Quick Details
Join us for an authentically unique experience, touring Água de Alto via a 1.5-mile hike, side by side with our happy, rescued donkeys. Over 2 hours, at Donkeys and Friends, responsible tourism helps visitors engage more deeply with the Azores, sharing the community through the eyes of locals, in the most traditional of fashions. Stroll alongside Gabriela, Joaquin de Horta, Esperança, Edward, and the always-entertaining Shetland pony, Kiwi, exploring Água de Alto at a donkey’s pace, with a pit stop for coffee. Ages 13+, with a reduced rate for children 2–12 and free entry under 2. Available in Portuguese and English.
Adult
Ages 13 & Older
€ 68
Child
Ages 02 to 12
€ 32
Young Child
Under 02
Free
Enjoy an Happy Rescued Donkeys Tour!
Join us for an authentically unique experience, touring Água de Alto via a 1.5-mile hike, side by side with our happy, rescued donkeys. At Donkeys and Friends, we believe, and have seen firsthand, how responsible tourism helps visitors engage more deeply with the Azores, and we strive to share our community through the eyes of locals, in the most traditional of fashions. Our mission is to help and protect donkeys in need of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. Donkeys walk at the same speed as humans, about four miles per hour. Moving is vital to their ongoing health. In the wild, these animals can be found traveling 10 to 20 kilometers a day as they wander around grazing. And that’s where we need your help — these daily hiking adventures keep our big-eared friends healthy, while unleashing their natural curiosity and wonder. On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to stroll alongside Gabriela, Joaquin de Horta, Esperança, Edward, and the always-entertaining Shetland pony, Kiwi. We will explore Água de Alto, where they say it’s always sunny, at a donkey’s pace, reveling in the laid-back rhythm that marks these relaxed islands. We’ll let you in on the secret paths to the best beaches on the south side of the island, make a pit stop for coffee and a chance to brush up on your Portuguese.
What is included
- Arrival and welcome
- Hiking with the donkeys (1.5 mile hike)
- Visit Cafe central (drink and coffee)
What is not included
- Transportation to the farm
Itinerary
- Welcome – Arrival at the meeting point in Água de Alto
- Meet the Donkeys – Introductions to Gabriela, Joaquin de Horta, Esperança, Edward and Kiwi the pony
- Hiking Adventure – A 1.5-mile hike at a donkey’s pace, exploring secret paths to the best beaches
- Café Stop – A pit stop for coffee and conversation
Highlights
A genuine rescue and rehabilitation mission. Every walk directly supports donkeys who have overcome abuse, neglect and cruelty — a cause guests consistently describe as deeply meaningful.
Real individual personalities. Gabriela, Joaquin de Horta, Esperança, Edward and Kiwi the pony each have their own story and quirks, making this feel like meeting old friends, not just animals.
A window into local Azorean life. Past guests describe learning about agricultural traditions and the community of Água de Alto alongside the donkey walk itself.
A host whose passion shows. Bethany’s deep knowledge, warmth, and genuine dedication to animal welfare is the detail nearly every review highlights first.
Meeting point
- After booking we will send all the details of the farm, location (meeting point) and contact.
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How long is the hike?
A 1.5-mile hike through Água de Alto, at a relaxed donkey’s pace.Will the walk always happen exactly as planned?
Donkey welfare comes first — if a donkey is unwell, your host may adjust the activity, for example spending more time at the farm or visiting a nearby garden instead.What’s included besides the hike?
A stop at a local café for coffee, plus time getting to know the donkeys and their individual stories.Is this suitable for children?
Yes, this is a family-friendly experience — children aged 2–12 have a reduced rate, and children under 2 go free.Is transportation included?
Transportation is not included, but private transfer can be arranged on request.What languages is the tour offered in?
The tour is available in Portuguese and English.What is the minimum and maximum group size?
A minimum party of 2 is required to book. Groups of up to 8 are welcome.Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for our policy.
Google Map
I can’t recommend this experience enough!! It’s rare you meet someone so knowledgeable and passionate about their craft, and so kind and down to earth at the same time! Our host is the definition of someone doing gods work and she truly makes you feel so welcome! The donkeys themselves are, simply put, so much fun to be around! They make you feel like a little kid with the amount of fun they bring out of you! This was definitely one of the most memorable and unique experiences we had on our whole trip, and we would do it again in a heartbeat!! 10/10
– June 15, 2026 – Guest review
If you go to the Azores, you don’t want to miss this tour the story of how they rescue. The donkeys is absolutely amazing and walking through this little town is worth the trip. It was our favorite part of our vacation and when we go back we’re going to see them again and I’m gonna walk with my favorite donkey and this time I’m not gonna climb on their heads the wrong way like I did lol, my daughter and I had a fantastic time. The team brush the donkeys teeth monthly they get diaper rash put on any fly bites they get bathed weekly and a vet sees them once a month and they walked them through the village three times a day and the team have built different houses on different parts of land for the donkeys to live in inside and out and the donkeys are so smart. I had no idea they were so smart. Thank you so much for a great trip.
– April 7, 2025 – Guest review
Getting to know our host and her donkeys was a real highlight on our trip. We learned a lot about donkeys, were able to cuddle extensively with them and had fun. Our host is an absolutely great "donkey mom" with a big heart and bright blue eyes that couldn't be more radiant. All donkeys look very well maintained and happy and are totally cute. It was two wonderful hours that we will never forget. A warm thank you to everyone involved.
– May 19, 2025 – Guest reviewShare your experience
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