Full-Day 4WD Tour to Fogo Volcano

At 947m above the sea level rises Pico da Barrosa, where throughout the route we can observe the diversity of the local fauna and flora. An enormous crater hides the glamorous Lagoa do Fogo at the top of the Fogo (Fire) Volcano at 575m above sea level. The beauty of the scenery sharpens ours senses with the luxurious vegetation – some endemic – from a spectacular landscape that reveals the magnificence of what nature presents us, on a journey that will last in your memory.

The Fogo Volcanic Complex, with an area of 2182ha , features an abundance of species of endemic flora and  secondary volcanism manifestations, that consists on fumaroles and hot springs.

The  caldera of the Fogo Volcano is the smallest caldera collapse of the island of São Miguel, with about 15 thousand years.

Given to its location in altitude, it is the most natural area and with the less human intervention suffered. It is an important hydrologic resource being classified as a Nature Reserve since 1974.

Because of its structure, it plays an extremely important role particularly in the replacement of underground water, regulation of the water cycle, biomass production, retention of sediments and nutrients and is therefore classified as Ramsar site.

On a 4WD vehicle departing from Ponta Delgada we will head to Lagoa village to visit the Cerâmica Vieira museum. Following to Pico da Barrosa, at the top we encounter the beautiful Lagoa do Fogo. Down the northwest flank of the Fogo volcano, we find the natural monument of Caldeira Velha, a major Geosite, composed of fumaroles and thermal spring water. Secondary volcanism area with rocky hills covered by lush vegetation with a cascade of thermal hot water, where a thermal bath is recommended.

On the way towards Ribeira Grande city, we will stop at the refreshing waterfall scenery of Salto do Cabrito. Continuing our tour we will visit a liqueur factory and the historical center of Ribeira Grande. We will finish our tour, before drop-off, visiting the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande, where you can enjoy the hot springs and the recreation area. The course on/off road may vary according the climate conditions.