PONTA DELGADA HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Ridges, Lagoons and a Hidden Gullies: An 8‑Hour Traverse of Serra Devassa to Grota do Inferno
A full‑day circular hike across the volcanic Sete Cidades complex that details route, viewpoints and practical guidance for the Serra Devassa & Grota do Inferno loop.
Ridges, Lagoons and a Hidden Gullies: An 8‑Hour Traverse of Serra Devassa to Grota do Inferno.
This full‑day walk threads a challenging circular route across the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, passing crater lagoons, aqueducts and endemic vegetation before climbing to the summit ridge at Pico das Éguas and visiting the Miradouro Grota do Inferno—an immersive way to learn the island's geomorphology while taking in seldom‑seen angles on the lakes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Volcanic Crater Lagoons and Endemic Vegetation
The route reveals multiple crater lagoons—Lagoa do Caldeirão, Lagoa das Éguas and Lagoa do Canário—woven with aqueducts, springs and patches of endemic Azorean flora, forming the hike's defining panorama.
A Complete, Circular Serra Devassa Traverse
This circular trail starts at the Muro do Carvão with a briefing, climbs the Serra Devassa ridge up to Pico das Éguas, includes a picnic pause, and returns via Lagoa Rasa and the Lagoa das Empadadas park to the point of departure.
Grota do Inferno and the Springs of Canário
Among the hidden gems on the route is the Miradouro Grota do Inferno; the trail also passes the nascentes (springs) of Canário, offering intimate geological and hydrological sights off the main tourist circuit.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
Expect a sustained, energetic day on volcanic terrain: the operator begins with a briefing at the Muro do Carvão before the group follows Serra Devassa across ridgelines and through pockets of native vegetation, pauses for a picnic, visits the Miradouro Grota do Inferno and the springs of Canário, then returns through Lagoa Rasa and the Lagoa das Empadadas park to complete the circuit.
THE LANDSCAPE
Volcanic Crater Lagoons and Endemic Vegetation
The route reveals multiple crater lagoons—Lagoa do Caldeirão, Lagoa das Éguas and Lagoa do Canário—woven with aqueducts, springs and patches of endemic Azorean flora, forming the hike's defining panorama.
THE ROUTE
A Complete, Circular Serra Devassa Traverse
This circular trail starts at the Muro do Carvão with a briefing, climbs the Serra Devassa ridge up to Pico das Éguas, includes a picnic pause, and returns via Lagoa Rasa and the Lagoa das Empadadas park to the point of departure.
THE VIEWPOINT
Grota do Inferno and the Springs of Canário
Among the hidden gems on the route is the Miradouro Grota do Inferno; the trail also passes the nascentes (springs) of Canário, offering intimate geological and hydrological sights off the main tourist circuit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day‑long hike suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full‑day hike lasting approximately 8 hours.
Meeting at Futurismo Azores Adventure before the briefing and start at Muro do Carvão.
A picnic for the scheduled pause is part of the route; plan for provisions you will eat during the picnic.
The trail is a circular route through Serra Devassa that visits multiple lagoons, Pico das Éguas and Grota do Inferno, finishing at the original departure point.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike?
The hike is approximately 8 hours in total.
Where do we meet before the hike?
The meeting point is Futurismo Azores Adventure.
Is there a picnic or food stop?
Yes—there is a scheduled pause during the walk for a picnic.
What are the main sights on the route?
Key sights include Lagoa do Caldeirão, Pico das Éguas, Lagoa das Éguas, Lagoa do Canário, the Miradouro Grota do Inferno and the nascentes do Canário.
Is the trail suitable for inexperienced walkers?
The route is described as somewhat challenging and lasts a full day, so it is best suited to hikers accustomed to prolonged effort rather than complete beginners.
Does the route return to the starting point?
Yes—the trail is circular and returns to the point of departure after passing Lagoa das Empadadas park.