From Ponta Delgada: Guided Walking Tour to Salto do Cabrito

Key Points

• Price: $48 per person for a 3-hour guided walk
• Highlights: Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, hydroelectric power plant, Faja do Redondo Dam, Azores geothermy
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for an intimate experience
• Difficulty Level: Easy circular hike suitable for most, but includes stairs and elevated walkways
• Includes: Bilingual guides and walking sticks; food and drinks are not included
• Best for: Visitors interested in nature, water resources, and engineering history

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore Sao Miguel’s Water Resources and Natural Beauty

This guided walking tour departs from Futurismo Azores Adventures in Ponta Delgada. It costs $48 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours. The tour is designed for small groups, limited to 8 participants, making it a personal and engaging experience. It’s perfect for those who want a balance of nature, history, and engineering insights, with an easy pace suitable for most visitors.

From the start, the tour provides a chance to see the island’s water resources, including hydroelectric plants dating back to the 19th century. The experience combines scenic views, educational commentary, and a close-up look at Salto do Cabrito Waterfall, set within lush surroundings. While the walk involves some stairs and elevated walkways, the effort is well rewarded with stunning vistas and a deeper understanding of how water shapes life on Sao Miguel.

How the Tour Begins at Futurismo Azores Adventures

The tour kicks off at Futurismo Azores Adventures, where guests exchange vouchers at the ticket counter and look out for the company’s colored flags to find the starting point. After a brief 30-minute van ride, the group reaches Salto do Cabrito, ready for the guided walk.

The initial part of the journey involves descending a dirt path, where lush greenery surrounds the trail. This section offers an immersive taste of the native flora and the chance to enjoy the sounds of flowing streams while approaching the waterfall. The natural scenery primes visitors for the highlights ahead, setting a relaxed and scenic tone for the adventure.

Approaching Salto do Cabrito Waterfall

The main highlight of this tour is the close-up view of Salto do Cabrito Waterfall. Upon arriving, the guide provides interesting details about the waterfall’s formation and significance. Guests have ample time to take photos and appreciate the power of nature cascading down the rocks.

After enjoying the waterfall, the group prepares for the ascent, climbing stairs with a steep slope. Along the way, travelers cross an iron walkway, which offers a unique perspective but may challenge those with a fear of heights. Despite this, the path remains safe, and the views of the stream and surrounding forest make the climb worthwhile.

Visiting the Iconic Hydroelectric Power Station

Next, the tour takes a step back into engineering history with a visit to the former Hydroelectric Power Station. This site showcases one of the first electrical plants on the island, dating from the 19th century. The dam here creates an artificial lake with a maximum height of 11 meters and was significantly remodeled in 2005.

The dam’s masonry construction and reinforced interior concrete demonstrate the durability of early hydroelectric engineering. The guide shares insights into how the dam and the hydroelectric plant have evolved to serve the island’s water needs, providing a tangible link between past and present energy sources.

More Great Tours Nearby

Passing Through Faja do Redondo’s Dam and Waterways

The path also includes a visit to Faja do Redondo’s Dam, another vital part of Sao Miguel’s water management system. This dam controls water flow and helps sustain the island’s hydroelectric infrastructure. Walking near these structures illustrates how water resources are harnessed for energy and daily use, blending natural beauty with engineering ingenuity.

While passing through these areas, visitors walk close to streams fed by bubbling waterfalls, feeling the vibrant energy of the environment. The guide explains how volcanic activity in the Azores underpins these geothermal and hydroelectric systems, enriching the experience with geological context.

Discovering Azores Geothermy and Hotspots

One of the unique features of this tour is the explanation of Azores geothermy. The guide describes how volcanic heat is utilized, including fumaroles where dishes can be cooked under the hot ground—an unusual and fascinating aspect of the island’s geothermal activity.

While the tour doesn’t include cooking demos, the mention of fumaroles adds a sense of the island’s volcanic character. It helps visitors understand how natural heat plays a role in local energy production and daily life, providing an educational layer to the scenic walk.

Walking Close to Streams and Iron Bridges

Throughout the tour, you walk very close to streams and feel immersed in vibrant, leafy surroundings. One of the memorable moments is crossing suspended iron bridges over streams, offering views of the flowing water below and the lush forest around.

These features add a sense of adventure and closeness to nature, making the walk both exciting and relaxing. The guide highlights the importance of water in the region’s ecosystem and energy infrastructure, reinforcing the connection between nature and human use.

Return Journey and Final Views

After exploring the waterfalls, dams, and geothermal sites, the group ascends back via the same steep stairs and iron walkways. The return route offers different perspectives of the landscape, with ample time to reflect on what was learned and seen.

The tour concludes with a 30-minute van ride back to Futurismo Azores Adventures in Ponta Delgada. This allows for a comfortable end to the experience, where participants can relax and discuss the highlights before departing.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The tour includes bilingual guides in English and Portuguese, ensuring clear explanations of the sites and water resource significance. Participants receive walking sticks to assist during the hike, which is designed as an easy circular route.

Food and drinks are not included, so it’s advisable to bring water, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, people with mobility issues, or those with altitude sickness.

Meeting takes place at Futurismo Azores Adventures, with full cancellation flexibility up to 24 hours in advance. The experience offers a wonderful mix of scenic beauty, engineering history, and natural science, ideal for curious visitors seeking an active yet accessible outing.

Final Thoughts: A Natural and Educational Walk in Sao Miguel

This guided walk to Salto do Cabrito offers a compelling glimpse into Sao Miguel’s water management and geothermal energy. Visitors enjoy stunning waterfalls, historic hydroelectric sites, and lush forest scenery—all within an accessible, well-organized 3-hour experience.

The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, perfect for asking questions and connecting with the guide’s expertise. The included walking sticks and manageable pace make it suitable for most physically capable travelers, although those with mobility challenges should consider suitability.

This tour balances nature, history, and engineering seamlessly. It appeals most to nature lovers, history buffs, and energy enthusiasts who want a meaningful, scenic outing in the Azores. The $48 price point reflects good value for this combination of outdoor activity and educational content, making it a worthwhile addition to any Sao Miguel itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

• Where does the tour start?
  It starts at Futurismo Azores Adventures in Ponta Delgada.

• Is transportation included?
  Yes, after the initial meeting, a van transports the group to and from the trail.

• What is included in the tour?
  Bilingual guides and walking sticks are provided.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, food and drinks are not included.

• What should I bring?
  Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, a daypack, and closed-toe shoes.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years.

• Can people with mobility issues participate?
  No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

• What about the scenery?
  Expect picturesque views of waterfalls, streams, and lush forests.

• How many people are in each group?
  The group is limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
  More Great Tours Nearby