How fit do I need to be?

It depends entirely on the route. There are gentle, flat walks and there are big mountain days, so pick one that suits you and build up.

Do I need experience?

For easy routes, no. For mountains and remote trails, navigation and judgement matter, which is where a guide or a skills course helps.

Comfortable boots or trail shoes with grip, and layers for changeable weather. Always pack a waterproof in the hills.

Do I need to be able to navigate?

On waymarked paths, not really. Off the beaten track you do, and a navigation course is a great investment if you want to explore further.

Generally very, with sensible planning. The main risks are weather and getting lost, both of which good preparation handles.

How long are the walks?

Anything from an hour to all day, or multi-day treks. The route description tells you the distance and the climbing involved.

Hiking a São Nicolau

Hiking is the foundation of nearly every outdoor adventure, and it asks almost nothing to begin: a decent pair of boots and somewhere to point them. The reward is wildly out of proportion to the effort, from a gentle valley stroll to a lung-busting summit with a view that makes you go quiet.

It scales to anyone. Flat coastal paths and gentle trails suit a relaxed day, while mountain routes and multi-day treks give the more committed plenty to chew on. Going with a guide is a lovely way to learn the navigation and the best routes.

The guides on adventuro run led walks, navigation skills and trekking trips for all levels. The hills do not care how fast you are, and neither do we.