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.
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.
⭐ 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
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.
“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
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — North São Miguel Tour
If you don’t find it here, just ask us! We’re glad to help.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.