HIKING XL（1日プライベートツアー）

We had an incredible day hiking with Azore Expeditions! Our guide, Juca, took us on two completely different hikes in one day—one along the stunning coastline and another through the island’s interior. Both were absolutely beautiful, and while they were challenging at times, they were very doable and fun. Juca was an outstanding guide. He shared much about the island’s culture, geology, and local traditions. We also stopped for lunch at a local restaurant where he introduced us to some authentic Azorean specialties—something we probably would have never discovered on our own. If you’re looking for a way to experience the island, I can’t recommend Azore Expeditions and Juca highly enough. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Our guide had a nice van and was very knowledgeable about hiking. We hiked by the northern coast first as the southern part of the island was under think fog in the morning. Views along the hike by the ocean were beautiful. We have great photos and our guide took good (and humorous pictures). Hiking in that area was manageable for people who do not have much experience. Next we went to lunch. Food was very good. After lunch we went to the second hike. The fog had lifted but the views were fewer. The hike was not necessarily hard but was complicated. You navigate thick mud and standing water in spots. Sometimes there are boards to walk on and sometimes not. There are sharp and slippery rocks on which you hike and you need to hike across sharp rocks. For tall people you also need to watch for low branches. It was on this second hike where we had some issues. One person rolled their ankle, partially fell into a hole and hit their leg on a sharp rock. Very fortunately that member of our group could still easily continue. Another person in our group fell hard with a big cut, immediate swelling, and bruising. Our guide did not have a first aid kit and said the only way out was to hike out. It was extremely difficult for this person and the guide kept saying just a little further or “like another 100 meters” but we still had to hike over about 3KM after our group member fell. Tips for others: know that the hikes while not requiring extreme skill can still present some challenges and if you fall there is not any emergency support. You should wear hiking shoes or boots (we all wore the former). Bring your own first aid kit because the guide will not have one. And be sure to bring water as none was provided. Finally, if you do the hikes in the order we did, you should know that while pretty after you take pictures at the lagoon, you do not have panoramic views. If you are feeling tired you may want to pay attention to how it feels when you first start hiking on the rocks. If it is feeling at all challenging and you are tired you will want to turn around as most of the rest of the hike is navigating rocks. Beautiful views but come prepared

1st hike was so amazingly beautiful. The views were so beautiful. Slipped during my 2nd hike then had to continue to the end on a bloody knee and swollen leg.

Juca was an outstanding guide. With questionable weather, he adapted the itinerary to fit the day. We saw the whole island, learned so much about the culture. Great lunch break with recommendations for future meals. His passion & knowledge for the environment came out in all we did.

We had a wonderful day with Jaco. He planned a perfect day after asking us what we wanted and our ability. He also helped us take some amazing photos! Can’t recommend enough!

Guca was a professional, personable and knowledgeable guide. I enjoyed the hikes immensely, it was a fun day! I would book any excursions Guca is leading in the future without hesitation.

Juco was a terrific guide and we enjoyed our day hiking with him! He’s very knowledgeable about the island And was able to adjust the hike to the experience level of the group.

A memorable experience from the minute we were picked up until we returned. Juca is very knowledgeable about the island’s history, geology and local favourites including the Azorean way of life and the best trails. He is passionate about photography and shares his talent for capturing the most beautiful images on this magical island. Wear your hiking boots and bring your raincoat even if it isn’t calling for rain as the trails can be muddy and have exposed roots and lava rock. Spoil yourself with this private hike and forget the van tours!

I nearly canceled this tour because I basically gave myself sun poisoning in my first few days on the island. Tip: the UV levels on the island may be much higher than you're used to and 50+ SPF, hat, long sleeves could be helpful! Anyway, I'm so beyond thrilled that I pushed through with the hike. It was a wonderful adventure and Juca was incredibly kind and patient and he made me laugh until my face hurt! I so enjoyed chatting with him - never a dull moment! Juca knows everything about the island and its geology. He shared so many interesting facts! After our first hike, a 4+/- mile loop, I decided to call it a day and get some rest. But first we had lunch at the most wonderful restaurant with the most welcoming people! I felt a little like a jerk because I was still feeling a bit sick and not super hungry - but they were offering so many wonderful things and I'm so glad I got to try them all. This part can't be understated: Juca is a true artist! He has studied exactly how to create the best photos on the trails and I am completely astounded by the photos he took of me. I'll treasure the photos forever. They are the best ones from my trip. One final note: Juca really cares about the island and told me about his conservation work, including helping migrating birds, which I think is super cool! As tourists, we don't always know how to protect and be respectful of the places we visit so it's important to have an informed guide like Juca! 10 stars!

I nearly canceled this tour because I basically gave myself sun poisoning in my first few days on the island. Tip: the UV levels on the island may be much higher than you're used to and 50+ SPF, hat, long sleeves could be helpful! Anyway, I'm so beyond thrilled that I pushed through with the hike. It was a wonderful adventure and Juca was incredibly kind and patient and he made me laugh until my face hurt! I so enjoyed chatting with him - never a dull moment! Juca knows everything about the island and its geology. He shared so many interesting facts! After our first hike, a 4+/- mile loop, I decided to call it a day and get some rest. But first we had lunch at the most wonderful restaurant with the most welcoming people! I felt a little like a jerk because I was still feeling a bit sick and not super hungry - but they were offering so many wonderful things and I'm so glad I got to try them all. This part can't be understated: Juca is a true artist! He has studied exactly how to create the best photos on the trails and I am completely astounded by the photos he took of me. I'll treasure the photos forever. They are the best ones from my trip. One final note: Juca really cares about the island and told me about his conservation work, including helping migrating birds, which I think is super cool! As tourists, we don't always know how to protect and be respectful of the places we visit so it's important to have an informed guide like Juca! 10 stars!