Caldeira Funda e Caldeira Rasa Loop, Flores

The trail starts at the parking area for the Reserva Natural das Caldeiras Funda e Rasa near Fazenda, reached by car from Lajes das Flores; no permit is required, though the lakes lie within a protected nature reserve. The loop covers 6 km with about 200 m of cumulative elevation gain, rated moderate, circling two adjoining crater lakes in southwest Flores. The path is packed dirt with some short, steeper sections around the crater rims, and can be muddy given the island's high rainfall; shade varies between open, wildflower-covered slopes around Caldeira Funda and denser vegetation near Caldeira Rasa, with little exposure since the trail stays on established paths above the water. Landmarks include Caldeira Funda, the deeper of the two lakes at 22 m, ringed by hydrangeas and wildflowers in summer, the shallower Caldeira Rasa at 16 m a short walk beyond, and viewpoints looking down into both craters from the connecting ridge. A shorter option covers only Caldeira Funda, the more visited of the two, for a walk of roughly 3 km. There are no refuge huts on the trail, and while both lakes hold water, it is not a safe drinking source, so hikers should carry what they need. The reserve protects one of the most photographed landscapes on Flores, particularly when the surrounding hydrangeas bloom in July and August.