Sete Cidades 4x4 Adventure with Azores Trails of Nature
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels since the main travel is by jeep and walking is minimal
Overview
Cruise rugged volcanic landscapes and vibrant lagoons on a half-day 4x4 adventure with Azores Trails of Nature. Discover the hidden layers of Sete Cidades beyond the famous lakes.
Tour Safari 4x4 - Sete Cidades | Half Day
Min. 2 people up to 6 • 3.5H • All ages
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 3.5-hour jeep adventure through the stunning volcanic landscapes of Sete Cidades. Experience breathtaking views from various viewpoints, explore a historic aqueduct, and enjoy the vibrant lagoons. This unique journey combines natural beauty with rich history, making it an unforgettable exploration of the island's hidden gems.
Explore the village of Sete Cidades
Duration
Approximately 3.5 hours
About
Visit the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades and enjoy the magnificent landscapes such as its Lagoons and surrounding hills, a place of excellence in terms of “off-road” tours.
Departing from Ponta Delgada, we head towards the Sete Cidades volcano, where we will have several stops, such as Pico do Carvão where we can see a large part of the North coast of the Island. We will stop by an aqueduct dating from the nineteenth century, being able to appreciate its magnificent construction. Then, we will start our jeep adventure along dirt tracks towards the top of the caldera where we will be 856m high, in the well-known “Pico da Cruz”, from where you can see some lagoons such as: the famous Lagoa das Sete Cidades, in green and blue, Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa de Santiago. Continuing our adventure along the top of the caldera with marvelous landscapes, we will have several stops, such as the Miradouro das Cumeeiras, place where we will have a view over the entire caldera of Sete Cidades, lagoons and Vila. After all this adventure by jeep, we head towards the village where we will have a short stop for a coffee, followed by visits to several places of interest near the shores of the lagoon. Leaving Sete Cidades towards Ponta Delgada we will have our last stop at the famous Vista do Rei viewpoint.
On this tour we offer the opportunity to enjoy every green corner that nature has to offer you.
Route:
- Ponta Delgada
- Viewpoint Pico Do Carvão
- Viewpoint do Pico da Cruz
- Viewpoint das Cumeeiras
- Sete Cidades Village
- Vista do Rei Viewpoint
- Ponta Delgada
Observations
- Rates include guide
- Minimum of 2 people
- Licensed Tour Operator
- Casualty and Professional Liability Insurance
- Pick-up & drop off on hotel in Ponta Delgada
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy shoes
Even though this is a 4x4 tour, some uneven walking at viewpoints is required.
Bring layered clothing
Weather can change quickly on São Miguel—prepare for sun, wind, and occasional rain.
Charge your camera fully
You’ll want to capture expansive vistas and colorful lagoons from multiple stops.
Stay hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as the tour lasts several hours with limited stops for refreshments.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Azores bullfinch, a rare endemic bird
- European rabbit commonly seen near open areas
History
The aqueduct visited during the tour was built in the 19th century to support farming communities, illustrating human adaptation to volcanic landscapes.
Conservation
Sete Cidades is a protected area with efforts focused on preserving native species and controlling invasive plants that threaten the ecosystem’s balance.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Ponta Delgada
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction and stability when stepping out at viewpoints on uneven terrain.
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
Protects against changing weather and occasional rain showers common in the Azores.
spring|fall|winter specific
Sunhat and sunscreen
Necessary for sun protection during midday stops with limited shade.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
To capture the vibrant lakes, volcanic rock formations, and sweeping landscapes.