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Climb the rooftop of São Miguel | Pico da Vara

Hiking Tours

Sao Miguel island
Expert guides
All year round
Highest point in São Miguel
Secure Payments
Free cancellations
55 per adult

Climb the rooftop of São Miguel | Pico da Vara

Hiking Tour to Pico da Vara – Full day

Sao Miguel island

Where 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.

  • Difficulty Easy
  • Languages English, German, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Tour starts Ponta Delgada
  • Minimum age 8
  • Season Availabe in high season
  • Distance 7 Km
  • Duration 7H
  • Includes

    • Certified guide
    • Walking sticks
    • Picnic lunch (sandwich, cake, fruit, water, juice)
    • Pick up and drop off in Ponta Delgada
    • Insurance (personal accident and liability)

    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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

    Portas do Mar, Shop 26 Ponta Delgada Harbor São Miguel Island, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada

    Departure Time

    Please select a date on the calendar on the top right hand side of this program page and check the available schedule.

    Return Point

    Returns to the original departure point or the drop of point you indicate during the checkout process

    Why Futurismo

  • 100+ Breathtaking experiences

    Venture beyond the extraordinary. Unrivaled adventure

  • Azores Travel Experts

    Largest tour operator in the Azores with 30 years of experience

  • Environmental Education

    At Futurismo, we think that educating and raising awareness among the young ones is very important for the future

  • Friendly Help

    We’re here to make your experience incredible. Reach us by phone, email, or WhatsApp

  • Helping Social Solidarity Institutions

    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

    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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