Congro Lake – São Miguel Island

Congro Lake is located in the center of São Miguel Island, in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. The lake is a hidden treasure on the island and is off the traditional tourist route.

Due to its difficult access and the need for a somewhat long walk through the vegetation, not everyone dares to visit it. However, those who venture on a walk of about 700 meters do not regret it. Every bit of effort is worth it.

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Nuno

Origin of Congro Lake

Congro Lake is located in a different geological structure, known as a volcanic explosion crater, resulting from a phreatomagmatic eruption. This eruption occurs when magma rises and encounters a water table, causing contact between the high temperatures and water, leading to large explosions.

Unlike other lakes on São Miguel Island, which typically occupy the summit of a volcanic cone, Congro Lake is situated in a relatively flat area, occupying only a hole in the terrain and surrounded by abundant vegetation.

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Congro Lake

Congro Lake stands out as one of the most enchanting and untouched lakes in São Miguel. The lake has a circular shape, measuring about 500 meters across, and can reach depths of up to 16 meters in some areas.

It is surrounded by trees that hide the walls of the volcanic crater, making it difficult to view from other points around the lake, particularly due to the challenging access around it.

Due to its more challenging access, Congro Lake still maintains a limited number of tourists seeking to visit this location. Access is via a pedestrian trail that enters a dense forest, and the entire journey is quite challenging but rewarded with unique beauty.

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Nuno Vieira

Access to Congro Lake

To reach Congro Lake, one must follow the road to Furnas and look for signs indicating Congro Lake.

After leaving the paved road, you enter a rural dirt path. Because there are several forks along the way and the lake is not visible during the journey, it can be somewhat difficult to find at first. (See the video below)

To descend to Congro Lake, there is only one accessible pedestrian trail that leads down unobstructed to the lake. Visitors should park their car on the dirt road near the main entrance of the trail and proceed through the humid, almost untouched forest.

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Ana Serpa

The path may present some challenges, as it is a relatively untouched area of nature, with some expected obstacles along the way (rock formations, fallen trees, large roots), but it is rewarding to appreciate the journey to reach the beautiful Congro Lake.

The lake offers a unique environment for connecting with nature. There is plenty of vegetation, intensely green water, many fish jumping through the water, and the silence characteristic of a place inhabited by the purest and cleanest nature.

Location on the Map

Trail Video

Historical Aspects

The lake received its name in honor of its rich and influential owner, André Gonçalves Sampaio, who was nicknamed “The Congro.” Congro is the name of a fish species that inhabits the deep waters of the sea, the Conger conger.

After André’s death, the land around the lake passed to two families who were responsible for significant changes in the landscape of the region. One of the owners had a great love for plants and imported various exotic species from around the world to experiment with new plantings on their land. Thus, much of the vegetation in the area is not native.

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Jorge Pereira

Curiosities

There are some curiosities surrounding this beautiful natural landscape, including:

• Years ago, Congro Lake was frequently used by the residents of Vila Franca do Campo to celebrate São João on June 24. The locals would gather on the shores of the lake to celebrate the day with dances and picnics;
• There are several secondary trails to Congro Lake; however, most of them are blocked and inaccessible;
• Very close to Congro Lake, there is another smaller lake, the Lake of Lilies, but access is very remote and may pose risks for those unfamiliar with the area;
• The lakes are fed by torrential streams and three springs;
• As the lake is surrounded by dense vegetation, there is little light, so it is recommended to visit before nightfall;
• The crater of Congro Lake is part of the Achada das Furnas volcanic massif, which lies between the Fire volcano (see also: Lake of Fire) and the Furnas. It is one of the most seismically active areas in the archipelago.

Lagoa dos Nenúfares
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Reflexos
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Congro Lake is a unique geological lake of unparalleled beauty. Despite being off the beaten path for most tourists, it attracts attention from those seeking a different experience.

Congro Lake remains a well-preserved natural treasure due to its restricted access; however, with natural actions, many paths have been affected, and access has become increasingly limited.

Photos

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

SUP in Congro Lake
Fotografia de Pedro Piteira

Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Lidia Magalhaes

A Caminho da Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Nuno

A Caminho da Lagoa do Congro
Fotografia de Nuno

Video