3 Days Excursion in TrilhAzores

The 3 Days Excursion in TrilhAzores offers an engaging journey through the captivating landscapes of Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal. Priced at $336.27 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded experience packed with hiking, sightseeing, and cultural visits. The trip is designed for those who enjoy nature, geology, and local culture, making it ideal for active travelers ready for strenuous walks and scenic exploration.

With an approximately 3-day duration and pickup offered, this tour ensures a convenient and immersive way to see some of the Azores’ most striking natural monuments. The tour is best suited for individuals with moderate physical fitness, as some hikes involve moderate to difficult terrain. The guide’s expertise, combined with carefully selected stops, promises an informative and scenic experience.

Key Points

• Three-day adventure exploring volcanic landscapes, viewpoints, and coastal areas
• Includes multiple hikes with varying difficulty levels, from 2.5 to 4 hours each
• Visits to Algar do Carvão, Gruta do Natal, and Furnas do Enxofre for volcanic insights
• Scenic stops at Serra do Cume viewpoint and Biscoitos natural pools and vineyards
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour
• The tour departs from Angra do Heroísmo at 9:00 am, with pickup and mobile tickets included

Exploring the Mistérios Negros and the Volcanoes of Day 1

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Mistérios Negros, a protected volcanic area, for a circular walk of about 2.5 to 3 hours. This moderate to difficult trail spans roughly 5 km and features spectacular volcanic rock formations and lush vegetation. Expect to see the dark basaltic landscape that highlights the island’s volcanic origins.

Next, the group visits Gruta do Natal, a series of circular lava tunnels formed during volcanic eruptions. This 30-minute exploration offers a close look at basaltic lava tunnels and provides insight into the island’s volcanic activity. The admission is included, making this an accessible highlight.

The journey continues with a brief walk through Furnas do Enxofre, an area where active gases are expelled from fumaroles. This 15-minute walk places you in the midst of a fumarolic field, showcasing the island’s geothermal activity and adding a sense of real-time volcanic processes.

The day concludes with a visit inside Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcanic vent now open to the public. This 30-minute tour reveals how eruptions created this natural monument and allows visitors to observe the internal structure of an extinct volcano.

Coastal Walk and Waterfall Visit on Day 2

Day 2 introduces hikers to the Baias da Agualva, a coastline marked by volcanic formations and sea views. This 2.5-hour walk covers 4.5 km along a circular trail that rises to 100 meters, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the rugged volcanic coast. The trail’s medium difficulty means it’s suitable for those comfortable with uneven terrain and elevation changes.

Following the coastal walk, the tour stops at Agualva village to visit the Parque das Frechas, a natural park featuring a beautiful waterfall. Visitors can enjoy a short walk and possibly a swim in the park’s natural waters, providing a refreshing break amid scenic surroundings. The admission is free and the visit lasts about 35 minutes.

The day wraps up at the Serra do Cume viewpoint, one of the island’s most iconic vistas. From this elevated spot, travelers get a panoramic view of a large volcanic crater and the distinctive “patchwork” of green pastures that make the landscape so recognizable. The 15-minute stop offers an ideal photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the island’s volcanic topography.

Hike Through the Biscoitos Region and Volcanic Pools on Day 3

The final day focuses on the northern part of the island, starting with the Rocha do Chambre hiking trail in Biscoitos. This circular, moderate walk lasts about 4 hours, covering 9 km with an elevation gain of roughly 235 meters. The trail passes through cryptomeria forests and volcanic calderas, offering lush greenery and geological marvels.

One highlight of this hike is the volcanic caldera next to geothermal wells, illustrating the island’s geothermal activity. After the hike, visitors explore the village of Biscoitos, renowned for its rock-bottom vineyards and natural swimming pools formed from volcanic rocks. These pools are perfect for a leisurely swim and provide great photo opportunities.

The day’s activities last about 5 hours, with the chance to relax in the natural pools and stroll through the vineyards. The admission to the pools and vineyards is free, and this part of the tour provides a combination of hiking, sightseeing, and leisure.

Logistics and Group Experience

The tour departs daily at 9:00 am from a central meeting point in Angra do Heroísmo. The pickup service adds convenience, and groups are limited to a maximum of 99 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging group size.

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level due to the strenuous and varied hikes involved. The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering peace of mind for flexible planning.

The use of a mobile ticket simplifies entry, and the tour is accessible to service animals. It is ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking an active, informative exploration of the island’s volcanic and coastal landscapes.

Unique Stops and Natural Wonders of the TrilhAzores Tour

What makes this tour stand out are the iconic volcanic formations like Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal, which reveal the island’s geological history. The Furnas do Enxofre offers a rare glimpse into geothermal activity in action, while the viewpoint of Serra do Cume delivers breathtaking panoramic vistas.

The coastal trails along Baias da Agualva showcase the dramatic coastline, while the visit to Biscoitos combines hiking, vineyards, and natural swimming pools for a well-rounded experience. This variety ensures travelers see both geological marvels and scenic coastlines.

The Experience of a Guided 3-Day Adventure

This tour emphasizes guided exploration with a focus on geology, landscapes, and local culture. The guide’s role is crucial, as they explain volcanic processes and local features clearly, enriching the journey. Feedback indicates that guides like Elisabete significantly enhance the experience through thoughtfulness and kindness.

The itinerary balances strenuous hikes with opportunities to relax and enjoy picturesque views and natural pools. All stops are carefully chosen to showcase the best of the island’s volcanic and coastal scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This 3-day excursion in TrilhAzores suits adventurous travelers with moderate physical fitness who appreciate nature, geology, and scenic vistas. The inclusion of hikes up to 4 hours and challenging terrains means it’s not ideal for those seeking a purely leisurely experience.

The tour appeals to those interested in volcanic landscapes, natural monuments, and local culture, with the guides providing expert insights along the way. Visitors looking for a well-organized, scenic, and active trip will find this offering provides excellent value and memorable sights.

The Sum Up: A Scenic and Geologically Rich Experience in Azores

The 3 Days Excursion in TrilhAzores delivers a comprehensive look at the island’s volcanic origins, natural beauty, and coastal charm. With carefully curated stops like Algar do Carvão, Biscoitos, and Serra do Cume, it offers a balanced mix of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation.

The expert guide, combined with free cancellation and a well-structured itinerary, makes this tour a reliable choice for active travelers seeking a deep connection with nature. Though the hikes are strenuous, the rewards include spectacular views and geological wonders that define the Azores.

Those who enjoy learning about volcanic activity, exploring rugged coastlines, and visiting authentic villages will find this tour rewarding. It’s an excellent way to experience the island’s natural diversity in just three days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $336.27 per person.

How long does each day last?
Each day involves approximately 4 to 5 hours of activity, including walking and sightseeing.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Angra do Heroísmo at 9:00 am with pickup offered.

What stops are included on Day 1?
Day 1 features Mistérios Negros, Gruta do Natal, Furnas do Enxofre, and Algar do Carvão.

Are the hikes difficult?
Hikes are moderate to difficult, with some covering up to 4 hours and involving uneven terrain.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness and involves strenuous walks, so it may not be suitable for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is there any food included?
The provided information does not specify food inclusion; meals are typically not included.

Are the natural pools safe for swimming?
Yes, the natural volcanic pools in Biscoitos are safe for swimming and are a highlight for relaxation.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 99 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group experience.