Wander to peak

The next hike in this location is on 16th of August.

Tucked away in the lush interior of Terceira Island lies Lagoa do Cerro, a hidden volcanic lagoon rarely featured on maps and even less so in hiking guides. If you’ve never heard of it — you’re not alone. The trail is unmarked, the signage near the entrance is outdated, and few visitors even know it exists. But for those who make the effort, this forgotten corner of the island reveals one of its most serene and untouched landscapes.

🌿 Nature Untamed

Lagoa do Cerro is part of a protected wetland area, where native Azorean vegetation thrives. Surrounded by dense patches of Sphagnum moss, ferns, and endemic trees, the lagoon’s calm waters reflect a landscape shaped by time and silence. According to the Siaram Azores Environmental Portal, it represents one of the few remnants of the island’s original hydrological system.

Birdsong fills the air, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some migratory birds nesting along the edges of the water. There are no crowds, no noise — just the sound of wind through the trees and the occasional splash of a frog jumping into the lagoon.

🚶 How to Get There

The hike begins in the charming village of Biscoitos, famous for its natural lava pools and vineyards. From there, you’ll head south into the island’s forested core. The trail isn’t signposted, and you won’t find it on most tourist maps — not even on the one posted nearby, which is now outdated.

That’s what makes this route so special. You’re not following a brochure or a Google Maps pin — you’re tracing the path that few know about. The trail winds through dense forest, past fields and ancient stone walls, climbing gradually toward the hidden lagoon.

⏱ Trail Details

• Estimated duration: ~5.5 hours round trip (plus breaks & photo stops)
• Distance: Approx. 18–20 km
• Difficulty: Moderate (can be slippery in wet conditions)
• What to bring:
  • Sturdy, preferably but not necessary waterproof hiking shoes
  • Snacks and plenty of water
  • Layers — the weather can change quickly
  • Offline map or GPS (you won’t have reliable signal)

Be prepared for some mud and overgrowth — this isn’t a manicured trail. But that’s exactly the point.

📸 A Place for the Patient Explorer

If you’re looking for a trail that’s well-known and easy to navigate, this isn’t it. But if you want to discover a truly hidden spot on Terceira — and feel like an adventurer rather than a tourist — Lagoa do Cerro delivers.

Take your time. Snap photos. Sit by the lagoon and just listen. You’ll be one of the few who can say they’ve seen it.

Getting There & Public Transport Info

• The trail can be completed entirely on foot, making it accessible for those without a car.
• Buses from Praia da Vitória to Biscoitos operate from 8:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and from 8:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays, and from 12:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Be sure to plan accordingly.