Top Azores Nature & Wildlife

Walk along a crater lake inside a stratovolcano on a walking tour of Lagoa do Fogo, or Fogo Lake, a protected body of water that's among the largest lakes in the Azores. You’ll climb through groves of eucalyptus trees and flax, eat lunch at the edge of the water, then slip into the lake for a cooling swim. With round-trip transport by Ponta Delgada, this guided walking tour includes lunch, and it’s limited to 10 people to ensure personal service.

The Ribeira Grande is widely considered to offer some of the finest hiking terrain in Portugal, but navigating the volcanic landscape requires local knowledge. On this full-day tour, explore the Salto do Cabrito trails with your guide and enjoy uninterrupted views over the native Azorean forest. Discover natural waterfalls in the wilderness and savor a gourmet picnic dinner with local wine—with free round-trip travel from your Ponta Delgada hotel included.

Explore the western side of São Miguel Island during this hiking tour. Follow your guide through the lush vegetation and discover a variety of native species. Stop at various viewpoints along the way including Sete Cidades, to see the Blue and Green Lakes, Santiago Lake, and the famous Vista do Rei. Enjoy a delicious lunch along the way and take in the beautiful panoramic views of the island.

Experience Sanguinho Trail on a full-day small-group tour. Also knows at the Lost Village, Sanguinho is a traditional village, which has been uninhabited for decades with a cobble stone path that takes you past sweeping views and the impressive Salto do Prego waterfall. Spend the day learning about the village’s unique history, local plant and animal species, and getting out of the city into the fresh air. The 6 km (3.7 mile) walk is moderately challenging making the tour ideal for visitors in relatively good physical shape, looking for an unusual way to learn about a slice of Portugal’s history.

Get off the tourist trail and have an adventure, on this full-day 4WD tour to Sete Cidades volcano. No need to worry about navigating, as you’ll have a driver for the day, who will take you to areas that can’t be accessed by public transport. Stop off at incredible viewpoints throughout the day included Pico do Carvão, Mata do Canário, and Cumeeiras. A perfect tour to admire Ponta Delgado’s natural volcanic masterpieces.

Hike through some of São Miguel Island’s most beautiful scenery, and get up close and personal with the sights, when you embark on a full-day walking tour. Meet your guide in central Ponta Delgada, and transfer to the trailhead at Sete Cidades. Over the course of your roughly 4.5-mile (7-kilometer) hike, you’ll ascend to the Vista do Rei viewing point, will discover the region’s beautiful lakes, will admire panoramic views stretching across the island, and more.

The Azores Island offers ample opportunities for hiking and this half-day guided hike explores one of Terceira Island’s most popular trails. Set out on a leisurely 2.5-hour hike around the Bays of Agualva, following a scenic coastal route and enjoying magnificent views over the island’s beaches, bays, and volcanic landscapes.

The historic, derelict parish of Sanguinho is surrounded by countryside walking trails, where native flora and fauna flourish in the warm sunshine. On this walking tour, leave your map behind, follow your guide along the hiking routes, and discover the Salto do Prego waterfall deep in the Portuguese countryside. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can reach the starting point with ease and enjoy your hike to the full.

This Sanguinho walking tour from Ponta Delgada is the perfect way to access nature. You won’t have to worry about getting lost, as you’ll have a guide to lead the way, and point out local plants, and wildlife. Get access to places that can’t be reached by car or bus, such as the abandoned village of Sanguinho, Salto do Prego waterfall, and Faial de Terra stream. A delicious lunch will be provided too.

Fogo Lake ranks among the largest and prettiest lakes on Sâo Miguel Island, but its remote location means it can only be accessed on foot. On this adventurous full-day tour, follow your guide along the Lagoa do Fogo trail and reach the lake in time for a picnic lunch. Enjoy free time to swim and sunbathe at your leisure—and soak up the spectacular scenery—with round-trip travel from your Ponta Delgada accommodation included.

Explore the wilderness of Ponta Delgada on a hike to Ribeira Funda and Furnas. Discover the abundant flora and fauna of the area as you take in the beautiful coastal scenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch along the way and even take a dip in the cool waters after a long day of hiking. Spend the day immersed in nature and see the ‘wild side’ of the Azores.

Discover the ‘Lake of Fire’ on this small-group hiking tour that takes place on Wednesdays. Explore the lush jungle of Sao Miguel as you make your way up to Lagoa do Fogo, 1800 feet above sea level, and enjoy a dip in the cool waters. Admire the beautiful views of the southern coast of Sao Miguel during your descent and complete about 7.5 miles by the end of the tour.

This is the perfect tour for nature lovers. It can be difficult to navigate unmarked areas in the wilderness, but this won’t be a problem, as you’ll have a guide to lead the way, and show you secret places locals love. Combine a jeep tour with an Azores walking tour and visit volcanic areas, and hidden lakes, a tea plantation, and local villages. No need to bring food, as a tasty local lunch is included. 

Delve into the natural splendor of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park (Parque Natural dos Caldeirões) on a full-day walking tour from Ponta Delgada. In a small group limited to 10, you’ll explore the abandoned village of Sanguinho, admire the Salto do Prego waterfall, and visit historic relics in Povoacao. A picnic lunch is included.

On this tour we feel and experience the volcanic origins of the Island in Furnas, a magical place. We start by visiting the Caldeiras da Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake Calderas), a place where we cook the famous “cozido das Furnas” (a very special meal cooked only with the steam of the Earth) and continue with a soft walk that crosses a stream and circles the lakeside. During this walk we have the opportunity to appreciate a variety of endemic flora species.

The Azores are a unique and privileged place for bird watching, with more than 400 species recorded in the archipelago. Between September and April, during the migration season, there is sometimes the opportunity to observe, side by side, birds from the American and European continent and seabirds from the Indian and Pacific oceans. Among the 40-nesting species, two endemic species are the bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina) in the eastern part of São Miguel and the Monteiro (Hydrobates monteiroi), which nest in the Graciosa islets, and eleven endemic subspecies. In addition, there are colonies of seabirds of great relevance in the European context, as is the case of the Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis) and Roseate tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii). Together we will share the taste for birdwatching.

Escape the city and see the countryside. Witness waterfalls. Enjoy views of the sea, and really feel the force of the nature in the Azores. Visit a small parish and enjoy the local food. Finish the day with a relaxing cup of tea at the tea factory in Gorreana.