Janela do Inferno Walk & Caldeira Velha Thermal Pools
A full-day trek through lava tunnels, waterfall canyons, and volcanic hot springs on the heart of São Miguel Island.
This guided walking tour combines the iconic Janela do Inferno trail with a visit to the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument, offering two of São Miguel's most compelling natural experiences in a single day. The route winds through dense Azorean laurel forest, past historic water-capture infrastructure, and into a thermal sanctuary fed by volcanic springs.
The hike begins in the parish of Remédios, in the municipality of Lagoa, where the landscape shifts almost immediately upon entering a series of hand-cut tunnels. These passages open onto a green corridor of endemic vegetation, leading to the waterfall at Janela do Inferno, whose waters once supplied the cities of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa through a gravity-fed aqueduct system.
After completing the trail and taking a lunch break, the group ascends to the Serra de Água de Pau, the volcanic massif at the center of the island. Weather permitting, there are views over Lagoa do Fogo, one of the Azores' most isolated crater lakes. The day concludes at Caldeira Velha, where warm mineral-rich water pools tucked beneath tree ferns offer a natural soak before the drive back along the north coast.
Tour Highlights
Walk to the Janela do Inferno waterfall, framed by sheer basalt walls and dense native forest.
Pass through historic lava tunnels and stone bridges that form part of a century-old water supply network.
Hike through one of São Miguel's most biodiverse forest corridors, rich in endemic Macaronesian flora.
Ascend to the Serra de Água de Pau caldera rim for a panoramic view over Lagoa do Fogo, subject to weather conditions.
Bathe in the thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, a protected natural monument with geothermally heated spring water.
Return via the north coast road, offering a different perspective of São Miguel's coastal scenery.
Itinerary
The group meets at the Picos de Aventura base for a safety and route briefing before departing by vehicle toward the trailhead in the parish of Remédios, Lagoa.
The hike begins in a cultivated landscape that transitions sharply into thick forest after the first tunnel. The change in vegetation density is one of the trail's most distinctive features.
The group reaches the waterfall and the adjacent water-capture structures, which channeled freshwater to Ponta Delgada and Lagoa for generations. This is a natural rest and photography stop.
The route continues through additional tunnels, bridges, and open pastureland before arriving at a dirt track with views of the south coast. A lunch break follows the end of the hike.
The group ascends to the caldera summit where, weather permitting, there are unobstructed views over the Lagoa do Fogo crater lake, one of the most remote natural sites in the Azores.
A stop at this protected volcanic site allows participants to swim in geothermally heated mineral pools surrounded by giant tree ferns before returning to Ponta Delgada via the north coast.
What Is Included
Included
- Certified local guide throughout the tour
- Transport from Ponta Delgada and back
- Briefing and route safety information
- Entry to Caldeira Velha Natural Monument
Not Included
- Lunch and personal food supplies
- Swimwear, towel, and personal items
- Travel or personal insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
Important Information
Book Your Spot
Places on this guided day tour are limited to keep group sizes manageable and to protect the natural environment. Secure your place in advance to avoid disappointment.
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