Sete Cidades ATV Riding: Off-Road Crater Trails from Ponta Delgada

You operate the buggy yourself on single-track volcanic terrain, not riding as a passenger.

ATV riding from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades is a seven to eight hour off-road activity where you drive a buggy through volcanic trails, stopping at multiple viewpoints over the crater lakes and the valley below. The experience includes a guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese; lunch; helmets and insurance; fuel is covered. Minimum group size is two adults, and a valid driving license is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Off-road excursion and sightseeing

• Meet at meeting point
• Pass by the village
• Stop at first viewpoint
• Stop at second viewpoint
• Stop at third viewpoint
• View from top of lagoons
• Have lunch
• Stop at fourth viewpoint
• Stop at fifth viewpoint
• Stop at sixth viewpoint
• Stop at seventh viewpoint
• Return to ANC Guided tours office

The experience

Sete Cidades sits inside a volcanic crater, and the ride gets you to multiple vantage points around the two lakes that fill it. You drive your own buggy on off-road trails, not paved roads, which means the route changes depending on conditions and what the terrain allows on the day. The guide leads the group and stops at viewpoints positioned to show the lakes from different angles and elevations, including a stop from the top of the lagoons where the scale of the crater becomes clear.

Lunch is included partway through the day, breaking up the riding and giving you a chance to rest before the second half. The whole outing runs seven to eight hours from the meeting point in Ponta Delgada, with the route ending back at the ANC Guided Tours office in Valados. Weather can shift the date of your departure at no extra cost, since the trails and visibility matter for safety.

You'll need a valid driving license and a credit card to book. Children are welcome from age four, though the operator notes the activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Helmets, personal insurance and fuel are all included in the price, which is charged per person and per seat on the shared buggy.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• fuel.
• helmets.
• personal insurance.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• multiple viewpoints around the crater lakes and valley.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 25

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

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by ANC Azores Holidays

Is this one for you?Book the shared buggy if you want to ride your own ATV and split the cost with other drivers. You operate the vehicle yourself on off-road trails, so a valid license is essential and moderate fitness helps you enjoy the full seven to eight hours.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

Do I need my own driving license to ride an ATV at Sete Cidades?

Yes, a valid driving license is required to operate the buggy. You'll also need to provide a credit card at booking.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my ATV ride?

The date can be changed at no cost to you if weather conditions make the trails unsafe. The operator will reschedule rather than run the tour in conditions that compromise safety.

Is lunch included in the ATV riding price?

Yes, lunch is included during the seven to eight hour outing and is served partway through the day as a break in the riding.

How many people need to book together for the ATV riding to run?

A minimum of two adults is required to start a tour. The pricing is per person and per seat on the shared buggy.