Caldeirão - Corvo PRC02 COR

Evolving in a protected area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Costa and Caldeirão of Corvo, this circular route allows to access a collapse crater, stablish at the top of the central volcano and one of the main geosites of the island.  This trail progresses in an altitude between 400 and 560 meters, being advisable to do it in days of good weather and visibility. Along the trail it is normal the presence of bovine, equine and goat cattle that should not be disturbed.

Begin the trail near the viewpoint of Caldeirão and enjoy the view towards the interior of the crater where, according to local culture, the lake and the few volcanic cones reminds a representation of the nine islands of the Azores. The road unwinds into the interior of the crater along the flora dominated by peat moss (Sphagnum sp.). Arriving to a stone of great dimension, choose the road on the right end side to go around the crater (counter clockwise). At this stage of the trail we advise increased attention since the signaling poles are smaller in order to resist the animals.

The interior of the crater is dominated by a system of wetlands and by two lakes, nourished by the rain water and the water accumulated on the thick tuffs of peat moss (peatlands) existing on the slopes turned North. It should be noted that the biggest and oldest peatlands of the country are present on the islands of Corvo and Flores. Along the year the lake level swings and can go up as far as the trail level. Therefore choose the safest way, far from the banks.

The road goes around the lake passing by Poço da Velha and around a swampy area, on the left end side, until reaching again the big stone. At this stage you should go up the crater to the viewpoint where you started the trail. Here there is a connection to other points of the island through the trail PR 01 COR – Vila do Corvo/Cara do Índio/Caldeirão.