Grande Rota de Santa Maria with accommodation before and after

Duration: 7 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

> The only long-distance hiking route in the Azores
> In 5 days from hut to hut around Santa Maria
> Dramatic sea views of the Atlantic Ocean

The Grande Rota de Santa Maria is a spectacular long-distance hike on the island of Santa Maria, part of the Azores archipelago. This sub-tropical group of islands is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and is part of Portugal's territory. The unique thing about this trek is that you sleep each night in a converted stone barn, that are scattered around the island in beautiful locations.

The route follows the dramatic coastline full of geological wonders, due to its volcanic activity. Each day will be different: you hike through sleepy villages, along steep cliffs and through some of the island's evergreen forests. The cherry on the cake is the climb up the highest point on the island, Pico Alto. From the summit you'll have otherworldly views of Santa Maria and beyond. And it's a true delight to spend each day in one of the cozy huts. Before and after the trek you'll stay in a comfortable guesthouse or hotel in Vila do Porto. Come and join us on this magical trek!

Itinerary

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Included

  • Booking the huts

    We will take care of arranging accommodation on the Grande Rota de Santa Maria for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Grande Rota de Santa Maria. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Grande Rota de Santa Maria, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

  • Half-board

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Accommodation before and after the tour

    Accommodation before and after the trek is included. Breakfast is (if possible) part of your stay.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • When is the best time to do the Grande Rota de Santa Maria?

  • Getting to and from

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Grande Rota de Santa Maria

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras

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