Lomba De São Pedro: Waterfall Hiking Tour With Tea Tasting

The Lomba de São Pedro offers a captivating outdoor adventure that blends the natural wonders of the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with the rich cultural heritage of the Gorreana Tea Plantation. Hikers can enjoy cascading waterfalls, historic watermills, and diverse flora and fauna, before indulging in the unique flavors of locally produced tea. This tour promises a rejuvenating experience, inviting visitors to explore the region’s enchanting landscapes and uncover the intricate processes behind the production of one of Europe’s oldest tea brands.

Key Points

• Explore the captivating Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, with its cascading waterfalls, historic watermills, and diverse flora and fauna.
• Visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest tea factory in Europe, and learn about the intricate tea production process.
• Experience a guided tour through the tea factory and savor the unique flavors of Gorreana’s premium teas.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off service from various locations around Ponta Delgada for a hassle-free experience.
• Tour not suitable for those with mobility issues or medical conditions, and a moderate fitness level is required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Highlights

The tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, where they’ll discover cascading waterfalls, historic watermills, and an abundance of diverse flora and fauna.

Highlights include a visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest tea factory in Europe, where participants can explore the tea production process and savor the unique flavors of local tea.

The tour also provides the opportunity to trek through scenic valleys, appreciating the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

With the guidance of accredited experts, hikers can enjoy the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, creating lasting memories.

Exploring Nature’s Wonders

Traversing through the verdant Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, hikers enjoy nature’s captivating wonders, where cascading waterfalls, historic watermills, and an abundance of diverse flora and fauna captivate the senses. Guided by knowledgeable experts, participants explore the park’s hidden gems, learning about the unique ecosystem and indigenous plant species. The tour offers a chance to connect with the natural world, providing a serene escape from the everyday hustle. Along the way, hikers may spot diverse wildlife, such as the Azorean bullfinch or the rare laurel pigeon, adding to the enchantment of the experience.

Flora	Fauna	Landmarks
Azorean laurel	Azorean bullfinch	Waterfalls
Tree heath	Laurel pigeon	Historic watermills
Azorean blueberry	Azorean woodcock	Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
Azorean cedar	Azorean bat	Gorreana Tea Plantation

Discovering Gorreana Tea Plantation

Midway through the hiking tour, participants enter the verdant tea estate of Gorreana, the oldest tea plantation in Europe.

Here, they explore the tea production process from leaf to cup, seeing the rich history and time-honored traditions of this iconic Azorean industry.

Guides lead the group through the tea factory, explaining the meticulous steps involved in withering, rolling, oxidizing, and drying the leaves. Visitors witness the skilled workers hand-plucking the tender tea buds and observe the machinery that sorts and packages the final product.

The tour culminates with a tasting session, where participants savor the unique flavors and aromas of Gorreana’s renowned black and green teas, gaining a newfound appreciation for this timeless craft.

Experiencing Tea Production Process

Guides lead visitors through the tea factory, showcasing the meticulous steps involved in transforming freshly plucked tea leaves into the final, aromatic product. Guests observe as the leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized, and dried, learning about the unique artisanal techniques used at Gorreana.

Step	Description
Withering	Leaves are spread out and exposed to warm air to reduce moisture content.
Rolling	Leaves are gently rolled to rupture cell walls and encourage oxidation.
Oxidation	Leaves are allowed to oxidize, developing their characteristic flavor and aroma.
Drying	Leaves are dried to remove remaining moisture, locking in the desired properties.

The tour culminates in a tea tasting, allowing visitors to appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromas of Gorreana’s premium teas.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ribeira Dos Caldeirões Natural Park

The Ribeira dos Caldeir??es Natural Park’s stunning landscapes invite visitors to enjoy the region’s natural wonders. Dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls create a captivating backdrop for the hiking experience.

Trekkers can explore the park’s network of trails, discovering hidden valleys, streams, and historic watermills along the way. The diverse flora and fauna add to the park’s allure, with opportunities to spot native plant species and local wildlife.

Whether it’s taking in panoramic vistas or simply appreciating the serene atmosphere, the Ribeira dos Caldeir??es Natural Park offers a truly immersive and rejuvenating outdoor adventure during the Waterfall Hiking Tour.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour provides pickup and drop-off service from various locations around Ponta Delgada, including Capelas, Caloura, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande.

Participants are typically picked up around 9 AM and returned to their accommodations at the end of the tour.

This convenient transportation ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on the highlights of the excursion.

The pickup and drop-off locations cover a wide area, making the tour accessible to those staying in different parts of the Ponta Delgada region.

This service adds to the overall convenience and accessibility of the Lomba De São Pedro waterfall hiking and tea tasting adventure.

Cancellation Policy

Guests can freely cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour’s scheduled departure without incurring any penalties. This flexible cancellation policy ensures that guests can easily adjust their plans if needed.

No-show policy: Guests who fail to show up for the tour without prior notice will be charged the full tour price.

Weather-related cancellations: The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to inclement weather for the safety of all participants. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

Rescheduling: Guests can opt to reschedule their tour for a different date, subject to availability, at no additional cost.

Suitability and Practicality

While the flexible cancellation policy offers convenience, it’s important for guests to consider the tour’s suitability and practicality before booking.

This hike through Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park presents certain limitations and requirements that prospective participants should review. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues or heart problems, or wheelchair users. A moderate fitness level is required to navigate the rugged terrain and steep inclines.

Pickup and drop-off locations are limited to specific areas, so guests should confirm their availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on this hiking tour. The tour involves traversing natural areas and visiting a tea plantation, which may not be suitable or safe for pets. Check with the tour provider for their specific pet policy.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

The tour provides a picnic lunch, so you don’t need to bring your own food. However, it’s a good idea to bring extra water, as the hike can be strenuous and you’ll want to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. Hikers can join the small group tour on Saturdays and Sundays, which includes guided exploration of the natural park, a tea plantation visit, and a picnic lunch.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration?

While the standard tour duration is 8 hours, you can’t extend it yourself. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate a longer tour upon request, depending on availability and additional costs. It’s best to check with them directly.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are highly experienced and accredited professionals. They have extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and hiking trails, ensuring a safe and informative experience for all participants.

Recap

This tour offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, discover the centuries-old Gorreana Tea Plantation, and learn about the intricacies of tea production.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a tea connoisseur, this experience promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: