Caminho das Lagoas crosses the Achada plateau between the Transversal Road and Ribeirinha. Over 22 kilometres, the route winds through an alignment of small volcanoes and provides one of Pico's most sustained upland experiences. Its sequence includes Caiado, Seca, Peixinho and Paúl lakes, together with other wetlands and peat bogs whose appearance changes with rainfall, light and season.
Between the lakes lie high-altitude pasture, active peatland and areas of sphagnum, rushes, Azorean holly and juniper. The walk crosses the Central Zone Protected Landscape, the Lagoa do Caiado habitat area and Caveiro Nature Reserve. This combination supports birds such as goldcrests, blackbirds and woodcock, while open ground allows long views toward São Jorge and Terceira when cloud lifts.
The route ends in Ribeirinha after a long eastward progression. Although technically graded easy, its distance, exposure and limited shelter across much of the plateau make it an endurance walk. The character is quiet and expansive: rather than settlements or monuments, the dominant elements are water, peat, pasture, volcanic cones and rapidly changing visibility. Its scale rewards steady pacing and a careful choice of weather.