Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

1. São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a spectacular, ample view of the north coast in both directions, before continuing to Furnas. Find yourself in Furnas and admire a spectacular panoramic stop to gaze over the lake and town. Descend where you will be given the choice of visiting the geothermal fields and tasting the sparkling waters, or bathing in the hot springs, for an additional fee. Next, discover a traditional way of cooking as your lunch of cozido (stew) is pulled from the warm volcanic soil. In the afternoon, continue the journey eastward, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Explore Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Sao Miguel: Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience

2. Sao Miguel: Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience

After either gathering at the meeting point or being collected from your accommodation, you will make your way to Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, located in the north-east part of the island. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Ponta Delgada. Upon arrival, the guide will proceed with the distribution of your personal equipment and then set off on short walk of ~ 15min to your first stop where you will have first safety briefing. Then continue on a short scramble uphill where you will then stop for second safety briefing, where the guide will show you how to rappel before continuing onwards and upwards for another ~10min to the start of the canyon where the fun will begin! The Canyoning Experience: After reaching the top of the canyon you will start the second part of your adventure. You can expect several jumps (between 2 and 7 meters in height, all optional), a natural slide and some abseils (between 5 and 15m in height). We will walk back along our initial path to the starting point. NOTE: – The exact itinerary including jumps, abseils and other techniques will depend on local conditions and seasons. The terrain, landscape and flow of the stream normally change throughout the year. – If you feel uncomfortable, there are different alternatives for every obstacle.

Sao Miguel: Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience

3. Sao Miguel: Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience

Discover the diverse green vegetation, clear and fresh waterfalls and old water mills on this adventurous canyoning tour through the forest. Unless you choose the option with pickup from Ponta Delgada, your adventure starts at Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, one of the most popular natural areas in the Nordeste region.  The activity starts with you picking up your safety equipment, followed by a short walk of about 20 minutes. Once at the entry point to the stream, listen to a safety briefing.  Along the route there will be vertical challenges at waterfalls, which you will combat with the technique of abseiling. The highest waterfall is 8 meters in height. In between there are short walking sections, as well as a more playful area with a slide and jump of about 5 meters.

São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

4. São Miguel Island: 2-Day Guided Island Tour with Meals

2x Full-days Package excursions Furnas + Nordeste + Sete Cidades + Fogo Lake (4 Tours in 2 days) 1st Full Day tour to Furnas & Nordeste. (8 hours tour)) 2nd Full Day tour to Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo. (8 hours tour) As the reservation calendar only allows you to mark 1 day at a time, the 2nd day of the tour will be automatically reserved for the following day Ex; if you book for the 8th of May, automatically the 2nd day of the tour will be the 9th. What will make your reservations on the 8th and 9th of May. *The order of days tours may be changed. Our local gastronomy will be represented on both days. On the day of Furnas & Nordeste tour, we will have the opportunity to lunch the famous “Furnas Stew”, cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours, and also have the opportunity to see taking out our pot from the interior of the volcanic soil, and all the volcanic manifestations existing there. On the day of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo tour, lunch will be served as a “Buffet” with different meat and fish dishes. (Full lunch on both of 2 days of activities with starters, drinks, dessert and coffee included) In these 2 days of activitiest, you will have the privilege of having a general view of the most iconic places of the entire “green” island, from which stand out the emblematic viewpoints such as Vista do Rei in Sete Cidades, (winner of the 7 Wonders of Portugal ) or Pico do Ferro, where you can see from the top of the crater one of the most active volcanoes in the Azores archipelago and learn all about its eruptive history with more than 100,000 years. You will also have the opportunity to relax in hot thermal pools, heated by Furnas volcano, at one of the biggest and best Botanical Parks in Europe, Terra Nostra Park. Also the visit to Pineapple and Tea Plantations will be a “must”. In the Northeast area, we will visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its 5 water mills and its imposing and majestic waterfall, entitled “Véu da Noiva”. We have selected the best TOP places to visit throughout São Miguel island in Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo and Nordeste areas, making in a 2 full days activities the most complete experience as possible at São Miguel Island in Azores

São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

5. São Miguel: Furnas and Nordeste Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Starting through Ponta Delgada, along Avenida do Mar, following the beaches of Água D´Alto, until we reach the first capital of the island, Vila Franca do Campo, stopping at the viewpoint of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo where we can see its incredible islet, the result of an underwater volcanic eruption and where the Red Bull Cliff Diving has been running for 3 years, now; After this short break, we will drive to the bucolic Lagoa das Furnas (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense), area where the famous “Cozido das Furnas” is cooked in volcanic soil for 6 hours, and here we can observe the removal of the pots from the volcanic ground by local restaurants. We will also visit the various fumaroles and boilers from that area; Back on the road and towards the parish of Furnas you can optionally relax in pools of hot springs, over 30 degrees, that spur incessantly from railway springs. This is an experience of thermal charisma, with the option of the client and alternative, between Poça da Dona Beija) and the pools of Parque Terra Nostra, where in addition to being able to swim, you can also visit its amazing Botanical Garden Terra Nostra Park, considered one of the best and largest in Europe. (Entry not included, available by choice or at customer’s expense); Lunch Break (Lunch included) After lunch, a pedestrian visit to the the center of the parish of Furnas; Driven north of the Island, next stop will be at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, one of the most visited areas in the Nordeste area, with its 5 Watermills and her amazing waterfall; The last stop of the day, will be the tea route, until the tea plantations and their factories. A view of the splendid bay, a magnificent garden and a smiling welcome for a tea tasting at the Gorreana Tea Factory or Porto Formoso Tea Factory.

