Majestic North São Miguel Day Tour – Lagoa do Fogo, Waterfalls & Tea Plantations

Your complete guide to north São Miguel — volcano lake, waterfalls, tea plantations and a traditional Azorean lunch, all in one small-group day tour.

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INcluded

The Ribeira dos Caldeirões main waterfall, a.k.a. the bride's veil waterfall.

The Ribeira dos Caldeirões valley, a park with plenty of human made waterfalls. Lush vegetation.

A dark sand beach with waves breaking and a rainbow on the background.

A Full-Day North Coast Experience Unlike Any Other

Join our North São Miguel day tour: the most complete full-day excursion on the island. We start by climbing to Lagoa do Fogo, the stunning volcano crater lake at the heart of São Miguel, before winding through secondary roads to reach hidden waterfalls, black sand beaches and stunning cliff viewpoints along the north. You’ll visit both of the Azores’ famous tea plantations: Gorreana and Porto Formoso, with free tastings at each and enjoy a traditional Azorean lunch with meat, fish and vegetarian options. Hotel pickup from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande and Lagoa is included – just turn up and let us take care of the rest. This isn’t a rushed sightseeing bus, it’s a genuine experience guided by a knowledgeable local who knows every corner of São Miguel island.

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Duration

09:00 – 16:30
(9:00am – 4:30pm)

Exclusives included

Local Food Lunch
Short Hikes & Waterfall Swim (conditions apply)

Main locations

Lagoa do Fogo
Ribeira Grande
Tea Plantations
Ribeira dos Caldeirões

Pricing

Adult = 70€
Children (up to 11y.o)= 55€
(+ transaction fees)

Lagoa do Fogo Tour with Panoramic Views

Your Itinerary – What You’ll See & Do

1. Pico da Barrosa – Panoramic Viewpoint (15m)

Start this tour driving up the Fogo Volcano where Lagoa do Fogo nestles in its crater. There excellent photo opportunities will arise from views of 947 m (3,107 feet) above sea level. Views of both North and South coasts of São Miguel are expected as long as the clouds play in our favour!

Other imponent volcanoes of São Miguel can also be seen from this point.

2. Lagoa do Fogo – Volcano Crater Lake (15m)

Have a closer sight on the entirety of Lagoa do Fogo, a true stunning mix of nature’s imersive colors. Resting inside the crater of the Fogo volcano, it’s the natural habitat for different endemic birds but also the restplace for varied migratory species.

Feel the involving nature mixed with abundant bird sounds.

3. Salto do Cabrito Waterfall (40m drop)(30m)

Salto do Cabrito, one of the most famous waterfalls at the island: with a total height of 40 meters (131 ft.), crystalline waters and beautiful natural surroundings, makes it a mandatory stop for nature lovers!

4. Santa Bárbara Beach Walk (15m)

Visit one of the most popular beaches on the north side, known for its big waves and strong currents, Santa Bárbara is one of the main attractions for surfers. Not only the waves call out for attention, the distinctive surrounding landscape and the view to the west of the island, make it a great opportunity to reconnect with the ocean.

5. Hidden Gem – Ocean Waterfall (10m)

Unique on the way it flows, located at a stunning cliff line.

6. Ribeira Grande — Azores’ Surf Capital (30m)

Visit the second-biggest city of São Miguel, Ribeira Grande, the Azorean capital of surf. Check the emblematic surf beaches on the north side (Santa Bárbara), a waterfall that drops directly to the ocean and take a walk around the historical main square, churches and a remodeled garden. Discover the origin of the city’s name from up close.

7. Hidden Gem – Hidden viewpoint (15m)

We’ll take a secondary road to visit the old tea factory of Porto Formoso, with a stop at a hidden viewpoint along the way, providing us one last look over Ribeira Grande.

8. Porto Formoso Tea Plantation & Factory – Europe’s Only Tea (30m)

Arriving at the tea plantation you’ll be able to admire its beautiful garden and a stunning sea view. Entering its ancient well maintained building to learn a bit more about this exclusive tea production in Europe.

Have a free sample of tea, organically produced without any additive or fertilizers.s

9. Traditional Azorean Lunch – Local Food Buffet (1h30m)

Indulge your tasting buds with our regional style food, you’ll have options of meat, fish and vegetarian in this buffet of traditionally made local food. (Starter, Main Course, Drink, Dessert and Coffee included)

10. Ribeira dos Caldeirões – Waterfall Valley (1h00m)

Discover some of the most picturesque waterfalls at the island where the water flow never ceases and where vegetation is lush and full of vibrant colors. Ribeira dos Caldeirões valley is one of the most emblematic places in the northeast side of the island. Walk along different waterfalls and old water mills, great photo opportunities arise in every corner.

