The Pico da Vara Trail on São Miguel Island begins at a former guard hut, located about 3 km south of the village of Santo Antônio de Nordestinho. While the guard hut is no longer staffed, a trailhead board and sign mark the start. The hike starts with a gentle uphill on a dirt road, providing a nice warm-up before entering the lush forest.

This 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) out-and-back trail leads to the island’s highest peak at 1,103 meters (3,619 feet), with an elevation gain of 637 meters (2,090 feet). Rated as challenging, it’s ideal for experienced hikers due to its steep and uneven terrain. The trail winds through endemic vegetation and ridges, offering panoramic views of São Miguel’s diverse landscapes, including the north and south coasts, Povoação caldera, and Furnas volcano on clear days.

Situated in the eastern part of the island, the trail traverses the Protected Area of Tronqueira and Planalto dos Graminhais, and the Pico da Vara Nature Reserve. For those seeking a rewarding adventure, this trail provides an immersive experience in São Miguel’s natural beauty.

I couldn’t find any webcams in the Pico da Vara area. Given that it’s the highest point on the island, it’s often shrouded in clouds. To plan your hike, I’d suggest checking the weather on the Windy app and at least looking at the eastern webcams located around Nordeste, Povoação, and Faial da Terra.

For more details about the trail, visit the official Visit Azores website. You can download the GPS track here (I use the Wikiloc app to open and navigate GPX files) and explore a detailed brochure with a hiking map here.

ATTENTION! Access to this trail is conditioned. Please complete the following form to get your permission.