Azores: Full-Day Furnas & Nordeste with Lunch

6. Azores: Full-Day Furnas & Nordeste with Lunch

Discover how the Azoreans live in the volcano's mouth. Start your adventure with a morning stop at the former island capital, Vila Franca do Camp. Take a small marina walk or try the island's unique pastry, the queijada da vila. Next, head to the mystical Furnas Valley, where geothermal wonders await to be amazed by the enchanting charm of this place while seeing fumaroles and bubbling springs, a testament to the island's volcanic soul. Relax in the thermal waters, or visit one of Europe's most beautiful botanical gardens (Terra Nostra) to customize your day tour. (Entrance not included 10€ per person) Savor the unique and delectable "Cozido das Furnas," which is cooked in volcanic soil and perfectly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. After a lunch break, venture to the picturesque Nordeste to visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. Visit a watermill museum, cascading waterfalls and experience this Azorean heritage in a magical setting, capturing the essence of local life and immersing yourself in the island's vibrant past. On the way back to your hotel, enjoy a tea tasting at Gorreana Tea Factory, one of the last two 100% natural tea plantations in the world.

Azores - Sao Miguel: Caldeirões Canyoning Experience

7. Azores - Sao Miguel: Caldeirões Canyoning Experience

Canyoning is the sport of travelling down a river situated in a canyon by a variety of means including scrambling, floating, swimming, and abseiling. The canyon you'll visit has a mystical atmosphere and is situated within a rainforest among spring water from the mountain. The experience starts with a briefing about all of the necessary logistics and safety. You will then be provided with all equipment and warm up by walking along a short trail until reaching the start. The descent starts by scrambling down the stream, having fun in this watery playground where you'll have the opportunity to try out jumping (optional), sliding, rappelling, and abseiling down the waterfalls. At every obstacle, there will be a guide explaining everything you need to do and helping you. Along the stream, there will be some jumps, which get higher as the course progresses. The highest one is about 6 meters tall. Nothing is mandatory, so if you don't feel comfortable jumping, don't worry. You can still participate in the tour and have lots of fun.

Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

8. Nordeste Tour from Ponta Delgada

Start the tour by leaving Ponta Delgada and traveling towards the north coast. Make the first stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões in the municipality of Nordeste. See the beautiful waterfall, known as Véu da Noiva, and the surrounding watermills and gardens. Pass through picturesque villages as you travel on towards the wonderful viewpoints of Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada, on the eastern tip of the island. View the beautiful lighthouse from the top of the cliff. Stop for lunch which will be served in the village of Povoação, the oldest settlement on the island. In the afternoon, relax near the sea or explore the historic center of Povoação. Return to Ponta Delgada along the south coast, passing by Furnas Lake and Vila Franca do Campo.

Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

9. Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

Get ready to drive or be a passenger on the brand new Wolverine® RMAX™4 1000(one of the best UTV's available on the market). This activity is ideal for families or couples looking for adventure and fun. This tour will take you to the highest points that surround Sete Cidades Volcano. The itinerary is On and Offroad and If the weather is good, you can count on awesome views to the lakes and the ocean. Our team of expert guides will ensure your safety and provide brief explanations at each stop. Driver`s license is mandatory for drivers and remember that this is a tour to enjoy the landscapes, not a rally competition.

São Miguel: Full Day Tour to Nordeste

10. São Miguel: Full Day Tour to Nordeste

Travel from Ponta Delgada to one of Sao Miguel’s northern coast’s highlights: The Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park, where waterfalls and windmills nestle amongst the lush vegetation. From here, you’ll continue on to Nordeste village, known for its beautiful gardens and well-preserved streets. From here you’ll travel along the North-East side of the island, taking in the views over colorful gardens and the sea from Ponta do Arnel, Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada. Your next stop will be Povoação Village, situated in the most South-Eastern part of the island. Povoação means settlement in Portuguese, and was where the first Portuguese navigators arrived on the island. A picnic for lunch will be served, before traveling, to Salto do Cavalo to the Graminhais plateau for views of both Furnas and Povoação villages. From here you’ll return to Ponta Delgada along the North coast of the island.

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Things to do in
Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

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What people are saying about Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 617 reviews

First things first, we would like to thank our guide, Vera, for this amazing experience! She is very smart, funny and kind person and we were lucky to have here by our side during this trip, 10/10 ❤️ However, if we could rate this tour 4,5 stars, we would just because the agenda. The thing is thermal bathtubs: the location we went to on the first day was magnificent, but the second day..we didn't enjoy it that much. We would 100% recommend to take this tour, however we suggest to switching east and west part in order to not lose this sparkle, you know

I rated it a One star because the driver was late this morning and I thought it was scam.It was an error in c9lommunicati9n between the booking agent and Get Your Guide's driver. My driver, Manuel, was great, he explained the situation to his supervisor and me and our group did the tour. It was excellent. Manuel was excellent and I would recommend this company

I had a great day under the perfect guidance of Fernando. He is so kind and knowledgeable guy about the island and Portuguese history. It was really nice to chat with him and be enlightened with the information.

I had an amazing day full of great sights and activities plus even a nice hour of relaxation in the open air bath. The tour is very nicely and wisely set up, I enjoyed each and every minute of it.

It was the best trip with the best guide Fernando. He told us lot of information about natural beauties in this unique island Sao Miguel. I really appreciate it.