Hiking the trails of Azores in the Spring!

This is going to be a 2-week experience. Trekking on the different trail systems on the islands.
Andy B will be leading a second group. The first group has been selected based on participation with the group. The second group will be picked by December based on participation with the group and ability. So far, Cris is confirmed for the second group. Some people on this list I'm just not seeing on the day-to-day hikes recently. Because we are limited for this trip, I highly recommend trying to hike with the group regularly.

The Azores, some 800 miles west of mainland Portugal, remain one of Europe’s most impressive and least-discovered outposts. This extraordinary archipelago has historically formed a vital link between the Old and New Worlds, with a distinctive history and culture. The fusion of vivid green landscapes and dramatic volcanic scenery lends them a unique feel, and culturally, too, the mix is fascinating – striking Baroque churches built by the pioneers, bustling ports, great religious festivals.
On this two-week trek, we will visit São Jorge, Faial, Pico and São Miguel, on all of which walking is by far the best way to discover their volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation.
After landing on the main island São Miguel, the holiday really begins when we fly north-west to the most picturesque island, São Jorge, characterised by its fajãs – fertile plains by the sea framed by steep slopes and planted with crops and fruit trees – and by the chain of mountains that runs the entire length of the island. Further west still, Faial may be one of the smallest islands, but is one of the best known because its handsome harbour, Horta, has traditionally been a port of call for ships crossing the Atlantic. Its neighbour, Pico, meanwhile, earns its name from its distinctive mountain whose summit, at 2,351 metres, is one of the highest in the Atlantic.
Finally, we return to São Miguel, the largest and most varied of the islands, where you will see pockets of ancient laurisilva (laurel forest), tropical plants, crater lakes, hot springs and mist-shrouded peaks.
It will be a moderate-strenuous trip. Agility is important because the trails are rough and rocky. The accommodations will be moderately priced.

This will be a higher priced trip because of the island hopping we will need to do. If you are looking for a budget trip, then this is NOT the one. Because of the island hopping the overall mileage will also be less than some of the other trips.

Please pay attention to the following:

Many people get excited about international trekking, and it is amazing! It is my passion and one of the things I love most about my life.
I would love to take you all! Realistically, if you have not been committed and dedicated to participating in the Monday, Wednesday and Thursday hikes, your chances are slim that you will be able to go on this trip. I would love to take everyone but obviously I can’t. I will take the people that I KNOW are the most prepared and the most familiar with the group. The people that like to hike with the group and make a point to do it whenever they can. The people that support their fellow hikers and have displayed patience with the group. Then participation on past international and local trips will be taken into consideration and length of time with the international group. Because this is not a tour, but more of close group traveling together, your relationship with the group and your consideration and support of your fellow hikers is considered.
Lastly, if any there are any open spots, the rest will be given to the members in the best overall shape to participate in the order that they put their names on the list.
You do need to be able to communicate via the meetup message system and you do need to be able to participate on zooms calls with the video and audio working.
Food allergies and preferences can not be accommodated on this trip. After over 20 International trips with the Wanderers that it just cannot be done well. If you have issues you will need to be able to handle them on your own.

Travel insurance is mandatory for this trip.

Making the non-refundable deposit is making a commitment to participate. You are “locked” in when you make your deposit.

Only the waiting list is open at this point.