From Ponta Delgada: Lagoa do Fogo & Hot Springs Day Trip

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel in the Azores, this Lagoa do Fogo & Hot Springs day tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most stunning sights without the hassle of planning each stop yourself. While I haven’t taken this exact tour personally, I’ve read through plenty of reviews and tour descriptions to give you a detailed perspective on what to expect.

What stands out are the beautiful views of Lagoa do Fogo, one of the island’s most iconic crater lakes, and the chance to relax in Caldeira Velha’s thermal waters. Plus, the visit to a local pottery factory and a historic tea plantation adds a touch of culture and history. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour is busy, so if you prefer a more flexible or private experience, this might feel a little structured.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, well-rounded day that combines natural beauty, local crafts, and some leisure time. It’s especially good if you prefer not to drive, enjoy guided experiences, and want to see several highlights in just one day. If you’re after a slow-paced, entirely customizable trip, this may not be the best fit, but for most visitors, it hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines crater lake, hot springs, a tea plantation, and cultural stops.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants, which feels more intimate and personalized.
• Excellent guides: Multiple reviews praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Value for money: At $72, you get transportation, guide, and a full day of sightseeing.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned van makes the long day more relaxing.
• Early start: Pickup at 8:45 A.M. means a full, well-paced day, but requires punctuality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Lagoa do Fogo and Its Surroundings

The core of this trip is Lagoa do Fogo, a crater lake located within the Água de Pau Massif. According to the tour description, you’ll enjoy scenic drives and photo stops at various viewpoints, which seems to be a highlight based on reviews and the itinerary.

We loved the way the lake’s turquoise waters and lush shores could be captured from multiple viewpoints. It’s clear that the scenery here leaves visitors in awe, especially since you’ll get about 30 minutes for sightseeing and photos. While it’s a short stop, the views are memorable, and many reviews mention how gorgeous the setting is, even if the weather isn’t always perfect.

Hot Springs at Caldeira Velha

One of the most relaxing parts of the tour is the visit to the Caldeira Velha Hot Springs. This is a place where you can soak in therapeutic waters, making it a favorite among travelers. The tour provides 1.5 hours of free time here, which is enough for a quick dip and taking in the natural surroundings.

Notably, if you want to actually swim in the hot springs, you’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance—something worth planning ahead for. Several reviews mention how enjoyable the experience is, with some guides even helping to skip lines or secure tickets, which adds to the convenience.

Cultural and Local Highlights

Next, the tour includes a visit to Cerâmica Vieira, a pottery factory. Here, you’ll see the vibrant local craftsmanship, with options to buy unique souvenirs. The reviews note that guides often share interesting information and add extra insights, which makes the visit more engaging.

Another stop is the Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Visitors frequently praise this part for its lush, terraced fields and the chance to learn about Portuguese tea production. Expect a quick walk through the factory and, if you like, some tastings or local snacks.

Scenic Vistas and Coastal Stops

The itinerary features several viewpoints like Salto do Cabrito and Santa Iria Lookout, which offer sweeping views of the coast and island landscape. These are perfect for photographers and nature lovers, and reviewers repeatedly mention how much they appreciated these stops for the stunning scenery.

The entire day is punctuated with short walks and photo opportunities, making it a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure.

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The Day in Detail

The tour kicks off with a pick-up from your Ponta Delgada hotel at 8:45 A.M. (be ready on time). From there, it’s a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned van, heading first to Cerâmica Vieira, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the pottery and maybe picking up a keepsake.

Next, you’ll head to Lagoa do Fogo, an about 30-minute stop that offers incredible photo ops and a chance to get close to the lake’s emerald waters. The guides are knowledgeable; one reviewer said, “Mario explained and guided us kindly, even though our language wasn’t perfect,” highlighting the friendly and accommodating nature of the guides.

Following that, there’s a 20-minute stop at Salto do Cabrito, with more scenic views. Afterward, the group heads to the Areal de Santa Bárbara Beach for a quick look at the coast, before a one-hour lunch break in Ribeira Grande. This is a good chance to try some local dishes and experience the local vibe.

Post-lunch, the tour visits the Ribeira Grande Town Hall for a quick photo stop, then continues to Gorreana, where you’ll learn about tea cultivation, enjoy the views, and maybe sample some fresh tea.

The day wraps up with visits to Santa Iria Lookout and the Caldeira Velha Hot Springs. If you’ve purchased your bathing ticket, you’ll be able to unwind in the warm waters, with plenty of time to relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Finally, the tour ends with drop-offs at your original pick-up points, usually around 5-6 P.M., giving you a full but manageable day.

Transportation, Group Size & Pricing

Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, which makes long drives much more pleasant. The group is limited to 8 participants, fostering a more intimate experience, and the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a nice perk.

At $72 per person, the price breaks down to roughly $9 per hour, which feels reasonable considering the inclusions—transport, guide, and entry to a handful of sites. The value is boosted by the convenience and the quality of the guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

The Experience & Reviews

Based on multiple reviews, guides like Miguel, Andre, Mario, and Liandra stand out for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and caring attitude. One reviewer commented, “Mario explained and guided us kindly… his attitude left us with a long lingering impression,” while another praised a guide for going out of his way to help with airport drop-offs.

Travellers also appreciate the scenic viewpoints and delicious local food, which make the day more memorable. The hot springs are often described as a highlight, especially since waiting lines are avoided with pre-purchased tickets, giving you a stress-free experience.

While the tour is packed with stops, reviewers mention that it’s well-paced, and the small group size makes conversations easier and the experience more personal.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Bring swimwear, towel, and passport or ID for the hot springs.
• Be punctual for the 8:45 A.M. pickup—delays could affect the schedule.
• If you want to soak in the hot springs, message ahead to purchase tickets.
• The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.
• Since lunch isn’t included, you might want to bring snacks or plan to try local food during the stop in Ribeira Grande.
• Book early if you want to secure bathing tickets or prefer a specific start time, especially since bookings less than 48 hours in advance might limit options.

The Sum Up

This From Ponta Delgada: Lagoa do Fogo & Hot Springs Day Trip offers a rich sampling of São Miguel’s top sights, with a good balance of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxing moments. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make the day feel personalized without sacrificing value, especially at the reasonable price point.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys scenic drives, breathtaking viewpoints, and soaking in hot springs, this tour is a strong choice. It’s also ideal if you prefer a guided, organized experience that covers a lot in a single day, freeing you from the planning stress.

While it’s quite full and structured, most reviews highlight that the guides make the experience smooth, fun, and informative. Just remember to prepare for some walking, bring your essentials, and enjoy the natural beauty and warm hospitality of São Miguel.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it involves some walking and outdoor stops, so it can be suitable for children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. Always consider your child’s stamina and interest in nature and culture.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your passport or ID for the hot springs, swimwear, towel, and perhaps some snacks or water for the day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views.

Can I buy tickets to the hot springs on the day?
Yes, you can purchase tickets in advance or message the tour provider beforehand to secure your spot. This is recommended, as hot spring slots are limited.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a tour guide, and informational booklets. Entry to the hot springs is not included and needs to be purchased separately if you wish to swim.

How long are the stops at each site?
Most stops range from about 10 to 30 minutes, enough for photos, quick visits, or a brief walk. The hot springs alone allow for 1.5 hours of free time.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
The tour goes rain or shine. Dress appropriately and be prepared for outdoor conditions, as some stops may be less scenic in bad weather.

How big is the group?
The group size is limited to 8 participants, fostering a more intimate experience.

What if I’m not satisfied or need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here: