Hiking around Lagoa do Fogo

Minimum age: 8

Highlights

• Know the best spots of the island actively
• Learn about the local flora, fauna, and geology
• Suitable for most ages, families and friends
• Possibility to swim and do some snorkeling or to have a bath at the local hot springs

All about the trip

On this tour, you will set out to (re)discover the youngest volcano on the island of São Miguel, where you will, surely, meet one of the most beautiful lagoons you have ever seen – Lagoa do Fogo. To do this, you must be properly dressed, since the climate of the Azores tends to change dramatically throughout the day (besides that walking in the mountains is totally different from walking at sea level – and we will do both!). So, get ready for eventual pikes of humidity, heat, wind, downpours and, especially, lots of fun and adventure!

Depending on the local conditions, weather and group abilities, the tour may start from the South Side, in the area of Lagos, or from the North Side at Cumeeira Norte; two different routes that are beautiful in their own way :

In the area of “Lagos”, we will start the trail on a dirt road that will get considerably steeper for the first 3km, at which point we will meet an irrigation channel. We will wander along an easy path through the forest, where soon you will find yourself hiking inside the crater, with its massive walls of greenery all around you. Reaching the shores of this famous lake, we will take a break and enjoy our picnic with a view. Setting off once more, we will continue upwards slightly for better views of the lake and then head back down to our starting point through another steep and winding trail, with views of the south coast and the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo along the way.

We will end our adventure by taking a refreshing dip and snorkel (provided) in the Bathing Zone of Caloura OR Agua D’Alto Beach, and take some time to relax and unwind together.

NOTE: The trail can be quite steep and slippery in some areas.

This trail starts near the first viewpoint of Lagoa do Fogo, where we will enjoy beautiful views of the lake below us while we follow the trail along the northern ridge of the Volcano. We will head downhill along a narrow trail which will lead us through a forest of Japanese cedar trees, where we will wander through this whimsical forest passing by several springs. We will hike through the wetland of the crater until we reach the beachy shores of the lagoon, where we will take a break and enjoy our picnic lunch with a view. We will then continue our hike along the perimeter of the lake till we get to the foot of our exit, where we will have a steep accent to the top of the volcano and the end of our hike.

To top the day off, our clients will have the opportunity to bathe and relax: in the Natural Pools of Lagoa / Caloura, OR in the cozy Thermal Baths of Caldeira Velha,(at an extra cost) OR in the grandiose Waterfall of Salto do Cabrito.

NOTE: Bring some long hiking pants to protect yourself from possible scratches. This trail can be quite muddy and slippery in some areas.

What is included in the price

• Accredited guides
• Insurances
• Snacks
• Picnic Lunch
• Pick-up and Drop-off from / to your place of accommodation
• Trekking poles
• Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)

Instructions

Please consider the pick up time as 15 minutes prior and after the departure time of your excursion.