Salto do Prego (Sanguinho) – Faial da Terra – São Miguel Island

The Salto do Prego is located in the parish of Faial da Terra, on the southwest coast of São Miguel Island.

The hike to the Salto do Prego Waterfall offers a unique experience, providing excellent views of the locality and the Atlantic Ocean.

Cascata Salto do Prego – Faial da Terra
Fotografia de ByAçores

Salto do Prego Trail

The trail to Salto do Prego begins in the locality of Faial da Terra. It starts on a paved road and then continues on a dirt path. The trail is well-maintained, and along the way, you can notice some species of Australian vegetation (Acacia melanoxylon and Pittosporum undulatum) as well as some streams and smaller waterfalls.

Faial da Terra
Fotografia de Bruno Sousa

There are two paths to reach the Salto do Prego waterfall: one shorter and easier, and another longer and more challenging. The longer trail leading to the Salto do Prego waterfall is not easy, but it is rewarding.

Reserve a guided tour that includes the Salto do Prego waterfall here.

This trail is classified as medium difficulty; however, beginners may encounter some challenges due to the inclines and rocks along the way. The path is approximately six kilometers long and takes about two hours to complete.

Salto do Prego
Fotografia de Mário Ramalheiro

Along the route, you will have the opportunity to pass through typical vegetation of the archipelago, as well as various orchards belonging to local families. The path features some inclines, steps, and wooden bridges. The greatest reward of the trail is reaching the Salto do Prego waterfall, a beautiful waterfall hidden in the forest.

The trail continues past the waterfall and ends at the same location where it began.

Visit Faial da Terra and the Salto do Prego Waterfall with these tour packages:

Learn more about the trail PRC9SMI.

Salto do Prego Waterfall

The end of the trail is rewarding. You will find a beautiful waterfall with a large drop of water, although the water is quite cold. Don’t forget to wash your swimsuit to enjoy a well-deserved swim after the long hike.

Salto do Prego
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Visitors can swim and relax around the waterfall. And of course, don’t forget to capture the moment with plenty of photographs.

The Salto do Prego waterfall is not very large and is surrounded by rocks. The best time to visit the waterfall is in summer when it’s more pleasant to swim in the shallow, cold waters of Salto do Prego.

Cascata Salto do Prego
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

Tips

To visit the waterfall, it’s ideal to be prepared, especially with appropriate clothing and footwear for the long trail. The path is dirt and presents some challenges during the hike, such as slippery areas, rocks, and irregularities.

Here are the items we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing;
• Swimsuit;
• Hiking shoes;
• Sunblock;
• Water;
• Camera.

Trilhos
Fotografia de Rodrigo Pereira Aguiar

We suggest starting your hike in the morning, as this will give you more time to enjoy the trail and the waterfall with fewer people, and you’ll be able to return in daylight, just in time for a rewarding lunch. Be cautious on the trail and near the waterfall on rainy days.

Sanguinho

The trail to the Salto do Prego waterfall also leads to a small and charming village called Sanguinho. This small village has hundreds of years of history, believed to have existed since the time pirates began navigating the archipelago.

Sanguinho
Fotografia de Mário Ramalheiro

In the past, the village was inhabited by farmers, but it is said that they left due to flooding in the Faial da Terra locality. Rumor has it they emigrated to the United States and Canada in search of better living conditions. The village is nestled in nature and still has some houses with typical Azorean characteristics, along with small farms scattered throughout the village.

Location on the Map

Video

Video by www.solagasta.com

Watch here

Salto do Prego is a place worth visiting. The trail passes through various natural beauties of the island, and arriving at the waterfall is the grand reward for all the hard work. Visiting Salto do Prego means being in contact with pure and wild nature and traveling back in time through places of great historical importance.