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

Your complete itinerary through the north of São Miguel: dormant volcano lagoon, secluded waterfalls, tea plantations interpretation and an azorean lunch. All included in this full-day tour in São Miguel, Azores.

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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 an authentic experience guided by a knowledgeable local, Ivo is one of our expert guides, who knows every corner of São Miguel island.

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⭐ Rated 5/5 on Google, TripAdvisor & GetYourGuide · 400+ reviews · Small group · Instant confirmation
Certificate n.º 63/2025 R.R.A.A.T.

what’s Our Guests Feedback?

“A great tour guide. He was kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. He shared a lot of information and history about the island, an aspect you don’t necessarily get if you’re exploring São Miguel on your own. Parts of the tour were hands off, which I appreciated. We would get to a destination, guide would share some facts and let us explore on our own with no rush. We had a very tasty lunch that was included in the tour. Overall lovely experience with a full day of sightseeing. I recommend this to others as a first day on São Miguel activity!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Johana on Google Reviews

“If you’re looking for unique and special itineraries in Sao Miguel, look no further than Wildscape Azores Tours! We took two Tours with Ivo and both were outstanding. The restaurants included with the tour had the best food on the island. Highly recommended!!!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Nadine Aurelio on Google Reviews

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

Lagoa do Fogo Tour Itinerary – Waterfalls, Tea Route & North Coast

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.

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.

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.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 245 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kinjal Sheth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ivo is very knowledgeable and is passionate about his island that he calls home. He reordered the itinerary to make it work with the weather and give us the best experience we could've had. A very pleasant company to spend the day with.  Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   alfred frigault 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ivo very informative, a bit repetitive and hot springs were way too crowded to enjoy
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tamara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went on two tours with him here, and it was sooo good. Ivo does such a great job. He doesn't just show you the best spots; he makes sure you really get to know the island. You can really tell how much heart he puts into the tours and how much he loves the island. I’d recommend a tour with him to anyone—it was an incredible experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pam Pereira 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Best Guided Tour We’ve Ever Experienced! Our Furnas by Nightfall – Mystic Tour with dinner was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our entire trip to the Azores. In fact, I can honestly say this was the best guided tour we have ever experienced! From beginning to end, the evening was absolutely beautiful. Seeing Furnas as the sun went down and then experiencing the volcanic steam, warm lights, and mystical atmosphere after dark was something truly unforgettable. There is something incredibly magical about Furnas at night that photographs simply cannot capture. And then there was Ivo. He was absolutely amazing! He is incredibly knowledgeable about São Miguel — its volcanic activity, history, culture, nature and traditions — and he shared so much information throughout the evening in a way that was fascinating and never felt like a typical tour. You could tell how passionate he is about his island and how much he genuinely loves sharing it with visitors. The dinner was another highlight. Experiencing the traditional Cozido das Furnas, cooked underground using the natural volcanic heat, was such a unique Azorean experience. The food was delicious, hearty and comforting, and learning about how it is prepared made the meal even more special. But what really touched us were the personal touches. At the end of the evening, Ivo surprised us with a homemade treat made by his mother. It was such a thoughtful and heartfelt gesture, and honestly, it made the experience feel so much more personal. That little treat is something we will remember for a long time. ❤️ Our accommodation was outside the city, and because it was quite late by the time the tour ended, Ivo went above and beyond to make sure we got home safely. That meant so much to us. He wasn’t simply our guide for the evening — he genuinely cared about our experience and our safety right until the very end. Every part of the evening felt perfectly planned without ever feeling rushed. The scenery, the stories, the volcanic landscape, the thermal waters, the dinner, the atmosphere and the little unexpected touches all came together to create a truly perfect evening. The money we paid was worth every single penny. If you are considering booking this tour, don’t hesitate — BOOK IT! You will experience Furnas in a completely different way, and having Ivo as your guide makes it even more special. Thank you, Ivo, for an unforgettable evening and for sharing your beautiful island with us. We will remember this night for a very long time. ❤️🇵🇹 Absolutely 5 stars — and if we could give more, we would!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amanda Huey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely wonderful time on our tour of Furnas, our guide was super knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Maher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was so accommodating knowledgeable and kind. If you want to be experience Furnas and its culture this is the evening trip for you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hanne Truelsen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An unforgettable and perfect tour with Ivo! 🥇We did the "Majestic North: Fogo, Waterfalls And Tea" tour, and it was an absolutely fantastic and flawlessly executed experience. Our guide and driver, Ivo, was amazing throughout the entire day. He made sure we never felt rushed, giving us plenty of time to enjoy and truly experience every single stop. Ivo provided lots of great information about the sights, and we loved learning about daily life and what it is like to live in the Azores. We give this tour our very highest recommendations and a well-deserved gold medal!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine Colton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for amazing views, local fare, and flat out great driving...this is a MUST do while on the island.  Ivo was an amazing tour guide and customized our tour!  We were up close and personal and did not have to wait for other tourists.  Hands down best day we had in the island!!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Blake 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love our tour with Wildscape tours! Highly recommended 🙂
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andres Salas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ivo es el mejor guía turístico de las Azores, hicimos dos tour con él y salimos encantados, repetiremos
  
