Salto do Prego and Sanguinho: Waterfall Hike and Volcanic Wonders of São Miguel
A full-day journey through ancient forest paths, an abandoned village, a stunning waterfall, and the geothermal landscapes of Furnas.
The Salto do Prego hike on São Miguel island takes walkers through one of the Azores' most intimate and historically rich corners, combining a riverside trail, a natural pool waterfall, a recovered ghost village, and a volcanic valley in a single rewarding day.
Faial da Terra, tucked into the southeastern municipality of Povoação, is one of the quietest and most atmospheric parishes on the island. The trail follows the course of a ribeira — a freshwater stream — through orchards and across wooden bridges, along stone pathways once used by the villagers who built their lives here generations ago.
The ghost village of Sanguinho, abandoned for decades and now partially restored, stands as a quiet testament to the island's rural past. Walking through its moss-covered remnants while overlooking the valley and ocean offers a perspective on São Miguel that few visitors encounter.
The afternoon moves to Furnas, a geothermally active parish where hot springs, fumaroles, and sulphurous vents define the landscape. Guests may choose to end the day in the thermal waters of Parque Terra Nostra or the open-air pools of Poca da Dona Beija, both iconic Azorean experiences.
Tour Highlights
Reach the Salto do Prego waterfall and its natural swimming pool after a scenic riverside ascent through native forest.
Explore the abandoned village of Sanguinho, a historical settlement currently undergoing recovery and restoration.
Walk through ancient stone and wooden paths used by local communities for centuries, surrounded by Azorean flora.
Observe volcanic fumaroles, hot and cold springs, and geothermal activity up close in the Furnas caldera.
Enjoy a picnic lunch included in the tour, taken in the natural surroundings after completing the hike.
Optional relaxation in the thermal pools of Parque Terra Nostra or Poca da Dona Beija to close the day.
Panoramic views of the valley and the Atlantic Ocean from elevated sections of the Sanguinho trail.
Itinerary
Pick-up takes place at or near your accommodation in Ponta Delgada. The group then travels southeast toward Faial da Terra in the municipality of Povoação to begin the hiking trail.
The hike follows a ribeira upstream through orchards and dense Azorean forest, crossing wooden bridges and stone paths. The trail rises at a moderate gradient, arriving at the Salto do Prego waterfall and its natural pool, where a rest stop is taken.
The return route passes through the historic abandoned settlement of Sanguinho, offering elevated views of the valley and the ocean. The village's partially restored structures provide context for the region's rural and agricultural past.
After completing the hike, the group enjoys a picnic lunch included in the tour price. This break allows time to rest and recover before the afternoon segment.
The afternoon is spent in the Furnas parish, where fumaroles, sulphurous vents, and thermal springs are visible across the landscape. Guests walk through the fumarolic fields and learn about the island's ongoing volcanic and hydrothermal activity.
To close the day, guests may choose to relax in the thermal pools of Parque Terra Nostra or Poca da Dona Beija at their own cost. The group then returns to Ponta Delgada via drop-off at the original pickup location.
What Is Included
Included
- Accredited guides throughout the tour
- Travel and activity insurance
- Picnic lunch
- Pick-up and drop-off transfer from Ponta Delgada
- Hiking poles
Not Included
- Entry tickets to thermal facilities (Parque Terra Nostra, Poca da Dona Beija)
- Personal expenses
- Any items not listed under inclusions
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot on This Trail
This full-day hiking experience covers some of São Miguel's most rewarding terrain, from a forested waterfall trail to an abandoned village and volcanic landscape. Availability is seasonal, so early booking is recommended.
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