern coast today, where you’ll be met by more spectacular views of Mount Pico. You’ll also spot your next island-hopping destination of São Jorge!

The route continues through enchanting Macaronesia forest, eventually concluding on a pretty pebble beach where you’ll be met by a taxi transfer that will take you back to your accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lajes do Pico
Distance: 4 hours, 10.5 km, 100m of ascent, 800m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Choice of Walks on Pico Island

Today marks your final day on the beautiful island of Pico. There are two route options to choose from today.

Option 1:
Walk from Lagoa do Capitão Lake to São Roque through a scenic forest. A taxi will pick you up at the end of the route to transfer you to the harbour, where you’ll set sail for São Jorge.

Option 2:
Walk along the eastern coast of the island, among the world-class vineyards that carpet the land in vines here, ending in the harbour of Madalena where you’ll set sail for São Jorge.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Velas, São Jorge
Distance: Option 1: 4 hours, 10 km, 25m of ascent, 770m of descent
Option 2: 3 hours, 9 km, 100m of ascent, 100m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Pico da Esperança and Fajã do Ouvidor

Your exploration of the island São Jorge kicks off today with a short taxi transfer to the highest point on the island, Pico da Esperanza (1053m, 3454 ft)!

The route is lengthy but not particularly challenging and will afford you spectacular views of the four islands that surround São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Graciosa, and Terceira.

The route ends in Fajã do Ouvidor, where you’ll be amazed by the natural blue volcanic pools found on the coast.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Velas, São Jorge
Distance: 7 hours, 18 km, 250m of ascent, 1000m of descent.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Explore the Northern Coast of São Jorge Island

The day begins with a quick transfer to today’s trailhead, where you’ll set out on an unforgettable walk. Following a lush trail, you’ll descend to the fajãs of Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Fajãs are flat portions of land that flank the sea and are formed from the debris of the coast’s eroding cliffs.

Caldeira do Santo Cristo is known for its delectable clam dishes, so you needn’t look any further for lunch ideas!

A final descent leads you to a vista point overlooking a thundering waterfall and the fajãs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Velas, São Jorge
Distance: 4 hours, 11 km, 50m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Set Sail for Faial Island

A taxi transfer will take you to the harbour this morning, where you’ll set sail for Horta on the island of Faial. Once on the island, a taxi will take you to your accommodations.

Enjoy a day at your leisure, relaxing by the pool or exploring the picturesque village of Hora. For those interested in walking today, a short leisurely route is also available.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Horta, Faial
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Views from the Caldeira Volcano

Today marks your exciting introduction to the spectacular island of Faial. The adventure begins right away this morning with a transfer to Caldeira, a 2 km wide and 500m deep volcano. The volcano marks the highest point on the island and provides sweeping views of Graciosa, São Jorge, and Pico.

The route unfolds along the margin of the peak before leading you downhill through an enchanting forest. Following a levada (aqueduct), you’ll embark on another ascent to Cabeço do Fogo before a final descent through the Reserva Florestal de Capelo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Horta, Faial
Distance: 5 hours, 15 km, 150m of ascent, 700m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Capelinhos Volcano and Lighthouse

Today’s route has you join the final stretch of the 10 Volcão route, leading you to the beautiful Capelinhos lighthouse. The route has you passing several craters along the way, bust saves the best for last, as your final destination will introduce you to the (thankfully!) monogenetic volcano, Capelhinos, whose last (and only) eruption was in 1957.

Spend some time perusing the visitor’s center, learning about this fascinating natural landmark and what makes it so unique before following the trail along the south coast until you reach Varadouro. A transfer will then take you back to your accommodations in Horta.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Horta, Faial
Distance: 2.5-4.5 hours, 6.5 km-13 km, 200m-300m of ascent, 350m-450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Departure

This morning following breakfast, your island-hopping adventure of the Azores Triangle will conclude, but not before one last sail on the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. A ferry will take you back to Pico Island, where you can then make your way to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast