Faial Island Trail.

Today, you'll embark on an exciting journey to learn about whales and their rich history on Faial Island. You'll familiarize yourself with your horse and gear as we set out on gently rising meadow paths. Before long, we’ll begin our first trot and canter, leading us to a breathtaking whale watching point. With a bit of luck and calm seas, we may spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

As we make our way back to the lodge along the majestic cliff coast, a lunch will be awaiting you. In the afternoon, we'll ride to two quaint whaling harbors before settling in for the night at a peaceful resting spot for our horses in a nearby hamlet.

After our adventure, we’ll return to the lodge where you can unwind with a drink at the bar and enjoy a delightful dinner in our restaurant.

Today, you will discover the impact of the 1998 earthquake on Faial. In the morning, we’ll drive to the horses and start our ride along the coast, surrounded by stunning blue hydrangea hedges, leading us to the island's former lighthouse that was lost to the earthquake. Nearby, you can still see the crumbling church that stands as a testament to the earthquake's power.

At noon, we’ll enjoy a saddlebag picnic right by the seaside. Feel free to go for a swim or dip your toes in the water. After this refreshing break, we’ll continue our ride, taking in the breathtaking views of the sea and the neighboring islands of São Jorge, Pico, and Graciosa.

We’ll arrive at our paddock for the night. Our transfer team will take you back to the Ecolodge, where you can unwind and relax by the pool. Dinner will be waiting for you, made with love and local ingredients.

Today, we begin our adventure early by visiting one of the top highlights of the Azores: the Faial Crater - Caldeira. Perched at an elevation of 1,000 meters, this ride presents a true challenge for both horse and rider. We’ll follow winding paths as we gradually ascend to the summit of the island, offering breathtaking views of a crater that is 400 meters deep and 2,500 meters wide. After enjoying a delightful picnic from our saddlebag, we’ll continue our ride through the rugged and remote landscape of the highlands. In the late afternoon, we’ll approach the Jungle Camp, where a transfer to the lodge will be waiting for us. Dinner will follow, providing a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Today, the trail takes us through a mystical jungle landscape, where we revel in thrilling gallops along the coastline. Expansive vineyards and quaint “Adegas” dot our path. Following narrow trails near the shore, we arrive at one of the Azores' top highlights: the Capelinhos Volcano, which erupted in 1957. Here, we find a desolate former whaling village now covered in volcanic ash. Beneath the buried lighthouse lies a modern interpretation center that showcases the volcanism of the Azores and the story of the eruption. We’ll enjoy a saddlebag picnic while visiting this fascinating site. As we ride across parts of the volcano, we’ll make our way to the Jungle Camp in the late afternoon, where our transfer back to the lodge will be waiting. After a day full of adventure, we will gather for dinner.

Today marks the final day of our trail. Fajã Bay, a hidden gem, has been home to islanders cultivating wine and fruits for 500 years. As we ride, we pass charming “Adegas,” the wine houses nestled among their vineyards.

Venturing through a lush jungle, we arrive at the stunning black lava beach of Fajã Bay—a magical and romantic realm all its own. Here, you'll find small lava stone houses, beautifully maintained gardens, and the untamed sea stretching before you.

Our journey crosses the island from the arid south to the vibrant north, offering breathtaking views of terraced pastures rolling down to the vivid blue ocean. Extend your gallop as we reach Ribeira Funda, the highest village on the island, perched above a dramatic 300-meter deep canyon. We’ll take a moment to bask in the sun, listen to the whispering wind, and enjoy the wild calls of the buzzards soaring over the gorge.

An Azorean picnic awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to savor the spectacular sights of the canyon and ocean. In the afternoon, our route meanders through yam fields and into a small, wild, and enchanting valley. After six incredible days of riding, we make our way back to PÁTIO Ecolodge.

We conclude this remarkable week with a dinner, reflecting on the adventures and memories we've shared along the trails.