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Offered languages
- Portuguese
- English
- Spanish
A Day Through the Secrets of Nature
This experience invites you to explore the wild and lesser-known heart of São Miguel Island. Crossing volcanic landscapes, dense vegetation, remote parishes and the most breathtaking viewpoints on the northeast coast.
The iconic and remote dirt road of Tronqueira, (subject to terrain conditions), we climb up to the Pico da Vara lookout, the highest point on São Miguel,
Note: In case of impassability, or due to participant preference, we will follow an equally stunning alternative route along the northeast coast, passing by viewpoints Ponta da Madrugada, Vista dos Barcos and others.
The lunch, in a traditional restaurant, where you can taste authentic flavors of the Azores.
We will visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a natural park with waterfalls and old water mills, before beginning our return to Ponta Delgada along the regional road.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Guests should be ready at the reception or lobby of the hotel or accommodation approximately 20 minutes in advance. The guide will approach them or the receptionist. A black/blue jeep or SUV will be used for pick-up and the tour.
Travelers should be ready at the location approximately 20 minutes in advance. The guide will approach them. The vehicle to be used will be a black/blue Jeep or SUV properly identified with the Frigate Tours logo.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Geothermal energy has already exceeded about 40% of the electricity production in São Miguel and continues to be the most promising renewable source in the Azores. Located at an elevation of 269 meters on the northern flank of the mountain of Lagoa do Fogo, there is a geothermal plant powered by wells located in this volcanic thermal area. In this area, in addition to the inherent piping, steam can be seen being released from the ground and walls.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
A majestic elevation on the island of São Miguel, approximately 899 meters high, it is a cone of volcanic origin, standing out for its dark basalt and steep slope. The road is lined of pine trees among other species, creating a memorable forest landscape.
Admission ticket free -
1
Visit the oldest and only tea plantation in continuous operation, since 1883. There, you can watch the historic machinery and methods still in use, industrial heritage, English Marshall Machines from the industrial era, with a 100% organic production and where you can taste the different types of tea produced in the factory while enjoying the impressive view over the north coast of the island.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
It is one of the most emblematic viewpoints on the island, at approximately 800 meters high from where you can see a stunning panorama over the Vale das Furnas, Povoação and Planalto dos Graminhais.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Povoação is a picturesque and historic village located on the southwest coast of the island and is the first settlement place on the island, founded in the 15th century, when Gonçalo Velho Cabral and the first settlers landed there between 1432/1444. Time for a walk, coffee and bathroom.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The Serra da Tronqueira being a preotected area and natural park slopes from about 650 meters to 950 meters in altitude, crossed by a rural road that offers views of Pico da Vara (the highest point on the island with 1105 meters in altitude, and where you can see the closest landscape to when the island was discovered), Pico Verde and deep valleys. This is an iconic off-road route, and is one of the relevant activities of the tour.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
5
Located in the parish of Pedreira, it is one of the most emblematic and flowery viewpoints on the island, with well-kept gardens and spectacular views of the north coast and notable points such as Fajã do Araújo, Ponta da Madrugada, amongst others.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Ponta do Arnel is a promontory famous for two iconic landmarks: the Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse, the first in the Azores, opened in 1876, and the Ponta do Arnel Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the lighthouse, coast, village and the deep sea.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
It is the seat of the Municipality and is a peaceful and charming gem, perfect for those who want to combine nature, history and local culture, with highlights such as the Matriz de São Jorge church and the Sete Arcos bridge. Time for lunch and a walk.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8
The Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões is an essential visit in the Northeast. It is a charming refuge of nature, history and culture, with several waterfalls, five water mills from the 16th century and other infrastructures dedicated to visitors, is the symbol of the Northeast.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child booster seats (125-150 cms) available
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child booster seats (125-150 cms) available
- Most travelers can participate
- Important note: The remaining hours will be spent on travel time, from boarding to disembarking. However, there will be several photo stops along the way. Time for lunch and other visits.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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