moderate
8 hours
Suitable for participants comfortable with several hours of light to moderate walking, including some uneven terrain.
Spend a day wandering volcanic calderas, soaking in natural hot springs, and sipping local liqueurs with Into The Wild Azores Tours. Discover São Miguel’s Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on a private, customizable adventure.
Located in the heart of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada offers a gateway to some of Portugal’s most striking volcanic landscapes. Into The Wild Azores Tours invites travelers to spend a full day uncovering two of São Miguel Island’s must-see natural highlights: Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo. This private 8-hour itinerary is designed to immerse guests in volcanic calderas, pristine crater lakes, and geothermal springs, with a local twist that brings culture and relaxation into every stop.
Sete Cidades is famous for its twin lakes—one vibrant blue, the other vivid green—lying deep within a massive volcanic caldera. Hiking or driving the rim reveals panoramic views that stretch across dense laurel forests and steep crater walls. Into The Wild Azores enriches this experience with stops at scenic lookouts like Vista do Rei, where you can witness the dramatic contrast between the two lakes. Nearby, volcanic rock formations and endemic Azorean flora frame the landscape, offering unique photo opportunities.
The route continues toward Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine crater lake set within a protected nature reserve. This area is noted for its raw, untouched beauty and the chance to relax in natural thermal pools heated by volcanic activity. The tour also includes tastings of local citrus liqueurs, connecting guests with the island’s cultural heritage rooted in agriculture and artisanal craft.
What sets Into The Wild Azores apart is its personalized approach—each tour can adjust to your pace and interests, providing a blend of activity, quiet reflection, and cultural immersion. This balance, combined with expert local guides, makes it a standout option for anyone wanting a comprehensive experience of São Miguel’s volcanic wilderness without the crowds. From sweeping crater rims to soothing hot springs, this full-day tour reveals the wild spirit and tranquil charm of the Azores unlike anywhere else.
Weather on São Miguel can change quickly; a lightweight, waterproof layer keeps you comfortable during unexpected showers.
The terrain includes rocky caldera rims and uneven trails around the lakes, so solid footwear is important for safety and comfort.
Small vendors selling liqueurs or snacks may not accept cards, so having cash on hand helps support local artisans.
Though the tour includes stops, bringing water and light snacks keeps energy levels steady, especially when hiking longer stretches.
São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes formed over thousands of years, with crater lakes created by massive eruptions that shaped local culture and settlement patterns.
The Azores maintain strict environmental protections in reserves like Lagoa do Fogo to preserve native habitats and endemic species, emphasizing sustainable tourism practices.
Protects against sudden rain showers common throughout the year.
spring|fall|winter specific
Provides traction and support on rocky and uneven volcanic trails.
Useful to carry water, snacks, extra layers, and camera gear comfortably.
Staying hydrated is crucial during extended outdoor activity.