HIKING ROCHA DE CHAMBRE – A JUNGLE ESCAPE INTO TERCEIRA’S WILD SIDE
Deep in the heart of Terceira, the Rocha de Chambre trail feels like stepping into a Tolkien world. Twisted tree tunnels, moss-covered paths, and a misty jungle atmosphere make parts of this hike feel straight out of a Hobbit movie. But don’t let the fairytale setting fool you just yet! This trail has plenty of adventure, from rope-assisted climbs to sweeping highland views over ancient volcanic craters.
If you’re drawn to enchanted forests and steep ascents leading to dramatic viewpoints, this trail delivers. Expect wild terrain, ever-changing landscapes, and a few surprises along the way. If you’re looking for one of the most atmospheric hikes in Terceira, this is it.
ROCHA DE CHAMBRE FACTS
Distance: 9 km (5.5 mi)
Hike duration: 2-4 hours
Elevation gain: 300 m (1,000 ft)
Difficulty: This hike is moderately easy. It has some steep sections, a rope-assisted climb, and muddy terrain after rain (which is often 😅). So be prepare to slide and get a bit dirty!
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 ROCHA DE CHAMBRE
By car: The trailhead for this hike (official number PRC06) is accessible by car, with parking available at the starting point, here´s google pin for you. Check out my rent a car in Azores guide for best information.
By bus: Public transport is limited, so renting a car is the best option.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING ROCHA DE CHAMBRE
The hike begins from a small car park, easing you in with the first kilometer on a flat dirt road. It’s an easy-going start, but don’t let that fool you because things get far more interesting soon enough!
As the landscape opens up, a fork to the left leads onto a rugged lava stone path. This section is pure Azores: lush green vegetation wrapping around ancient volcanic terrain. The ground shifts from pebbly to rocky, demanding a bit of careful footing. Then comes the jungle stretch, where tree roots tangle underfoot, and every step feels like an adventure.
A second fork to the right leads into the heart of the forest, where the magic begins. The air is fresh, the trees tower high, and the sound of a nearby stream hums in the background. A small bridge crosses over the water before the trail winds through more greenery, revealing a little waterfall tucked into the landscape. It’s an idyllic spot, and one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in.
From here, the path narrows and winds through the forest, eventually leading to a road crossing but soon enough, it’s back into the wild, and the trail starts climbing. The terrain gets muddier, the incline more noticeable, and then the first viewpoint appears. It’s a taste of what’s ahead, but the real showstopper is still waiting. A short rope-assisted climb adds an extra element of fun before the trail bursts out of the forest onto the open highlands. Many hikers have mentioned this section can feel steep and slippery after rain, so the rope definitely helps.
The climb continues to Miradouro da Rocha do Chambre, which stands at 700 meters above sea level, offering awesome views over Vale do Azinhal and the Pico Alto crater. Probably one of the best panoramas on Terceira. Btw – it can get extremely windy up here, so an extra layer is a good idea.
After enjoying the views, on a plateau, the trail continued down. Passing through, you’ll find yourself descending alongside grazing cows and skirting around a small volcanic crater. A short stretch on a gravel road follows, guiding you back to where it all started.
CONCLUSION
The Rocha de Chambre hike was probably my favourite hike on the island. Honestly, it is a perfect mix of jungle paths, volcanic landscapes, and some epic viewpoints. It’s got just enough challenge to keep things interesting without being too demanding. If you’re exploring Terceira and want a trail that delivers on both adventure and scenery, this one’s a must!
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!
