Serra Devassa - São Miguel PRC05 SMI

Integrated in a Protected Area, this small circular route in Serra Devassa allows you to walk along volcanic cones and small lakes.

This trail unfolds between an altitude of 750 to 900 meters, being advisable to walk in days of good visibility.

Begin the walk in the parking place opposite the Forest Park of Mata do Canário. Go up the hill, around a swampy area and following right on the fork. All along the hill it is possible to see afar Pau Pique lake and the ruins of the aqueduct of Muro das Nove Janelas (connection place to the center of the village through the trail PR 04 SMI – Mata do Canário/Sete Cidades) that used to supply Ponta Delgada.

Continue until the highest point, Pico das Éguas, with 873 metres, from where it is possible to see the Éguas lake on your left and Rasa ahead. From here the trail goes down until the lake shore, situated in a depression between several volcanic cones, passing by a cave and the water house.

Go round the lake on your right and follow the detour on your right, crossing a wood of japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) until reaching Empadadas lagoons. Along the way it is possible to see and listen to some birds such as common blackbird (Turdus merula azorensis), the common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs moreletti) or the buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi).

After the detour, return to the main road following right, going around Pico das Éguas, until the starting point.