Nordeste 4x4 tour from Ponta Delgada: Tronqueira mountain range

Tronqueira mountain range sits inside the Azorean Bullfinch habitat, surrounded by the island's largest patch of Laurel Forest.

A full-day 4x4 jeep tour departing from Ponta Delgada to explore Nordeste, the island's oldest and least-visited region, with a professional guide leading stops at the Tronqueira mountain range viewpoint (overlooking Pico da Vara at 1,103 meters), Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its waterfalls, and three coastal viewpoints. Hotel and port pickup included. Minimum two people required to run the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Nordeste's natural and scenic sights

• Visit Tronqueira mountain range viewpoint
• Explore Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
• See coastal views at Ponta do Sossego viewpoint
• Enjoy panoramic vistas from Salto do Cavalo viewpoint

The experience

Tronqueira mountain range anchors this tour. The rugged dirt roads connecting Nordeste to Povoação climb through terrain that frames views of Pico da Vara, the island's highest peak, and Pico Verde. The viewpoint itself sits within the heart of the Azorean Bullfinch habitat, surrounded by the island's most significant patch of Laurel Forest, and at certain times of year, the endemic bird can be spotted here. Your guide navigates the 4x4 through these roads, stopping where the landscape opens up.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park fills the middle of the day. The protected area runs along the watercourse in Achada, nestled on the slopes of Serra da Tronqueira, and encompasses part of the Ribeira do Guilherme stream. Waterfalls and lush vegetation define the space. From there, the route moves to Ponta do Sossego, a viewpoint in Lomba da Pedreira known for its maintained gardens and sea views stretching to Fajã do Araújo and Praia do Lombo Gordo. The final stop is Salto do Cavalo in the parish of Salga, at the island's eastern edge, where the panoramic view takes in the Furnas Valley and both the north and south coasts.

The tour runs 7.5 hours total. Hotel and port pickup from Ponta Delgada is included, as is a professional guide speaking English or Portuguese. A minimum of two people is required for the tour to run, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Portuguese.
• hotel and port pickup and drop-off service for guests staying in Ponta Delgada city.
• 4x4 jeep transportation throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Azores Trails of Nature

Is this one for you?Hotel or port pickup from Ponta Delgada means you don't need a rental car to reach Nordeste's mountain roads and viewpoints. The 4x4 handles the rugged terrain while the guide navigates the route.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6).

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 Tronqueira mountain range viewpoint like?

Tronqueira sits at the heart of the Azorean Bullfinch habitat, surrounded by the island's largest patch of Laurel Forest. From the viewpoint, you see Pico da Vara, the island's highest peak at 1,103 meters, and Pico Verde at 931 meters. The endemic Azorean Bullfinch can be spotted here at certain times of year.

Does the tour include meals or entrance fees?

The tour includes the guide and transportation, but food, drinks and all entrance fees are separate. You'll need to arrange and pay for lunch during the day.

How does pickup work from Ponta Delgada?

Hotel and port pickup is included in the tour price. If you're staying in Ponta Delgada city, the guide will collect you from your accommodation or the port before the tour starts.

What is Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park known for?

Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a protected area along the Ribeira dos Caldeirões watercourse in Achada, Nordeste. It's known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls and rich biodiversity, offering views of the island's pristine environment from the slopes of Serra da Tronqueira.