Ribeira do Faial da Terra - São Miguel PR11 SMI

This linear route along the stream of Faial da Terra until the village, begins in the regional road, between Povoação and Água Retorta, near a picnic area, before the Recreational Forest Reserve of Água Retorta.

Along the trail, caution is advisable on the crossing of the wooden bridges due to the slippery ground.

Begin the trail on a dirt road, among the dense vegetation, parallel to the stream. This track passes by a clearing where there is an old, abandoned watermill and accessing the stream. Explore the location and continue among the Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria Japonica) and Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) wood, crossing several wooden bridges over the small creeks that feed the main stream.

Make a detour on your left towards Salto do Cagarrão, an impressive waterfall and return to the main road heading South. Reaching the intersection, connecting place with PRC 09 SMI – Faial da Terra/Salto do Prego, choose left towards Salto do Prego. At this point it is possible to explore the waterfall base as well as climbing until the upper part of the stream.

Return by the same way, passing by the previous intersection and at the fork, go left along the stream (here you can choose to go right and do the road passing by Aldeia do Sanguinho). The trail goes down until a bridge over the stream, point where the vegetation gives place to orchards belonging to small family farms. We ask the hikers not to pick fruits and vegetables along the track.

Arriving the main road, continue parallel to the stream until the center of the village, known as the “Nativity Scene of the Island”.