Fajã da Caldeira do Santo Cristo

Mistérios Negros - Terceira PRC01 TER

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Trail Info

The trail of Mistérios Negros thrives in the Natural Reserve of Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros of Natural Park of Terceira, also included in the Special Area of Preservation of Serra de Santa Bábara and Pico Alto of Natura 2000 and in the geosite Caldeira de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros.

This circular route begins near Lagoa do Negro and the supporting house of Gruta do Natal. Begin the trail in a road flanked by Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Japanese Cedar (Crytomeria japonica). The road continues until you enter a pasture, where you should proceed ahead passing by a water tank until the road narrows down among the endemic vegetation formed by Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), Azores Juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), Azorean Blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum) and the native Cape Myrtle (Myrsine retusa).

Proceed, passing by three small lakes known as Lagoinhas do Vale Fundo. From the three, only one keeps water all year around, an important place to some migratory birds that come to this place. Continue the trail defined by its trachytic domes of black color and lack of vegetation, result of the volcanic eruption, in 1761.

Further ahead, on the highest point of the trail, it is possible to observe around Pico Gordo, the central massif of the island and Pico do Gaspar. Go down along a wood of Japanese Cedar that alternates with bordered pastures with these large size trees. Pass by the geodetic pillar of Pico da Cancela until you reach the road where you should follow left.

In this track you will find a detour on the right, optional, until Pico Gaspar, a place very rich in endemic vegetation. The trail continues on the forest road until the starting point, place where the trail ends and you can profit to visit Gruta do Natal, a lava tunnel with 697 meters.

Outline

Trail Information

Category - Circular
Difficulty - Hard
Extension - 4.9 km
Time average - 2h30m
Classification
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