- Certified guide
- Walking sticks
- Picnic lunch (sandwich, cake, fruit, water, juice)
- Pick up and drop off in Ponta Delgada
- Insurance (personal accident and liability)
Climb the rooftop of São Miguel | Pico da Vara
Hiking Tours
Sao Miguel island

Climb the rooftop of São Miguel | Pico da Vara
Hiking Tour to Pico da Vara – Full day
Sao Miguel islandWhere the island was anciently born it also grew to the height of Pico da Vara, its biggest elevation.
Surrounded by an endemic flora so robust that it carpets our steps, and by an absolute silence able to draw thoughts on us, we reach the summit and soak the entire magnitude of the island in a single glance, absorbing all its variations.
You can advance through the open field, exposing your body to the freedom of the plateau, amidst wind turbines that generate green energy in the Azores, and cross the extraordinary volcanic complex of Nordeste.

Top of the island
1,103m, this is the height of Pico da Vara, highest point of São Miguel.

Explore our Natural Playground
From the top of Pico da Vara, is is possible to see most of the island, when clouds allow.

Endemic vegetation on the way
On the trail, you will see lots of different flora species that has been preserved for years.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões
Stop everyone! It is impossible to remain indifferent to this incredible and majestic waterfall in the natural park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões, in Nordeste. Splash photography is a tradition already!

Years of hiking
Hiking routes are accompanied by the knowledge and experience of our guides.
Includes
The Experience
During this special hike, we will reach the highest point of São Miguel island and its most ancient side!
Hiking Pico da Vara means visiting one of the two Natural Reserves of the island and being completely surrounded by endemic vegetation.
This area is also very important for its natural hydric resources.
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Let the adventure begin
– After the check-in at our shop, or the pick-up in Ponta Delgada, let our adventure begin. Our guide will welcome you and lead you to one of our comfortable vehicles for a great experience.
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Planalto dos Graminhais
– Once ready, we will hit the the road to Planalto dos Graminhais. It is located in the countryside of São Miguel island, at about 900m of altitude.
– There, we are going to see the wind turbines that produce part of the green energy of the island. We will enjoy the sights of an area dedicated to the endemic vegetation protection and conservation.
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Povoação’s caldera
– We will pass by the volcanic complex of Nordeste. From there, we can have a look over the beautiful landscape of Povoação’s caldera.
– This is a large volcanic depression with a diameter of about 6.5km, open to the South. There are many rivers in the bottom, creating valleys. It is estimated to be about 820,000 years old.
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Pico da Vara
– From the top, you can enjoy the views over São Miguel at the altitude of 1,103m above the sea level. There will take a break and rest a bit.
– This is one of the two Natural Reserves of São Miguel island.
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Ribeira dos Caldeirões
– When ready, we will follow the path down and continue in direction of our last stop, the park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões – a nature park full of waterfalls.
– The biggest waterfall is over 40 meters high and you will have the time to contemplate it and absorb this nature’s vibration.
– Once the tour complete, we will go back to Ponta Delgada.
Departure Point
Departure Time
Return Point
Why Futurismo
Venture beyond the extraordinary. Unrivaled adventure
Largest tour operator in the Azores with 30 years of experience
At Futurismo, we think that educating and raising awareness among the young ones is very important for the future
We’re here to make your experience incredible. Reach us by phone, email, or WhatsApp
Apart from being a responsible tour operator, we also have a social commitment with many local organizations
Plan your Hiking Tour to Pico da Vara – Full day
What to bring?
- Comfortable light clothes
- Sweater, raincoat
- Sunscreen, hat and backpack
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Water and snacks
Advisory
- If you have any food restriction, please inform us at least 48h before the tour
- Cancellations until 72h in advance
Our Policies
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour, no penalties are applied
- Cancellations up to 24 hours: 50% of the total amount will be charged
- Cancellations less than 24 hours or no-show: full amount will be charged
- If the weather conditions do not allow the activity to be done safely, we will cancel it and contact you suggesting an alternative date or provide a full refund.
Booking confirmation policy
- You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of successful booking.
Reviews What people think about
Richard, UKWe spent six full days in São Miguel. The itineraries (including dolphin watching) are very complete. The guide who accompanied us for 5 days (Patxi) very professional and friendly. We recommend 100%!
5margarett, USAWow fabulous is the only way to describe this trip – Our guide Gena was very informative and not afraid to try different things
F.A.Q.s
Are there any pickup and drop off locations I can use?
Yes, please check the Departure and Return section presented on every tour.
Can I cancel my tour reservation and have a full refund?
Yes, you can check our detailed cancellation and refund policies per tour on each tour page, under “Good to Know” section
Can I take my camera with me during this activity?
Yes, but be aware that your material will be under your responsability.
How can I book this activity?
You can select any tour within our website and get your booking confirmation on your email immediately. Alternativelly, you can visit us on our shops or get in touch with us by phone, email or send us a message on social media (Instagram and Facebook)
I am pregnant but I would like to do this activity. Is it possible?
We don’t recommend this tour for pregnant women.
What if the weather isn’t ok?
If the weather doesn’t allow to do this activity safely, we will cancel it and suggest na alternative date.
What is the minimum number of participants?
Please check the minimum number of participant for each tour inside the program’s page.
Where is located Nordeste?
In Portuguese, Nordeste means Northeast, so it is located on the northeastern side of São Miguel island. It is quite far from Ponta Delgada, about 50 minutes without stopping, but the long trip is totally worth it.
Top Sights Hiking Tour to Pico da Vara – Full day
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