Buggy Off-Road Excursion to Sete Cidades with Lunch
Dusty trails, volcanic viewpoints, and one unforgettable full-day drive across the Azores.
This buggy tour Sete Cidades puts you behind the wheel of a rugged off-road vehicle as you navigate volcanic ridgelines, crater lake shores, and lush green valleys on Sao Miguel Island. Guided by experienced local drivers, every kilometre of the route is chosen for both its thrill factor and its scenic reward. Lunch is included, giving you time to pause, refuel, and take in the extraordinary landscape before heading back out.
The route climbs to elevated viewpoints such as Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno, where the twin lakes of Sete Cidades stretch out below in their signature blue and green. The descent into Vila das Sete Cidades passes through dense laurel forest and along the old stone walls that define the rural character of this protected landscape.
Beyond the iconic crater, the excursion winds through quieter corners of the western plateau, including Baia do Silencio and the narrow Cerrado das Freiras, giving participants a perspective on Sao Miguel that few standard tours reach. The varied terrain keeps the driving engaging throughout, with a balance of open tracks and tighter technical sections.
Tour Highlights
Drive a purpose-built buggy across rugged off-road trails and volcanic terrain with a guide leading the way.
Stop at Vista do Rei and Miradouro Boca do Inferno for panoramic views over the Sete Cidades twin crater lakes.
Pass through protected laurel forest, green valley corridors, and the rural landscape surrounding Pico do Carvao.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Vila das Sete Cidades, offering a genuine taste of Azorean food.
The guided route incorporates local knowledge of tracks, viewpoints, and optional stops not found on standard itineraries.
Multiple scenic stops provide ample opportunity for photography at some of the most dramatic spots on Sao Miguel.
Route Overview
The excursion begins at ANC Tours in Valados and climbs through Unileite/Bom Pastor and Canada Goyanes toward the high ground of Pico do Carvao. This opening section introduces the vehicle's off-road handling on progressively more demanding tracks.
The route passes Lagoa do Canario before reaching the optional stop at Miradouro Boca do Inferno and the main viewpoint at Vista do Rei. Both positions offer commanding views over the Sete Cidades caldera.
Descending into the village, the group stops for a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant. The break also allows time to explore the lakeside surroundings at a relaxed pace before continuing.
The afternoon section navigates the quieter western shores of the lagoon system, passing through Baia do Silencio and the narrow agricultural lanes of Cerrado das Freiras.
The final leg crosses Ponte da Lagoa das Sete Cidades, passes Lagoa de Santiago, and follows Canada Larga back through Bom Pastor before returning to the starting point in Valados.
What Is Included
Included
- Buggy rental for the full duration of the tour
- Experienced local guide throughout
- Lunch at a restaurant in Vila das Sete Cidades
- Third-party vehicle insurance
- Safety briefing and liability documentation
Not Included
- Personal travel or accident insurance
- Damages to the vehicle beyond third-party cover
- Gratuities for the guide
- Any personal purchases or additional food and drinks
Important Information
Ready to Take the Wheel?
Secure your spot on this full-day off-road adventure through one of the Azores' most dramatic volcanic landscapes. Places are limited to a maximum of 20 participants per departure.
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