Discover the 3 Atlantic pearls which the locals refer to as Ilha do Triangulo. Boat transfers take you from one island to the next, starting and ending on Faial Island.
Azorean Triangle
Discover three islands in 8 days: Pico, São Jorge and Faial island! Enjoy a week full of small island gems such as the Pico vineyards world heritage, the caldera of Faial, the wonderful landscape of the Fajã de Santo Cristo, the ascent of the highest peak of Portugal, a lava tunnel and top it all off by going whale watching.
Highlights
- Boat transfers between islands.
- Admire the unique geological formation of fajã do Santo Cristo.
- The Labyrinths of Pico Vineyards, world heritage.
- Ascent of Pico volcano (2351 m) with a certified mountain guide.
- Option to go whale watching or sea kayaking.
- Visit to the lava tunnel Gruta das Torres.
- Transfers on the islands to mountain tops and the most beautiful hiking spots.
- Walk on the edge of the crater of Faial.
DAY 1 To the blue island
Upon arrival to the island of Faial, you will be welcomed and driven to Horta ( 15 minutes'drive). Your hotel is located in the town center so after check in you can explore the famous Atlantic port or just relax at the Porto Pim beach.
Accommodation in Horta.
DAY 2 Caldeira do Faial and Levada
Your day will start with a transfer to the caldeira, a very deep crater which formed the island of Faial. Walk on the edge of the crater and then downhill on the northern slope. Enjoy the lush vegetation while following an old water canal. Transfer back to Horta.
Walking time approx. 4 hours | +200/-700 height meters.
Accommodation in Horta.
DAY 3 Capelinhos Volcano and ferry to São Jorge island
Today we bring you to the Northwest of the island (30 minutes) where you can discover the most recent eruption of the Azores. In 1957 the Capelinhos Volcano emerged from the ocean and projected its ashes, forming a new peninsula. Hike from the village of Capelo, from volcano to volcano, to the buried village of Capelinhos. Afterwards we will transfer you back to Horta where at the end of the afternoon you can take the ferry to the island of Sao Jorge (about 2 hours).
Walking time approx. 3 hours | +200/-200 height meters.
Overnight in Velas.
DAY 4 Fajã de Santo Cristo
A transfer of about 45 minutes takes you to the summit of Serra do Topo. A superb ascent awaits you on an old mule track all the way down to the fajã. Surrounded by incredible walls of flowers, Santo Cristo is a special place with a unique geological formation. After a relaxing dip in the lagoon, walk to another fajã, where your driver will be waiting to return to Velas.
Walking time approx. 4 hours | +200/-700 height meters.
Accommodation in Velas.
DAY 5 Ferry to Pico island and the labyrinths of Pico Vineyards
A boat crossing will bring you to the island of Pico, where your will be transferred to the small village of Candelaria (30 minutes) to make a coastal hike and discover the landscape of the Pico vineyards, classified as world heritage since 2004. Kilometers of basalt stone walls protect the vineyards against the sea, forming a titanic work and a very unique landscape.
DAY 6 Pico Mountain (2351m)
A transfer to Casa da Montanha to join your mountain guide for the ascent of the Pico Volcano (2351m), the highest peak of the Azores and Portugal. The difficulty of the ascent lays in a steep climb and a descent into a stony, sometimes steep terrain on a poorly marked trail. A challenge which also can be influenced by changing weather conditions (fog, rain, wind, cold at 2000 meters).
Walking time approx. 7-8 hours | altitude difference +1100/-1100 meters. In case of unfavorable weather, or if you like an easier and shorter option for today, a hike is planned from Frei Matias instead, which descends on the flanks of the Pico Volcano, facing the ocean and the island of Faial. The landscape changes as you descend, from green pastures to conifer forests and orange trees, bananas and vines. Walking time for this option is approx. 3,5 hours and a 600 meter descent.
Overnight in Madalena.
DAY 7 Whale watching (optional) and lava tunnel
After yesterdays' hike you can enjoy some free time this morning. Optional activities are whale watching and sea kayaking. In the afternoon, visit the Gruta das Torres, the largest lava tunnel of the Azores (guided tour in English). Return to Madalena to take the ferry in the late afternoon to Faial Island (about 30 minutes). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation in Horta.
DAY 8 Bye bye Azores
Today this wonderful adventure comes to an end. We will arrange your transfer to the airport (15 minutes). We can also assist if you like to fly to Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel before flying home.
Important information
Best time to travel
Best time to travel is spring and September as the weather is normally excellent. During summer months it may get hot and crowded, especially in August.
Travel insurance
- It is aways recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
- YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.
Medical Precautions
- Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
- Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int
Travel documentation
If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
- A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport.
- A visa is not required.
- Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
- Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal
Flights
- Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
- If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA (link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
- Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
- You can fly to Ponta Delgada or Faial Island. Several flights are available from Porto or Lisbon.
Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.
