ATV riding in Sete Cidades: Volcano lakes and viewpoints

Twin lagoons and crater rim from the seat of a buggy

ATV riding tour in Ponta Delgada takes you through the Sete Cidades volcano landscape on a four-hour route with a live guide. You stop at the Pico da Cruz viewpoint, ride past the aqueduct of the nine windows, circle the twin lakes, and climb to the Sete Cidades viewpoint overlooking both lagoons. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sete Cidades and viewpoints

• Pass aqueduct of nine windows
• Stop at Pico da Cruz viewpoint
• Stop in parish center by lagoon
• Tour around Sete Cidades lakes
• Climb to Sete Cidades viewpoint

The experience

You operate the buggy yourself through terrain that would be difficult to reach on foot. The route passes through the aqueduct of the nine windows (a passage most visitors to the island never see), then climbs to Pico da Cruz for a first view of the landscape. From there the ride circles the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, each one a different color, before finishing at the highest viewpoint where both lagoons open below you at once.

A live guide leads the group and stops at each named site to explain what you're looking at. The four-hour total includes all travel time between stops, so there's no separate driving to account for. Children under 8 are not permitted on the buggies. Infants can ride on an adult's lap in a regular vehicle if the operator arranges it separately.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes are covered.
• the guide is included and speaks your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Azores Off Road

Is this one for you?The ride is four hours of active driving on a buggy, so it suits travelers comfortable operating the vehicle themselves through volcanic terrain. If you prefer to sit back while someone else drives, a standard tour of the same sites would be a better fit.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the aqueduct of the nine windows?

The aqueduct of the nine windows is a historic passage built into the volcanic landscape near Ponta Delgada. The route passes through it as part of the ride, giving access to a remote area most visitors don't reach on standard island tours.

Can I ride an ATV if I've never done it before?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and does not require prior ATV experience. Children must be at least 8 years old to operate a buggy.

What are the two lakes at Sete Cidades?

The Sete Cidades lakes are twin lagoons inside the volcanic crater. The route circles both of them and ends at the viewpoint where you can see them together from above.

How long is the total ride?

The tour runs four hours, with travel time between stops included in that duration. You stop at the Pico da Cruz viewpoint, the aqueduct passage, the parish center by the lagoon, and finish at the Sete Cidades viewpoint.