Azores: The Secret Island

Trip Name
Azores: The Secret Island

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

2026 Sessions
Session 1 (High School): July 2 – July 15, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure from the U.S. and return to the U.S.
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 on day 1 and fly overnight to arrive in São Miguel, Azores on day 2. After a short transfer, we set up camp and settle in. The evening is all about playing games and getting to know each other.

Days 3 and 4: Ponta Delgada & Donkey Sanctuary Service
We start the trip by helping out at a local donkey sanctuary, and learning about the history of donkeys on the island. Tasks may include feeding, caring for the animals, and mucking out paddocks. It’s hands-on, rewarding work that sets the tone for the days ahead. Our service partners also share more about daily life in the Azores, and we learn about the culture and people as we give back to the island.

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: Kayaking Sete Cidades

Explore on the water, as we kayak or SUP across the twin lakes of Sete Cidades - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul.

Day 8: 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 9: Hike Ribiera Do Faial & Cooking Class

Start the day with a scenic hike surrounded by lush vegetation, crossing charming wooden bridges along the way. We take a short detour to admire the dramatic Salto do Cagarrão and the stunning Salto do Prego waterfalls. We keep a look out for the ruins of an old watermill and end in a picturesque village. In the evening, we have an authentic local cooking class, where we learn more about Portuguese culture, and taste some traditional dishes.

Day 10: Service Work & Hot Springs
We finish our service work during the day, and say goodbye to our new four-legged friends. In the evening we relax in the natural thermal hot springs and learn about the volcanic origins of the island.

Day 11: Lagoa do Fogo
We hike the lush green trails to Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake surrounded by untouched wilderness.

Day 12: Canyoning
We gear up for a canyoning adventure filled with 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.

Rustic Facilities: Showers are available every 1–2 days. The campsite bathrooms include clean, flush toilets and other facilities.

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.

Most meals are prepared by the group at camp. We also eat out at some local cafes and restaurants as part of the experience.

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
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.

Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small 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
We follow CDC guidelines for international travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling abroad. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.

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.