Do I need a driver’s license to participate?

Yes, all drivers must present a valid Portuguese driver’s license to operate the buggies.

Is prior off-road driving experience required?

No prior experience is needed, but comfort operating a manual vehicle and driving on rough terrain is recommended.

What happens if the weather conditions are poor?

Tours may be rescheduled or canceled for safety; ANC will communicate options if weather affects the outing.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, a lunch break is included in Vila das Sete Cidades to refuel mid-adventure.

Can children participate in the buggy excursion?

The activity is suitable for ages 4 and up; however, children must ride as passengers as only licensed adults can drive.

Is personal insurance included?

Yes, personal insurance and third-party vehicle insurance are included, with a refundable security deposit required.

Off-Road Buggy Adventure in Sete Cidades with ANC | City Tour

Sete Cidades, located on São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal, is a volcanic wonderland defined by dramatic calderas and twin lakes of striking blues and greens. At the heart of this rugged landscape is ANC, a locally trusted adventure operator headquartered at Rua Eng. Alberto Rodrigues 11 13, 9500-435 Valados. Their full-day Buggy Off-road Excursion invites thrill seekers to navigate the diverse terrain surrounding the Sete Cidades volcano crater with an adrenaline-fueled 8-hour tour.

This excursion goes beyond the typical sightseeing tour, blending hands-on driving with immersive natural panoramas. From the starting point at ANC’s base in Valados, participants twist through dirt trails and volcanic ridges, passing key landmarks like the Muro das 9 Janelas, a stone aqueduct embedded in the forest, and the Miradouro Boca do Inferno—a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the crater and adjacent ocean horizon. The ride continues to the Miradouro Vista do Rei, where the crater’s twin lakes—Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde—reflect distinct hues in the sunlight, a striking example of volcanic geomorphology shaped over millennia.

ANC’s shared vehicles are designed for off-road terrain, equipped with helmets and backed by personal insurance for safety, and a knowledgeable local guide leads the group. A hearty lunch serves as a midday recharge in Vila das Sete Cidades village, pairing comfort with authentic island hospitality. Drivers must hold a valid Portuguese license, ensuring readiness for the demanding routes.

Sete Cidades isn’t just a photo stop but a dynamic playground of geology, flora, and coastal influence, making ANC’s buggy tour a unique gateway into the Azores’ outdoor recreation. Whether you crave pulse-pounding adventure or want to witness volcanic landscapes from a unique perspective, this is an unmatched day trip right from Valados.