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Walk from Pico do Carvão to Vista do Rei on a 5 km route that showcases the collapse crater of Sete Cidades and the twin Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Expect steep pitches, volcanic landscapes and an experienced local guide.
Walk from Pico do Carvão to Vista do Rei on a 5 km route that showcases the collapse crater of Sete Cidades and the twin Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Expect steep pitches, volcanic landscapes and an experienced local guide.
You step out of the air-conditioned vehicle just past Mata do Canário and the island exhales around you — a mix of damp earth, pine resin and the cold blue of distant water.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Picos de Aventura - Animação e Lazer, S.A. · Ponta Delgada, Azores
You step out of the air-conditioned vehicle just past Mata do Canário and the island exhales around you — a mix of damp earth, pine resin and the cold blue of distant water.
The trail runs about 5 km from Pico do Carvão, threading two older paths through Serra Devassa and past the Muro das Nove Janelas, an 18th-century aqueduct that once routed drinking water down to Ponta Delgada. The route climbs where the ground grows irregular, and the crater of Sete Cidades opens like a bowl: twin lakes—one deep blue, one green—separated by a thin ridge and framed by steep volcanic walls.
Geology here is recent and raw; the crater formed by a caldera collapse and later filled in with rain and groundwater. Culturally, the area carries rural Azorean patterns — small stone walls, working fields and viewpoints that locals historically used for grazing and lookout. On clear days Vista do Rei rewards you with sweeping panoramas across the western flank of São Miguel, while lower slopes give way to pastures and wet woods.
Practical guidance: the walk is roughly 5 km with intermittent steep pitches and uneven footing, plan on 3–4 hours including transport and viewpoints. Wear sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and bring at least 1–1.5 L of water; a windproof/rain layer is essential—weather shifts quickly. Morning visits often yield clearer skies and softer light on the lakes; if conditions are poor the operator may cancel for safety. The tour includes an experienced guide and transport from Ponta Delgada, making it accessible for most walkers who can manage short climbs and uneven ground.
The route covers about 5 km and takes roughly 3–4 hours including transport and stops; footing is uneven in places but there are no technical sections.
This tour includes a professional guide and transport from Ponta Delgada; while some paths are marked, the guide handles navigation and local interpretation.
The operator may cancel for safety in poor conditions—cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund per the booking policy.
Basic facilities are available in Ponta Delgada and at some viewpoints; bring snacks and water as the trail itself has limited services.
Picos de Aventura - Animação e Lazer, S.A. operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of the air-conditioned vehicle just past Mata do Canário and the island exhales around you — a mix of damp earth, pine resin and the cold blue of distant water.
You step out of the air-conditioned vehicle just past Mata do Canário and the island exhales around you — a mix of damp earth, pine resin and the cold blue of distant water.
The trail runs about 5 km from Pico do Carvão, threading two older paths through Serra Devassa and past the Muro das Nove Janelas, an 18th-century aqueduct that once routed drinking water down to Ponta Delgada. The route climbs where the ground grows irregular, and the crater of Sete Cidades opens like a bowl: twin lakes—one deep blue, one green—separated by a thin ridge and framed by steep volcanic walls.
Geology here is recent and raw; the crater formed by a caldera collapse and later filled in with rain and groundwater. Culturally, the area carries rural Azorean patterns — small stone walls, working fields and viewpoints that locals historically used for grazing and lookout. On clear days Vista do Rei rewards you with sweeping panoramas across the western flank of São Miguel, while lower slopes give way to pastures and wet woods.
Practical guidance: the walk is roughly 5 km with intermittent steep pitches and uneven footing, plan on 3–4 hours including transport and viewpoints. Wear sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and bring at least 1–1.5 L of water; a windproof/rain layer is essential—weather shifts quickly. Morning visits often yield clearer skies and softer light on the lakes; if conditions are poor the operator may cancel for safety. The tour includes an experienced guide and transport from Ponta Delgada, making it accessible for most walkers who can manage short climbs and uneven ground.