Exploring the stunning São Miguel island? Consider Futurismo Azores Adventures’ full-day hike to Lagoa do Fogo. This 6-hour excursion ventures through diverse terrain, offering breathtaking views of a tranquil caldera lake. Guided by fluent English and Portuguese speakers, the hike is suitable for moderately fit individuals seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience. With a scenic van ride and a refreshing break at Água D’Alto Beach, this adventure promises to immerse you in the natural beauty of the Azores.
Key Points
- A full-day hiking tour to the stunning Lagoa do Fogo caldera lake in São Miguel island, priced at $60.07 per person.
- The 6-hour tour includes a 30-minute van ride to the trailhead, 4 hours of hiking with a 30-minute break at Água D’Alto Beach, and a 30-minute return trip.
- The hike is rated as medium-level difficulty, involving a 2-hour uphill climb followed by a mostly downhill return, making it suitable for moderately fit individuals.
- The tour features live guides fluent in English and Portuguese, and offers opportunities for swimming and panoramic views from the caldera rim.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with positive reviews highlighting the scenic beauty and knowledgeable guides, but not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Activity Overview
The full-day hike to Lagoa do Fogo offers an exciting adventure for visitors, providing a price range of $60.07 per person.
The tour lasts 6 hours and is led by live guides fluent in English and Portuguese. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.
The hike features a 30-minute van ride to the starting point, followed by 4 hours of hiking and a 30-minute break at Água D’Alto Beach before returning by van.
Love being outdoors? Check out these other hiking spots we've covered in Azores
Itinerary Details
Starting from Futurismo Azores Adventures, participants travel by van for 30 minutes to reach the trailhead for the Lagoa do Fogo hike. From there, the group embarks on a 4-hour trek through a variety of native and endemic vegetation. At the halfway point, they’ll enjoy a 30-minute break at Água D’Alto Beach before continuing their journey. The return trip back to the starting point also takes 30 minutes by van.
| Itinerary Details | |
|——————-|——–|
| Starting Location | Futurismo Azores Adventures |
| Travel | 30 minutes by van to trailhead |
| Hike | 4 hours walking |
| Break | 30 minutes at Água D’Alto Beach |
| Return | 30 minutes by van back to starting point |
Exploring Lagoa Do Fogo
Nestled in the heart of São Miguel island, Lagoa do Fogo is a stunning caldera lake that captivates visitors with its serene beauty.
Occupying the bottom of a collapsed volcano, the lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding lush vegetation. Hikers can enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake after their trek, taking in the panoramic views from the rim of the caldera.
The diverse endemic flora along the trail adds to the unique experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s natural wonders.
This picturesque destination is the highlight of the full-day hike, offering a truly memorable outdoor adventure.
Hike Difficulty and Preparation
While the full-day hike to Lagoa do Fogo offers a stunning natural landscape, it’s important to consider the medium-level difficulty of the trail.
The hike involves a 2-hour uphill climb, followed by a mostly downhill return. Participants should be prepared for varied terrain and vegetation.
Those with mobility issues or joint problems may find the hike challenging. It’s crucial to inform the guide of any health conditions or dietary restrictions.
With proper preparation and caution, adventurers can enjoy the breathtaking views and swim in the serene waters of the volcanic lake.
More Great Tours NearbySafety Considerations
The hike to Lagoa do Fogo requires some safety considerations for participants. The trail isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or joint problems.
Hikers should inform the guide of any health conditions or dietary restrictions. This helps ensure everyone’s well-being during the trek.
The medium-difficulty trail features an uphill climb for the first two hours, followed by a mostly downhill return. Proper footwear and hydration are essential.
While the weather can be unpredictable, the guides are knowledgeable and will adjust the itinerary if needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Azores
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have generally given the full-day hike to Lagoa do Fogo positive reviews, awarding it an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 5 evaluations.
The value for money rating was 3.5 out of 5. Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experience, even in challenging weather conditions.
The hike is suitable for moderately fit individuals, though it may not be recommended for those with mobility issues or joint problems.
Getting to Futurismo Azores Adventures
To reach Futurismo Azores Adventures, the starting point for the hike, visitors can head to their office, which is conveniently located in Ponta Delgada, the largest city on the island of São Miguel.
The office is easily accessible, with ample parking nearby. Guests should arrive at the meeting point about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a prompt start.
From the Futurismo Azores Adventures office, the tour group will depart by van for the 30-minute drive to the trailhead of the Lagoa do Fogo hike. The transportation is included in the tour package.
What to Expect on the Hike
Although the hike to Lagoa do Fogo covers a range of terrain, it’s generally considered a medium-difficulty level trek.
Hikers will climb uphill for around 2 hours, passing by lush endemic vegetation. The lake itself, nestled in the collapsed crater, offers a stunning destination. Participants can take a refreshing swim in the lake and enjoy a picnic lunch.
The return journey features a mostly downhill descent. Hikers should inform the guide of any health conditions or dietary needs.
While the hike offers beautiful scenery, it’s not suitable for those with mobility or joint issues.
The Sum Up
The Lagoa do Fogo hike on São Miguel is a breathtaking outdoor adventure that offers stunning views of the caldera lake. Guided by fluent English and Portuguese speakers, the 6-hour hike covers diverse terrain and includes a refreshing break at Água D’Alto Beach. At $60.07 per person, it’s a memorable experience for moderately fit individuals looking to explore the natural beauty of the Azores.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Azores
- Ilhéu de Vila Franca: Guided Eco Boat Tour with Biologist
- Vila Franca Islet: Biologist Guided Boat Around Eco Tour
- Vila Franca Do Campo: Around the Islet Guided Boat Tour
- Faial Island: Unique Boat Tour to the Capelinhos Volcano
- São Miguel: Island Highlights Private Tour by Boat and Van
- Ponta Delgada: Private Sailboat Cruise With Drinks & Snacks
More Tour Reviews in Azores
- Ilhéu de Vila Franca: Guided Eco Boat Tour with Biologist
- Vila Franca Islet: Biologist Guided Boat Around Eco Tour
- Velas: In the heart of Azores with whales and dolphins
- São Jorge Island Panoramic Adventure 4 Hour Tour
- São Miguel: Quad & Buggy Sete Cidades Crater Tour
- Azores Salto do Cabrito Canyoning Baptism
Still browsing? Here are more Azores experiences we've covered recently
- Ilhéu de Vila Franca: Guided Eco Boat Tour with Biologist
- Vila Franca Islet: Biologist Guided Boat Around Eco Tour
- Velas: In the heart of Azores with whales and dolphins
- São Jorge Island Panoramic Adventure 4 Hour Tour
- São Miguel: Quad & Buggy Sete Cidades Crater Tour
- Azores Salto do Cabrito Canyoning Baptism
- Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Tour w/Lunch + Hotsprings
- Buggy SSV – Off Road Adventure | Sete Cidades Volcano Crater
- Azores: Ponta Delgada Sport Fishing Private Tour
- Ponta Delgada: Pineapple Wine Tasting and Pineapple Tour
- Madeira: Group and Private Tea Drinking Experiences
- Vila Franca Do Campo: Around the Islet Guided Boat Tour