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Life Changing Travel
 

$6,595 | Grades 9–12

Azores: The Secret Island

JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026

JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026

 

Don’t read it. Feel it.

Want to hear what this trip is really like? One of our OG trip leaders—who’s led RLT trips for the past three summers—walks you through the journey from start to finish and shares what it’s like to be out there.

An at-a-glance look at the trip

Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.

What real people say about our trips

 
Featured
Jay T, an RLT parent

Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.

Caitlin H, an RLT parent

Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.

Lisa G, an RLT parent

We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.

 

All the details in one place

From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Azores.

  • Trip Name
    Azores: The Secret Island

    Who It’s For
    High school students (grades 9–12)

    2026 Sessions
    Session 1 (High School): July 9 – July 22, 2026
    Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
    Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

    Location
    São Miguel, Azores

    Trip Length
    14 Days

    Service Hours
    15–20

    Tuition
    $6,595

  • Days 1–2: Arrival
    We leave the US and fly overnight to São Miguel, Azores. After a short transfer, we set up camp and settle in. The evening is all about playing games and getting to know each other.

    Day 3: Ponta Delgada & Donkey Sanctuary Service
    We start the trip by helping out at a local donkey sanctuary. Tasks may include feeding, grooming, cleaning hooves, or mucking out paddocks. It’s hands-on, rewarding work that sets the tone for the days ahead.

    Day 4: Snorkeling & Pineapple Plantation
    In the morning, we snorkel off the coast near Ponta Delgada and discover the marine life of the Azores. Later, we explore a 100-year-old pineapple plantation to learn—and taste—the stages of pineapple cultivation.

    Day 5: Serra Devassa Hike & Kayaking
    We hike the Serra Devassa trail through lagoons and forest, stopping at scenic lookouts like Boca do Inferno. In the afternoon, we kayak or SUP across the twin lakes of Sete Cidades—Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul.

    Day 6: Whale Watching & Princess Ring Islet
    We head out for a guided whale-watching tour, then stop at Princess Ring Islet for a swim, snorkel, and beach hangout. The day wraps up exploring the coastal town of Vila Franca do Campo.

    Day 7: Tea Plantation & Contemporary Art
    Today we visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest in Europe, and taste the locally grown tea. Then we explore Arquipélago, a contemporary arts center in Ribeira Grande.

    Day 8: Transfer & Rest Day
    We transfer to our next base at Campismo Nordeste. It’s a relaxed day to recharge, do laundry, explore, and watch the sunset at the beach.

    Days 9–10: Service, Hot Springs & Local Flavors
    Our main service project begins—specifics will depend on local needs. In between, we explore the Furnas area. We taste traditional Portuguese stew cooked in geothermal vents, swim in thermal pools, and try famous pastries from Rosa Quental. We also visit Ponta da Ferraria, a natural hot spring surrounded by lava cliffs.

    Day 11: Surfing & Waterfall Hike
    We hit the beach for our first surf lesson with local instructors. In the afternoon, we hike through lush forest to Salto do Prego, a scenic waterfall surrounded by greenery.

    Day 12: Lagoa do Fogo & Canyoning
    We hike to Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake surrounded by untouched wilderness. In the afternoon, we gear up for a canyoning adventure—jumping, sliding, and climbing through river gorges in Nordeste.

    Day 13: Surf, Relax, & Final Banquet
    Our last day is spent back on Santa Barbara beach. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, or just relax, it’s a day to enjoy before we gather for our final RLT banquet and reflect on the journey.

    Day 14: Homeward Bound
    We say our goodbyes and head home after two incredible weeks exploring the Azores.

  • We camp in tents throughout the trip on São Miguel Island.

    Group Tents: Teens share tents with 2–3 participants, organized by gender identity.

    Rustic Facilities: Showers are available every 1–2 days. Bathroom facilities range from flush toilets to latrines depending on the site.

    Setup & Breakdown: The group works together to set up camp, prepare meals, and keep shared spaces clean—an important part of the experience.

    What to Expect: Expect fresh ocean air, the sounds of island wildlife, and peaceful nights under the stars near volcanic landscapes.

  • All meals are prepared by the group at camp using portable stoves.

    Cook Crew: Daily cook crews rotate among teens to plan, prep, cook, and clean, guided by trip leaders.

    Simple + Fresh: Meals focus on fresh, local ingredients with Portuguese flavors like stews, pasta, and vegetable dishes.

    All Diets Welcome: We accommodate all dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free needs.

    Snacks + Hydration: Plenty of snacks and water breaks are built into the day, especially during active outings.

  • Flights
    Families book flights to and from São Miguel Airport (PDL).
    Do not book flights until you receive your travel window from RLT.

    Escorted Flight Option
    An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

    Unaccompanied Minor Info
    If your teen flies as an unaccompanied minor, we provide all necessary check-in and pick-up instructions.

    Packing
    A detailed packing list is sent well before the trip. Essentials include:
    Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
    Rain jacket
    Sturdy hiking shoes
    Swimsuit and towel
    Headlamp

    Luggage Note
    We recommend one checked bag and one carry-on backpack.

  • Forms & Waivers
    After enrollment, you'll get access to your RLT portal with required forms: health history, medical forms, participant waiver, and emergency contacts. These must be completed before the trip.

    Medical Clearance
    No doctor’s appointment is needed unless your teen has a new or complex medical condition. We review all forms to ensure proper support.

    Medications
    All medications, prescription and over-the-counter, must be listed on the medical form. Leaders administer meds as needed during the trip.

    Behavioral Expectations
    We provide a Code of Conduct to review with your teen. It ensures a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.

    Trip Insurance
    Required for all international trips. For recommendations, visit our FAQ or contact the RLT team.

    Vaccinations
    Follow CDC guidelines and ensure routine immunizations are up to date.

    Passport
    A valid passport is required for this program.

  • Device-Free Philosophy
    This trip is device-free. Leaders collect phones and personal electronics on Day 1 and return them at the end of the trip.

    Why?
    Disconnecting helps teens build deeper relationships, be present in their surroundings, and gain confidence without constant tech distractions.

    Cameras Welcome
    Teens can bring digital cameras or GoPros that don’t connect to the internet. Leaders also share trip photos in an online gallery after the trip.

    Communication
    We provide regular updates to families throughout the trip. If there’s an emergency, our on-call team is available 24/7.

Save your spot for Azores

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