 
  
  
 
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“Wildscape is the ONLY tour company on Sao Miguel we would ever use! Ivo is amazing! We have done the Mystic tour twice and each time it has lived up to and surpassed all of our expectations. In Furnas we plunged in the thermal baths of Poça da Dona Beija and of course, ate the Cozido das Furnas.This second time, Ivo went out of his way to work with us to make it a private tour which even included our toddler who he was wonderful to! Ivo is so knowledgeable and was up to answering our long list of questions! Ivo is so knowledgeable, but is also kind and funny, he felt like he was part of our family by the end of the day! We are definitely only using Ivo as a tour guide in Sao Miguel!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kirsten Botelho on Google Reviews

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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 AND DROP-OFF FROM PONTA DELGADA, LAGOA AND RIBEIRA GRANDE

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 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.

Is this tour suitable for non-hikers or elderly guests?

Absolutely! Every walk and swim on this tour is completely optional, you’ll never feel left out or pressured. If you don’t feel like hiking, there will be beautiful viewpoints and comfortable spots to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. We adapt to every group.

Several of our guests in their 70s have called it one of the best days of their trip.

How far is Lagoa do Fogo from Ponta Delgada?

About 20–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic, direction center of the island. Already on the road going up the mountain, you’ll see some of the best views of São Miguel west, north and south, your camera will be working before even arriving at the summit.
During summer season access is restricted to non-residents, so all rental cars must park at the bottom and use the shuttle bus to go up and down the mountain.

We do pickups at your accommodation or meeting point, so there’s no need to worry about it when with us.

Prepping for North Tour

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.

Can I visit Gorreana Tea Plantation Alone?

Yes, Gorreana is open to the public for free. However, our tour includes an interpretation visit to both Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea factories, with facts, insights and stories you won’t get on your own.
Porto Formoso in particular is a hidden gem that many visitors skip because it’s harder to find or just don’t know it’s there.

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.
Mandatory to return dry to the vehicle.

Extra Details

What will be the best time of the year to explore the North?

We operate all year and every season has its own charm.
May to September is best for warmer weather, waterfall swimming and sunnier days throughout the island. The rain can always show up though, weather forecast work at 50/50 chances.

October to April brings even more lush green landscapes, misty volcanic views and much smaller crowds: a favorite for photographers, nature lovers and those who prefer to go at their own rhythm. The tea plantations look beautiful all year round.

What’s the minimum number of people to run this tour?

We run this tour as a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 guests and minimum of 2, it never feels like a too crowded group tour.

We also offer private tours, if you prefer exploring on your own, with just your special one or with just your family or friends. You can find our private tour options after choosing your chosen date when booking.

Two ladies take photos of Lagoa do Fogo from a high viewpoint. São Miguel Azores.

Porto Formoso tea plantation. São Miguel, Azores.

In search for the best day trip from Ponta Delgada? Our Majestic North Tour packs the Lagoa do Fogo, Cabrito and Caldeirões waterfalls, the tea route and a typical Azorean food lunch in a single relaxed day – with pickup and extras included.

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