Jeep Adventure in Azores with T4W - Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable on mostly seated but occasionally rugged terrain with some walking on uneven ground.
Overview
T4W’s Full-Day Jeep Tour takes you on a 7-hour journey through São Miguel’s dramatic crater lakes and geothermal landscapes. Experience remote vantage points, local culture, and untouched nature on a small-group 4x4 adventure.
Full-Day Jeep Tour: Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo
7 Hours • Family friendly • All Ages • Sightseeing
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About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 7-hour 4x4 adventure across São Miguel's stunning landscapes. Explore the vibrant village of Sete Cidades, marvel at geothermal waterfalls, and relax by the sparkling shores of Lagoa do Fogo. Enjoy local cuisine, insider tips from your guide, and unforgettable views in a small group setting.
Experience and enjoy the biggest lakes of the island in one full day, in a 4×4 adventure. After exploring several lakes around the area, along the craters of Sete Cidades and margin head on to the exuberant nature in Lagoa do Fogo.
Duration
7 Hours
About
Cruise around São Miguel in an off-road vehicle as you seek out the island's massive calderas and crater lakes with an experienced guide.Visit the quaint community of Sete Cidades, check out the tumbling cascades of a geothermal-heated waterfall, and snap photos of Lagoa do Fogo's sparkling shores.
Catch a ride from your Ponta Delgada hotel in a 4x4 jeep, chatting with your guide as you head to the village of Sete Cidades. As you enter the 3-mile-wide (5-km) caldera that's home to this charming hamlet, learn about the island's volcanic past. Visit the local parish at its vibrant center and then make your way to a nearby waterfall whose rushing waters are heated by underground hot springs in Lagoa do Fogo.
On your way to Lagoa do Fogo, grab lunch at a locally loved restaurant. The restaurant has in general typical Azorean (similar to Mediterranean cuisine) food and several options between fish and meat, stew, grilled…. Spend the rest of the afternoon scoping out the sights around this crater lake and then head back to your hotel, gathering tips on other places to go before you part ways with your guide.
POI / Main Stops: Sete Cidades village, Pico do carvão viewpoint, Santiago Lake viewpoint, Canário Lake area, Cumeeiras (dirth road on the rim of the caldeira), Sete Cidades twin Lakes, Salto do cabrito (waterfall), Caldeira Velha and Fogo Lake viewpoint, among other stops. Bathrooms are available on most stops.
More info
Highlights: Recieve inside tips from a local guide; Go off the beaten track in a jeep; Enjoy attentive service in a small group; Explore the nature of the Azores; Learn about cultural traditions and cuisine.
What's included? Lunch; Pick-up and drop-off from hotel or designated meeting points; Driver/Guide; Small group tour;
Exclusions Entrance fees in thermal pools and natural parks
What to bring
Comfortable shoes; Bathing suits and towels.
Adventure Tips
Bring Waterproof Layers
Weather can change quickly in the Azores; pack a waterproof jacket to stay dry during sporadic rain showers.
Wear Close-Toed Shoes
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is recommended for vehicle stops and short walks on uneven terrain.
Charge Your Camera Fully
Abundant photo opportunities mean you’ll want extra battery power or backup storage.
Hydrate and Snack
Bring water and light snacks for energy; the day includes some picnic time but no full meal stops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Azores bullfinch - a rare endemic bird species in dense laurel forests
- Bottlenose dolphins often spotted off the island’s shores
History
Sete Cidades crater formed roughly 22,000 years ago during a caldera collapse, shaping much of São Miguel’s unique volcanic landscape.
Conservation
The Azores maintain strict environmental guidelines to protect fragile volcanic soils and endemic species, emphasizing responsible tourism on all guided trips.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ponta Delgada
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against frequent rain and changing weather typical of São Miguel.
spring|fall|winter specific
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Ensures traction and foot protection during stops that require walking over rough terrain.
Camera with Extra Battery
Captures expansive volcanic vistas and crater lake reflections.
Refillable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the full-day excursion in mixed climates.