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PRC06TER

Rocha do Chambre

Terceira

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Circular
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
8.7 km
Duration
2 hr 30 min
Elevation
470–704 m

The trail

Rocha do Chambre explores Terceira’s high interior through a succession of dirt tracks, woodland and pasture. The approach follows a watercourse through endemic vegetation and native cedar before reaching cultivated ground. From there, the route climbs to a viewpoint over Vale do Azinhal and approaches the Pico Alto crater, where the scale of the surrounding relief becomes apparent.

The principal section follows the caldera wall and reaches the high ground between Rocha do Chambre and Juncal. A bridge and another viewpoint mark the transition to the descent. Fields, volcanic formations, stone walls and heather then lead back towards the initial track. The circuit gives a close view of the central plateau’s variety, connecting damp forest and grazing land with perspectives over deep valleys. When cloud lifts, the caldera rim clearly reveals the volcanic relief that structures this part of the island.

The bridge and viewpoints are more than places to pause: they help walkers recognise the transition from the high rim into the descent through fields. Keeping that sequence in mind supports orientation and makes the circuit’s shape easier to understand while the changing vegetation signals the gradual return to its lower starting track.

Directions

Enter on the dirt track and follow the waymarks through endemic vegetation and native cedar beside the watercourse. Cross the field by the indicated passage and climb to the Vale do Azinhal viewpoint. Continue to the Pico Alto crater and follow the caldera wall towards the high ground of Rocha do Chambre and Juncal. After the bridge and viewpoint, descend through fields, stone walls and heather to the initial junction. After the second viewpoint, confirm the descent through the fields before rejoining the initial junction.

Safety

Choose a day with good weather and visibility, as fog and wind make navigation beside the caldera wall difficult. Ground may include mud, roots and loose stone, so wear boots with good grip. Cross fields only at marked passages, close every gate and keep away from livestock. Do not approach the edge for a better view.

Official coordinates

Start
38.748762, -27.261799
End
38.748507, -27.263218
Elevation profile470–704 m
0 km8.8 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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