Pico Island: Jeep Tour, Volcanoes & Earthquake Simulator

Summary

Jeep trails, volcanic lakes and a taste of Pico’s wild heart

You’ll ride across Pico Island by jeep with a local guide, wander quiet nature trails among UNESCO-listed vineyards, taste regional food at a family-run restaurant, and feel your heart race in an earthquake simulator. Expect little surprises — like birdsong over volcanic lakes or laughter during lunch — that you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out onto Pico Island’s central plateau in this battered jeep — I could still smell the ocean from the harbor that morning. Our guide, Tiago, grinned as he pointed at a patch of cloud stuck on the volcano. First stop was Captain’s Lagoon. The water was so still it felt like we’d landed in someone else’s dream. Cedars everywhere, and these tiny birds darting through the vines. I tried to name one (failed). The air tasted green — if that makes sense.

After bouncing along some rocky tracks (my teeth are still grateful for the seat padding), we walked a short trail called Old Creation. Only ten minutes but it smelled like wet earth and laurel leaves. Tiago told us about the last big earthquake — he said people here still talk about it like it happened yesterday. We passed through Lajido de Santa Luzia and Arcos, where stone walls crisscrossed black volcanic soil. Someone waved from a vineyard; I waved back without thinking.

Lunch was at a local spot where they served grilled limpets and something with sweet potatoes I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Portuguese — probably butchered it). Later, at the House of Volcanoes, they had this earthquake simulator. Honestly? It rattled more than just my chair. For a second I forgot it wasn’t real — everyone laughed when I grabbed the table. Walking out into sunlight after that felt different somehow; everything looked sharper.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep tour and nature exploration

• Jeep ride through Captain's Lagoon
• Visit Lagoas do Capitão do Caiado and Lagoa Seca
• Walk nature trail in Old Creation
• Visit Dog, Lajido de Santa Luzia, Arcos, and Cabrito vineyards
• Guided tour on Azorean volcanoes and geodiversity
• Experience earthquake simulator

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Pico Island jeep tour?

Yes, a regional lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour.

Does this day trip on Pico Island include pickup?

The tour includes meeting your guide on Pico Island; hotel pickup details should be confirmed when booking.

How long is the nature trail walk during the tour?

The Old Creation nature trail takes around 10 minutes to walk.

Will we visit UNESCO vineyards on this Pico Island tour?

Yes, you’ll walk through UNESCO-listed vineyards in places like Lajido de Santa Luzia and Arcos.

What is the earthquake simulator experience?

You’ll visit the House of Volcanoes and try an earthquake simulator to feel what past Azorean quakes were like.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join using prams or specialized seats; service animals are also allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to all attractions including the House of Volcanoes with its earthquake simulator, guided jeep transport across Pico Island’s central plateau and lakes, a regional lunch at a local spot (with plenty of local flavor), plus insurance and even a photo memento from your trip before heading back in the afternoon.