Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo: Jeep Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Jeep adventure through São Miguel’s volcanic lakes and craters

You’ll ride along crater rims above Sete Cidades’ twin lakes, hear local legends from your guide, taste traditional Azorean dishes over lunch (with drinks included), and take in wild Atlantic views from Pico da Barrosa and Lagoa do Fogo. Expect moments of real quiet — and maybe a few laughs on those bumpy tracks.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air up at Sete Cidades to smell so clean — almost sharp, like rain on stone. Our guide, Tiago, pulled the Jeep right up to the crater rim, and honestly, my stomach did a little flip looking down at those two lakes. The green and blue looked unreal next to each other. Tiago told us the story about the princess and shepherd (I think I got half of it, but his face when he talked about it made me wish I understood Portuguese better). There was this moment where everything went quiet except for some cowbells in the distance — just us, clouds drifting low, and that view. I still think about that silence.

The dirt roads around Sete Cidades are rougher than I thought — bumpy enough that we all laughed when someone’s water bottle nearly bounced out the window. We stopped at Muro das Nove Janelas; it’s literally a wall with nine arches, mossy and old, not something you’d notice unless someone pointed it out. Tiago said locals used to walk here as kids. After that we headed toward Pico da Barrosa. The wind up there is wild — you can taste salt in the air even though you’re way above the sea. My hair was everywhere.

Lagoa do Fogo was next, and honestly by then I was hungry enough to eat anything. Good thing lunch was waiting in a small spot back down near Ponta Delgada — nothing fancy but real Azorean food (I tried blood sausage for the first time; not sure if I’d order it again but hey). Wine came with lunch too, which felt earned after all that bouncing around. On the way back, everyone got kind of quiet — maybe tired or just letting it all sink in. The day trip from Ponta Delgada really does cram in so much without feeling rushed… but yeah, my legs were glad for a break when we finally got dropped off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo

• Drive along Sete Cidades crater rim trail
• View twin lakes Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul
• Visit Muro das Nove Janelas wall
• Hike Pico da Barrosa volcanic peak
• Stop at Lagoa do Fogo Belvedere viewpoint
• Enjoy lunch and drinks at local restaurant

Top questions

How long is the Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Jeep tour?

The tour lasts a full day with several stops including both craters and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is available in the Ponta Delgada area if you provide your accommodation details when booking.

What is included for lunch on this tour?

Lunch includes traditional Azorean dishes with drinks such as wine, beer or soft drinks.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

Is this Jeep tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What should cruise ship passengers provide when booking?

Cruise ship passengers need to give their ship name plus docking and re-boarding times during booking.

Will we visit both Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo?

Yes, both locations are visited during this full-day tour from Ponta Delgada.

Are infant seats available on this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada (just let them know where you’re staying), all transport by Jeep or 4x4 SUV depending on availability, entry to viewpoints around Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo craters, plus a sit-down lunch with drinks like wine or beer before heading back in the afternoon.