11. Gorreana Tea Plantation & Factory – Europe’s Only Tea (30m)

Gorreana Tea Factory: Discover traditional tea cultivation in the Azores, the only place in Europe where all stages of tea production take place.

Enjoy a tasting of organic black or green tea and visit the gift shop, where you’ll find a wide variety of local products and handmade items to take home.

Or, if you’ve had your fill of tea, there’s an optional walk to a hidden gem: a waterfall that very few people know about.

12. Santa Iria Cliff Viewpoint (15m)

A stunning cliff that splits a part of the northern coast, observe Ponta do Cintrão from a different perspective and compare the beautiful colors mix of the sky, ocean and land.

Disclaimer: WildScape Azores Tours (us) doesn’t assume responsibility or liability for any accidents, injuries or death that might occur during hiking and swimming activities, we only provide these opportunities assuming participants (you) are physically and mentally fit and capable of partaking in these activities and assume all responsibility for your actions during these activities. These are optional and you’ll only partake in them if you wish to by your free will.
Hiking activities are only provided in the officially defined trails deemed safe by the Government of the Azores.

A hidden waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões.

A group of four people at the tea fields of Gorreana.

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pickup and Drop-off at chosen location (conditions apply)

Local Knowledgeable Tour Guide

Van with A/C and panoramic windshield

Short Hikes & Waterfall Swim (conditions apply) (EXCLUSIVE DEAL)

Lunch of Traditional Local Food Buffet (vegetarian options available

Tasting of local sweet delicacy (EXCLUSIVE DEAL)

Water Bottle

Tours Insurances

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Wi-Fi on board

Extra options off the chosen menu for lunch

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QuestioN?

Pickup & drop-Off Instructions

We’ll pick you up at your accommodation or meet at a defined location between 09:00 – 09:15 (9:00am – 9:15am), the drop-off will be at the same location between 16:30 – 16:45 (4:30pm – 4:45pm). Please be ready at 09:00am so we can avoid delays.

Accommodation pickups and drop-off’s at Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande and Lagoa are included for this tour.

If your pickup location is not mentioned above we can meet at the “Estátua do Emigrante” or “Portas da Cidade” in Ponta Delgada or near the “Continente” supermarket in Lagoa. We’ll arrange with you the chosen meeting point when reaching out to you to confirm booking details.

A waterfall is seen among tall walls of rock, surrounding vegetation is lush. A group of people contemplate the views and take photos.

Frequently Asked Questions — North São Miguel Tour

If you don’t find it here, just ask us! We’re glad to help.

How much can the temperature vary in São Miguel?

The climate at the Azores is classified as an Atlantic Temperate type or sub-tropical in certain locations, defined by its low thermal amplitude (approx. ranges 4ºC – 30ºC [39ºF – 86ºF] throughout the year), high rains, relative humidity in the air and persistent winds.

Between the months of October – April we recommend bringing a layer or two of warmer clothing with waterproof capability.
From May – September we recommend breathable light clothing, the temperatures don’t rise too much in the Azores but our humidity really makes a stand.

At night, temperatures can drop greatly even during the summer, carry a warm piece of clothing just in case.

What type of clothes should I choose for the tour?

A definitely must are comfortable shoes, those high heels will look good on you for the photos but you’ll probably miss some of the fun walking to more off-track places or be more prone to injuries. Uneven terrain is expected throughout our tours.

Light and breathable clothing for summer, waterproof and warmer for winter. For night time a piece of warmer clothing is enough.
We carry umbrellas if needed.

Is there in dangerous wildlife in São Miguel?

The wildlife around São Miguel is pretty friendly: you won’t find any snakes, venomous spiders, coyotes, foxes, wolfes, bears or any sort of predatory species. Usual the problem is at sea with the medusas or when getting too close to some birds’ nests.

What to bring for swimming activities?

Please bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flip-flops.
Careful treading the rocks, especially the shiny and green ones, those can be quite slippery.

Is walking a big part of the tour?

It can be or not, it all depends on what you’re aiming for. Flexibility is WildScape Azores nickname

Any final suggestions?

Bring your camera for registering those unexpected and awe moments to show back to your friends and family back home.
Bring a lot of curiosity to discover the best São Miguel has to offer.

Ready to explore north São Miguel? Book your day tour directly with us for the best available price: no booking fees, no middlemen. Pickup from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande or Lagoa, you’ll be back by 4:30pm or a bit later, but definetely before 5:00pm. Got a question first? We reply within 24 hours.

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Get access to our best value offers and exclusive deals!