Ribeira Grande: Sete Cidades Quad / Buggy Tour

A $80.25 per person, 4-hour adventure on all-terrain vehicles and buggies takes you through some of the most stunning sights of Sao Miguel, Portugal. Starting from the parish of Pico da Pedra, this tour offers a well-rounded blend of paved roads, dirt paths, and dramatic mountain vistas, with guides who are knowledgeable and attentive. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and a sense of adventure, providing options for both ATVs and covered buggies in case of rain.

The itinerary features several notable stops, including Pico da Cruz, Miradouro Das Cumeeiras, and the breathtaking Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul within the Sete Cidades caldera. The tour culminates with a visit to Vista do Rei, one of the most celebrated viewpoints of the island’s volcanic landscape. The small group setting, capped at 6 travelers, ensures a personalized experience, with safety equipment, insurance, and fuel included.

Key Points

• Affordable and comprehensive 4-hour ATV and buggy tour around São Miguel’s highlights
• Expert guides who provide safety instructions, local insights, and adapt routes based on weather
• Seven stops including scenic viewpoints, historic aqueduct, and the iconic Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul
• Small groups for a personalized and safe experience, with all equipment included
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and a sense of adventure
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

Starting at Pico da Pedra for Safety and Orientation

The tour begins at Largo de S. José 4 in Ribeira Grande, where an initial briefing covers ATV safety instructions and tour preparation. After this 20-minute introduction, riders are equipped with helmets, gloves, and insurance, setting the tone for a safe yet exhilarating ride. This initial step ensures everyone feels confident before heading off on the diverse trail system.

Exploring Muro das Nove Janelas and Historical Aqueducts

The second stop takes visitors to Muro das Nove Janelas, a historic aqueduct dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. This impressive structure, with its nine windows of stone arches, was built to channel water from Canário Lake to Ponta Delgada, helping to solve local water shortages. The site has been carefully restored and preserved, offering a glimpse into the island’s engineering past.

Reaching Pico da Cruz for Panoramic Mountain Views

At 845 meters above sea level, Pico da Cruz provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lakes—Lagoa Santiago, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa Verde, and Lagoa Azul. The 20-minute stop allows visitors to admire these crater lakes and take in the vast landscape from a high vantage point, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts.

Miradouro Das Cumeeiras: Overlooking the Crater and Coastline

The Miradouro Das Cumeeiras offers a perspective opposite to Vista do Rei, with a broad view of the Sete Cidades crater and its four lagoons. During 30 minutes here, riders can appreciate the volcanic landscape, gaze over the lush northern coast of São Miguel, and spot green pastures and grazing cows—a peaceful contrast to the rugged volcanic terrain.

The Iconic Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul Within Sete Cidades

The main highlight of this tour is the two-hour stop at Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, inside the largest volcanic caldera in the Azores. These famous lagoons are connected and surrounded by large and small Cumeeiras das Sete Cidades. The colors of the lagoons are the result of mineral content, and the site is famous for the legend of a blue-eyed princess and green-eyed shepherd.

This area is considered one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders in non-marine aquatic areas. Visitors get the chance to take numerous photos and enjoy close-up views of the crater’s volcanic formations and crystalline waters.

Vista do Rei: A Historic Overlook

From the Vista do Rei viewpoint, named after a visit by King Charles I and Queen Amelia in 1901, travelers can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sete Cidades caldera and the lake below. This 20-minute stop is a classic photo spot and offers a memorable panoramic of the island’s volcanic landscape.

Return to Pico da Pedra and Tour The Sum Up

The tour wraps up back at Largo de S. José, with a final 10-minute stop at Pico da Pedra. Here, travelers can reflect on the adventure, having explored some of the most scenic and historic parts of São Miguel in a small, intimate group.

Practical Details and Inclusions

This tour includes a guidance from knowledgeable guides, helmet, insurance, fuel, and gloves to ensure safety and comfort. The activity is limited to 6 travelers, promoting a personal experience. Meeting points are easy to access, and the tour begins with a safety briefing to ensure confidence before heading off on the trails.

The cancellation policy offers full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, making the trip a low-risk option. Weather conditions are a factor—if poor weather prompts cancellation, a different date or full refund is provided.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and exhilarating off-road trails makes this tour highly appealing. The expert guidance, especially the praise for guides like Pedro, enhances the experience with local insights and personalized care. The small group setting guarantees a more tailored experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

Ribeira Grande: Sete Cidades Quad / Buggy Tour

This highly-rated tour offers an engaging way to see São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and lakes, with consistent praise for the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. The price point is competitive, especially for what you get: a full 4 hours of adventure and stunning vistas.

While the tour emphasizes safety and comfort, it also caters to adventurous spirits seeking a dynamic exploration of the island. Its well-planned stops and flexibility for weather conditions make it a reliable choice, especially for those who want a personalized, scenic, off-road experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is designed for individuals with moderate physical fitness and adventurous spirits. Since it involves riding ATVs and buggies, it’s best for those comfortable with off-road vehicles, but the small group size and safety equipment help make it a family-friendly option.

What should I wear for the tour?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity is recommended. Helmets, gloves, and safety gear are provided, but wearing long sleeves and sturdy shoes is advisable for protection and comfort.

Can I choose between ATV and buggy?
The tour offers the option to do the route with a covered buggy if rain is forecasted or if preferred. The guides are flexible and will adapt the route based on weather conditions.

How long are the stops at each location?
Most stops are between 20 to 30 minutes, with the largest stop at Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul lasting about 2 hours for exploration and photography.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect panoramic views from Pico da Cruz and Vista do Rei, visits to historic aqueducts, and the spectacular Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul in the Sete Cidades caldera.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
The tour involves off-road vehicle riding and walking at stops, so it may not be ideal for individuals with mobility limitations.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 41 days in advance, but early reservations are recommended to secure a spot on this popular activity.

What if the weather is poor on the day of my tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy—if canceled 24 hours before, a full refund is available. If the weather is unsuitable, the activity may be canceled or rescheduled.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size makes it suitable for solo travelers seeking a personalized adventure with guided attention.

How do I reserve my spot?
Booking can be done through the provider, 4×4 Azores, and the tour includes a mobile ticket for convenience.

This Sete Cidades Quad / Buggy Tour offers an exciting way to explore São Miguel’s most scenic volcanic landscapes, combining adventure with breathtaking views and cultural stops. Its small group setting and friendly guides ensure a personalized experience that makes this activity a highlight of any trip to the Azores.