Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center

Marvel at the volcanic landscape of the Azores with a tour of the Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) on this guided tour in São Miguel, with optional hotel pickup. Stop at multiple viewpoints on the drive up to the crater. Take a dip in the Caldeira Velha thermal pools or the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Start from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in and a short briefing. Then, hop into a van to drive up to the protected Nature Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. On the way, stop at the scenic viewpoints of Pico da Barrosa and Bela Vista to soak in some of São Miguel’s best island views. Finally, arrive at the 15 thousand-year-old crater that sits in the deep caldera of the Fogo Volcano. Admire the stunning lake and learn about its endemic flora and surrounding woodlands from your guide. Next, head down the mountain, passing by the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre for information on the island's volcanic origin, biodiversity, and geothermal resources. Here, you can opt for a bath in Caldeira Velha’s manmade thermals pools and a natural waterfall pool – all heated by the nearby Fogo Volcano. Alternatively, go further ahead to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, tucked away in a lush forest. With any time left, you visit the Historic Center of Ribeira Grande, the 16th-century fountain of Largo de São Pedro, or the sandy beach of Santa Barbara. Finally, head back to the marina to end the tour.

Your first stop on this full-day circuit will be at Pico do Carvão viewpoint, from here you'll be able to see the north coast (Ribeira Grande) and south of the island (Ponta Delgada) of São Miguel Island, against the backdrop of a vast expanse of volcanic cones between the incredible Sete Cidades volcano and the majestic 900-meter-high Fire volcano. Continuing to one of the most emblematic viewpoints of São Miguel, in the Azores, Vista do Rei. Time to continue your incredible all-day circuit into the massive volcanic interior of the Sete Cidades, considered one of the most incredible locations on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, amid epic paths and flanked slopes of hydrangeas. If you have never known what it is like to be inside a volcanic crater, then this is another reason to book this incredible full-day guided tour. Admire the Seven Cities Lagoon at a must-stop on the famous bridge that divides it, in the center of a volcanic crater. Breathe nature in the quiet parish of Sete Cidades and visit São Nicolau church. With a heart purified by nature, time to go to the Escalvado viewpoint, situated on a pyroclastic cliff, where from the top, you can admire the Mosteiros and Ferraria, generated by the volcanic force of this area. Lunch break (lunch included). After lunch, time to return to head towards the second highest point of the island of São Miguel, at 900 meters, where the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint is located. From here you can see the north coast with its city of Ribeira Grande and the city of Ponta Delgada on the south coast of the island, as well as the entire amazing Lagoa do Fogo crater. Going down the north coast, the next stop will be at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint. Next stop is the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center for visiting or bathing in natural hot springs pools. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense). The last stop of your full-day tour will be at the Pineapple Plantations to learn the whole process of growing pineapple in greenhouses and see for yourself why pineapple is considered the King fruit in Sao Miguel, and the Azores.

Begin your journey at Lagoa das Sete Cidades, where you’ll be awestruck by the two connected lakes in vibrant shades of green and blue. From the Vista do Rei viewpoint, take in panoramic views of the lakes and the north coast of the island. Afterward, indulge in a delicious local lunch before continuing your tour to Lagoa do Fogo. This magnificent lagoon is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and is one of the largest on the island. If you’re interested in visiting the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center or taking a dip in the thermal waters, let us know when you book your tour. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of São Miguel. Book your full-day tour of Lagoa das Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo today!

Overview The tour begins in Ponta Delgada towards Sete Cidades. It includes a few stops at different viewpoints and the chance of visiting the most beautiful and unknown areas of the west and central parts of our island. After a stop at Vista do Rei viewpoint, we will descent the road that leads us into the interior of this valley to visit Sete Cidades parish. After admiring the Church of St. Nicholas, we will continue on our way towards Lagoa, through the South Coast of the Island. Then, the tour continues towards Lagoa do Fogo, with stop at Caldeira Velha with some time for a thermal bath. Personalized private tour (flexible start and end time). Turn your day in a memorable moment with a totally personalized private tour, be part of a stress-free journey in São Miguel island. We take care of you all day, deciding with you what to see, where to go, when, and how long. The transport can be made by mini-van up to 7. Enjoy a wide-ranging taster of the natural highlights of São Miguel Island on this full-day tour. Plenty of panoramic photo ops from a range of lookouts. No transport planning—hotel pickup and drop-off included. Flexible itinerary—only go to sites that interest you.