Lake of Fire (Lagoa do Fogo) – São Miguel Island

The Lake of Fire (Lagoa do Fogo) is one of the largest lagoons in the Azores archipelago and the second largest on São Miguel Island, located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande.

Update 2024: From June 15 to September 30, a shuttle service will provide access to the main tourist points in the Lagoa do Fogo Natural Reserve. More information, itinerary, and prices here.

Publicidade

Book Now the Best Activities in the Azores

Powered by GetYourGuide

It is a spectacular place with blue waters and is one of the island’s main tourist attractions. Lagoa do Fogo was classified as a natural reserve in 1974 and is a protected landscape like several others in the archipelago.

Located in the crater of the Fogo volcano, the area has seen little human intervention, preserving much of its wild flora and fauna. This lagoon is crucial for the region’s supply of drinking water and is one of the main postcards of São Miguel Island.

Lagoa Fogo
Fotografia de Nelson Merenda

Characteristics of Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo lies within a volcanic crater on one of the highest mountains on the island. It was formed around fifteen thousand years ago during the eruption of the Fogo volcano, also known as the Água de Pau volcano, making it the most recent volcano on the island.

Located at an altitude of 575 meters and covering an area of 1360 hectares, its striking blue water is breathtaking.

Access to Lagoa do Fogo

Starting from June 15, 2024, until September 30, 2024, access to Lagoa do Fogo will be via a shuttle service. Road traffic between Caldeira Velha (Ribeira Grande) and Casa da Água (Lagoa) will be restricted to rental cars, but open to other vehicles.

Lagoa do Fogo Shuttle

• Convenient and reliable transportation service to Lagoa do Fogo.
• Offers comfortable, air-conditioned bus rides.
• Operates on a hop-on/hop-off model to explore Lagoa do Fogo at your own pace.
• Prioritizes visitor safety and comfort during the journey.
• Relieves the stress of traffic and parking.
• Available from 9 AM to 7 PM.

Departure Points

• Two departure points are located on opposite sides of the island. Check out the stops and departure points on the map.

Stops & Itineraries

The shuttle makes three stops: at the viewpoints of Bela Vista, Lagoa do Fogo, and Pico da Barrosa.

Itinerary A

Begins at Caldeira Velha and passes through the following points: Bela Vista Viewpoint, Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint, Pico da Barrosa, Casa da Água (Lagoa), and then returns via Pico da Barrosa, Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint, and Bela Vista Viewpoint, ending at Caldeira Velha.

Itinerary B

This route starts in the opposite direction, beginning at Casa da Água (Lagoa) and passing through Pico da Barrosa, Lagoa do Fogo Viewpoint, Bela Vista Viewpoint, Caldeira Velha, and then returns through the same stops.

Price

The shuttle service costs €5 for non-residents. Residents of the Azores and children ride for free.

Ticket Purchase

Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus, via the website, or through agents.

How Does It Work?

The shuttle starts and ends at two points that are close to other activities, allowing you to plan your day using the service. You can combine your visit to Lagoa do Fogo with various hiking trails or a dip in the Caldeira Velha.

You can use your ticket multiple times on the same day between 9 AM and 7 PM, as long as you don’t attempt to check in from the same departure point a second time. This allows you to visit the Lagoa or explore the three viewpoints at your own pace.

Where to Park Your Car?

You can park at the Caldeira Velha parking lot (101 spaces) or the parking lot near Casa da Água (60 spaces), which are also the starting and ending points of the shuttle route.

Previous Information:

Access to Lagoa do Fogo can be made via Pico da Barrosa, one of the highest points on the island at 949 meters. Access can be by foot or car, but for a more complete experience, you can take the trails down to the lagoon for a closer encounter with nature.

Since Lagoa do Fogo is located within a natural reserve, it offers a unique experience with the region’s wild and untouched flora and fauna.

You must take a steep path to reach the lagoon area. The first stop is Praia da Lagoa do Fogo, a peaceful and isolated beach that was named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal in 2012.

Lagoa do Fogo
Fotografia de Nuno Bicho

Trails to Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo can be admired from the many viewpoints in the area, as it sits below the surrounding mountains.

Many visitors prefer to park their cars and observe the lagoon from above, but others are not satisfied with just the view and prefer to hike down to the lagoon.

The trail to the lagoon’s edge is long and steep, so good physical preparation is required. The area is somewhat difficult to access, and the path is steep.

The trek can take about 2 hours each way, so it’s recommended to start early, be well-prepared, and bring necessary supplies like:

• Appropriate and comfortable clothing;
• Shoes suitable for hiking;
• Food and beverages (especially water);
• A first aid kit;
• A fully charged mobile phone;
• A camera to capture the spectacular details you’ll see.

See in detail: Praia da Lagoa do Fogo Hiking Trail

Tips

Lagoa do Fogo
Fotografia de Helena Botelho

Follow these tips to make your Lagoa do Fogo experience even more spectacular:

• If you’re physically prepared, it’s recommended to hike down the trails, as driving only gives you the view from above.
• Always stay on the designated trails and avoid shortcuts to prevent getting lost.
• Check the weather before starting your hike, as cloudy days can make it difficult to see the lagoon clearly. To check visibility and weather conditions at the lagoon, use the SpotAzores app, which shows live camera feeds from various attractions around the islands, helping you avoid bad weather.

Photos of Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Lagoa do Fogo
Fotografia de Nuno Vieira

Lagoa do Fogo
Fotografia de Jorge Almeida

Lagoa do Fogo, São Miguel
Fotografia de Daniela Resende

Lagoa do Fogo
Fotografia de Telma Raquel

Lagoa do Fogo – Detalhe
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

Video

Lagoa do Fogo is a true spectacle on São Miguel Island, combining history, the beauty of its blue waters, and the green shores of its untouched and preserved flora. Above all, it’s a connection between man and nature.