Walking Trails of Terceira: Nature and Volcano Views

The second-biggest caldera in the Azores sits on a walking trail you can reach in a morning.

Walking Trails of Terceira is a guided tour through the island's best hiking routes, where you move through forests and volcanic terrain with a live English or Spanish-speaking guide and private transport. The tour covers three to four hours and includes stops at a medium-difficulty volcano with crater views, Lagoa dos Altares lake, and stretches of untouched vegetation unique to the Azores. Children from age one are welcome, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Terceira's scenic walking trails

• Walk ocean-side trail
• Explore caldera and vegetation
• Climb medium difficulty volcano
• Visit Lagoa dos Altares lake
• Enjoy diverse nature views
• Hike Chambre walking trail

The experience

The tour starts with private pickup and takes you to walking trails where the ocean sits alongside the path. From there, the route moves inland through fields and forests, climbing gradually toward volcanic terrain. You'll see plants and vegetation specific to the Azores ecosystem, species that don't grow elsewhere, and the guide explains why they thrive here and what role they play in the island's landscape.

The centerpiece is a medium-difficulty volcano climb where views open up as you ascend. At the summit, you look out over several villages spread across the island below, and inside the crater sits a lake. The route also passes Lagoa dos Altares, a small lake ringed by forest, and stretches of Chambre trail where miles of untouched vegetation and changing scenery (from rare Azorean species to towering trees) make up the walk. Throughout, the guide keeps safety in focus and aims to make the day feel like you're moving through the landscape with people who know it.

The full loop takes three to four hours on foot. Private transport means you're not coordinating with a group schedule, and the guide adjusts the pace to keep everyone comfortable. Service animals are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available if you're bringing young children.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the trailheads.
• a live guide speaking English or Spanish.
• stops at a volcanic crater with interior lake views, Lagoa dos Altares, and untouched forest stretches.
• explanations of local vegetation and Azorean plant species.

Options for this experience

2 options

Hiking routes on the island of TerceiraGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Includes pickup

Private Walking trailsGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Pro Island Tour

Is this one for you?Book the private option if you want to set your own pace and skip the group schedule. The walking trails suit all fitness levels, so the main factor is whether you prefer moving at your own speed or with a set group itinerary.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the volcano climb actually like on this trail?

The volcano is medium difficulty, so you're hiking uphill but not scrambling or technical climbing. At the top you see villages across the island and a lake inside the crater itself.

How much of the day is spent walking versus traveling by vehicle?

The walking portion takes three to four hours total. Private transport gets you to the trailheads and moves you between the main stops, so you're not walking the whole time.

Are there plants and animals I'd only see in the Azores?

Yes, the guide points out vegetation species that grow only in the Azores as you move through forests and fields. The ecosystem changes noticeably as you climb and move between different zones on the island.

What happens if the weather turns bad during the walk?

The guide prioritizes safety throughout, so decisions about the route are made based on conditions on the day. Bring layers and waterproof gear, as Terceira's weather can change quickly.