Código de Conduta

Code of conduct

When visiting the Azores Nature Parks, please follow the essential conduct regulations, important for your safety and for the conservation and sustainable development of the protected areas, allowing everyone to enjoy our natural heritage now and in the future.

As the adage says, "Do not leave anything but footprints; do not take more than memories and photographs".

 

Before the hike:

• Familiarise yourself with the regulations and specific precautions of the area you are going to visit. Check for any temporary restrictions (construction, closures, high-risk alerts);
• Carefully review the trail map and, if possible, download it to your mobile phone. Check the level of difficulty, distance, and duration. Avoid finishing the trail after dark;
• Consult the weather forecast to assess better the conditions for undertaking the trail. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, which are typical in the Azores;
• Let your family or friends know your planned itinerary and your expected return time;
• Clothing is your first line of defence and should never be neglected. Wearing several layers of comfortable clothing is a good way to adapt to the activity’s intensity and changing weather conditions. Using proper walking shoes or hiking boots makes the walk easier and safer. Consider taking with you a raincoat and a change of clothes on longer routes;
• Take a hat with you to protect your face and head. Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days;
• You should take with you enough drinking water for the entire route. Sometimes there are no refill points. Also take some energy-boosting snacks;
• Take with you a first-aid kit with the essentials for cleaning wounds;
• Always carry with you a mobile phone with enough battery for the hike. Download the necessary information, as some areas may not have network coverage;
• Make sure your clothing and footwear are free of seeds. These seeds may germinate in protected areas and cause problems;
• If you leave your vehicle at the start of the trail, lock the doors and close the windows, and do not leave valuables in plain sight. Do not block trail entrances;
• The use of drones may be subject to restrictions or require authorisation. Make sure to check in advance. Respect others’ privacy and avoid disturbing local wildlife.

 

During the hike:

• Pay attention to landmarks and any other reference points along the route, and stay on the marked path to avoid creating new trails. Respect all signage;
• Trails should be used by small groups at a time. The excess of visitors can damage vegetation and the trails themselves;
• Do not collect plants or geological material;
• Do not disturb livestock and leave gates and private property as you found them;
• Let the sounds of nature prevail; avoid disturbing wildlife, especially birds, with loud noises;
• Take all your waste with you during the route. If possible, pick up small litter you may find;
• Keep your pets under control to avoid disturbing other species. Clean up after your animals;
• Avoid approaching cliffs and unstable areas. There can be a risk of falling rocks. Be especially careful on slippery surfaces, particularly after rain. Avoid crossing watercourses with strong flow;
• Strictly respect signage in lagoons and surrounding areas. Do not cross barriers or access restricted zones, for safety and environmental protection reasons. Do not swim in unauthorised areas and do not contaminate the water;
• Do not light fires or camp outside designated areas;
• Do not damage infrastructure, signage, walls, boardwalks, or other facilities. Help preserve both natural and built heritage;
• Contact the authorities if you find any irregularities:
     ♦ SOS Environment: 800 292 800
     ♦ European Emergency Line: 112