PASSAGEM DAS BESTAS HIKE
Passagem das Bestas hike is a super short but quite an interesting hike that takes you through ancient oxcart tracks, dense jungle, and wild volcanic landscapes – all that in just a few kilometers. Passagem das Bestas which btw means “Passage of the Beasts” refers to the centuries-old paths carved by oxen hauling wood across the island. Today, it’s a stunning loop trail that offers a mix of lush forests, open highlands, and jaw-dropping viewpoints.
If you’re looking for a quick adventure that delivers big on scenery and history, this is the one. Let’s hit it!
PASSAGEM DAS BESTAS HIKE FACTS
Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi) for a loop trail
Elevation Gain: 150 m (500 ft)
Hike Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Gear needed: Good shoes with grip are essential due to muddy and rocky sections. If you don´t like getting your feet dirty, consider wearing boots. A waterproof layer is recommended if the weather is unpredictable. Check out my guide on clothing to make sure you’re well prepared.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer the best balance of greenery and stable weather. Avoid rainy days, as the trail gets muddy and slippery.
Strava track: ROCHA DE CHAMBRE HIKE (need a gps file? read my article on downloading from strava)
GETTING TO PASSAGEM DAS BESTAS HIKE
By car: The trailhead for this hike (official number PRC07) is accessible by car, with parking available at the starting point. If you’re renting a car, check out my rent a car in Azores guide if you need help with booking.
By bus: Public transport is limited, so renting a car is the best option.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH PASSAGEM DAS BESTAS HIKE
The trail starts with a cool jungle entrance, immediately pulling you into Terceira’s wild side. The first section is surrounded by huge, towering trees, their trunks stretching endlessly upward, creating a beautifully shaded atmosphere. The forest floor is damp and vibrant, buzzing with life, just like we love it, don´t we?
A short jungle climb follows, winding up through moss-covered roots and ferns. Before long, I reached the Cinco Picos Viewpoint, one of the highlights of this hike. This massive, ancient caldera is the largest volcanic crater in the Azores, now covered in a thick green carpet of vegetation. Let me tell you – it felt quite nice standing there, looking at the leftovers of an ancient eruption.
Leaving the viewpoint, the landscape shifts dramatically. The jungle fades, replaced by rolling highland pastures, where cows graze lazily. I think it is the contrast between the untamed jungle and the peaceful pastures is what makes this hike so special
After a few minutes, I arrived to Fajã Redonda, an insanely cute spot where the land drops away into a lush, hidden valley. The views from here stretch into the heart of Terceira, revealing a true, untouched world inside the island’s volcanic interior.
Past Fajã Redonda, the trail runs alongside twisted laurisilva trees, their crooked branches covered in thick moss, creating an adventure feeling. The air is cooler, the ground softer, and the path winds gently down through this crazy-looking forest before eventually leading back to the starting point.
CONCLUSION
Passagem das Bestas is a short but very memorable adventure that takes you through thick jungle, highland landscapes, and volcanic scenery in just an hour. It almost sounds impossible to be true.
If you’re as much in love with Terceira as I was, don’t miss other trails on the island here. And if you’re planning to explore other islands in the Azores, keep an eye out for my ultimate hiking guide for the Azores coming soon!
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to grab me a coffee 😊 it means the world. And don’t forget to follow me on social media for more adventures and tips!
Happy and safe hiking!
