Guided Tours Sete Cidades and Lagoa Do Fogo Full Day

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of São Miguel Island is a must for any visitor to the Azores. The guided tours of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness the island’s stunning volcanic features up close. From the serene twin lakes nestled within an extinct volcano caldera to the awe-inspiring Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, these tours immerse travelers in the natural wonders that have defined the region for centuries. With personalized insights from knowledgeable guides and the chance to savor traditional Azorean cuisine, this full-day experience promises an unforgettable adventure. But the true highlight may lie in discovering the secrets hidden within the island’s volcanic origins.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Ponta Delgada.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel Island, including the iconic Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo.
• The tour includes a traditional Azorean lunch, visits to the Salto do Cabrito Waterfall and Caldeira Velha hot springs, and is led by knowledgeable guides.
• Pickup and transport are provided, and the tour has a maximum group size of 8 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Participants can expect to experience breathtaking vistas, learn about the region’s volcanic heritage, and savor local culinary delights.
• The tour has received high satisfaction ratings, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the overall unforgettable experience.

Tour Overview

This guided tour of São Miguel Island offers visitors a full-day exploration of the island’s stunning volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Sete Cidades, Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, and the serene Lagoa do Fogo.

Departing from Ponta Delgada, the tour promises an immersive experience, allowing travelers to witness firsthand the mesmerizing volcanic lakes, hot springs, and breathtaking vistas that make this destination so unique.

A traditional Azorean lunch at a local restaurant is included, providing an opportunity to savor the region’s authentic cuisine.

With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience, led by knowledgeable guides who’ll share their insights and expertise throughout the day.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers from Ponta Delgada, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s excursion. Lunch, coffee/tea, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities are also covered, allowing guests to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about additional costs. Entry fees for the Caldeira Velha hot springs are included, providing access to this natural wonder. Plus, the services of a driver/guide, local guide, and tour escort/host are provided, ensuring travelers benefit from the expertise and local knowledge throughout the tour.

Inclusions
Round-trip hotel transfer	Entrance fees for Caldeira Velha hot springs
Lunch, coffee/tea, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities	Services of driver/guide, local guide, and tour escort/host

Pickup Details

Pickup is available at any accommodation in Ponta Delgada, with the exact pickup time varying based on the number of guests participating in the tour. Travelers will receive confirmation of their pickup details upon booking the tour.

The tour operator aims to make the pickup process as smooth and convenient as possible for all participants. Whether you’re staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation in Ponta Delgada, the driver will come to collect you and bring you to the starting point of the full-day guided tour.

This personalized pickup service ensures a seamless beginning to your adventure exploring the stunning landscapes of São Miguel Island.

Participant Information

Participants should be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available upon request. Plus, the tour operator requests that participants have no serious medical conditions that could impact their ability to fully enjoy the day’s activities.

Vegetarian options are available for the included traditional Azorean lunch, but participants should inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking. The tour caters to a maximum group size of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

Stunning Landscapes

Visitors on the guided tour of São Miguel Island will be captivated by the stunning volcanic landscapes that unfold before them. From the serene Sete Cidades twin lakes nestled in the caldera of an extinct volcano to the dramatic Salto do Cabrito Waterfall cascading down the lush cliffs, the natural wonders of the Azores archipelago are on full display. The tour also takes travelers to the Lagoa do Fogo, a breathtaking crater lake with shimmering blue waters and lush green slopes. Throughout the day, guests will be immersed in the region’s unique geological features, formed by volcanic activity over thousands of years.

Destination	Geological Feature	Viewpoint
Sete Cidades	Twin lakes in extinct volcano caldera	Panoramic
Salto do Cabrito	Waterfall cascading down lush cliffs	Dramatic
Lagoa do Fogo	Shimmering blue crater lake	Serene

Volcanic Experiences

Alongside the stunning landscapes, the guided tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s volcanic heritage. Guests can explore the Caldeira Velha hot springs, a natural geothermal area where they can bask in the warm mineral-rich waters.

The tour also takes them to the Lagoa do Fogo, a serene crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, providing a unique opportunity to witness the lasting impact of the region’s volcanic activity.

The volcanic experiences evoke a range of emotions, from:

• Awe at the raw power of nature

• Wonder at the region’s geological history

• Serenity in the tranquil volcanic settings

• Appreciation for the island’s natural wonders

Azorean Cuisine

The guided tour includes a traditional Azorean lunch, providing visitors a chance to sample the region’s renowned culinary delights. Azorean cuisine reflects the island’s rich agricultural heritage and the abundance of seafood from the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, showcasing a unique blend of Portuguese and local influences. During the lunch, guests can expect to enjoy a variety of authentic Azorean dishes, each with its own distinct flavors and preparation methods.

Dish	Key Ingredients
Cozido das Furnas	Meat, vegetables, and local herbs cooked underground in natural geothermal steam
Lapas	Limpets, a type of edible sea snail, grilled or sautéed
Queijo São Jorge	Aged cheese from the island of São Jorge, often served with bread and local preserves
Bolo Lêvedo	Soft, fluffy bread rolls, a traditional Azorean breakfast item
Dona Amelia	A creamy, decadent custard dessert

Reviews and Feedback

Having garnered an impressive 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews, the guided tours of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo have consistently received positive feedback from participants.

Guests have lauded the knowledgeable guides, such as Bruno and Filipe, who expertly navigate the stunning volcanic landscapes and provide insightful commentary.

While some reviewers have noted occasional itinerary changes or weather-related disruptions, the overwhelming majority have praised the tour’s ability to showcase the remarkable natural beauty of São Miguel Island.

Participants have described the experience as:

• Breathtaking

• Unforgettable

• Awe-inspiring

• A must-do activity

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy is not explicitly stated in the provided information. Tour operators typically have flexible policies allowing customers to cancel or reschedule tours, often with a full refund if done so within a certain timeframe prior to the scheduled departure.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts or promotions for this full-day guided tour of São Miguel Island. The price is fixed, but the experience includes round-trip transfers, lunch, entrance fees, and services of experienced guides.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

The tour allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary. Travelers can inquire about adding extra activities or locations, subject to availability and additional costs. The tour operator is generally open to tailoring the experience to meet the needs of the group.

How Long Is the Drive Between Each Location on the Tour?

The drive between each location on the tour ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sete Cidades is about a 30-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, while the drive to Salto do Cabrito Waterfall and Lagoa do Fogo takes around 1 hour each way.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator does offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can discuss this with the guide or tour host and determine if additional time or stops can be added to personalize the experience.

Recap

This guided tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel Island.

Visitors will be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the twin lakes nestled within the extinct volcanic caldera, as well as the dramatic Salto do Cabrito Waterfall.

The tour also includes a traditional Azorean lunch and a soak in the warm mineral-rich waters of Caldeira Velha hot springs, providing a truly immersive cultural experience.