PONTA DELGADA BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Four Lagoons Traverse: A Plateau Walk from Miradouros to Poço do Bacalhau
A focused 4-hour, guided hike across Flores’s high plateau from the Miradouro das Lagoas Negra e Comprida to Fajã Grande—this guide breaks down the route, the highlights, and what you need to know before you go.
Four Lagoons Traverse: A Plateau Walk from Miradouros to Poço do Bacalhau.
The 4 Lagoas Experience – Trilho is a guided, four-hour hike that threads the high plateau of Flores, beginning at the Miradouro das Lagoas Negra e Comprida and ending at the dramatic descent to Fajã Grande and the Poço do Bacalhau. Along eight kilometers of mixed green and rocky terrain, guides point out local flora and birdlife, lead you past Lagoa Seca and Lagoa Branca, and finish with a chance to rest — and possibly swim — beneath the waterfall before a local lunch.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Plateau vistas and the four lagoons
The route opens on the Miradouro das Lagoas Negra e Comprida with wide views over two of Flores’s most recognizable crater lakes, then continues across the central plateau where the landscape alternates between lush green and volcanic rock.
A privileged zone for bird observation
Sections of the walk pass the Lagoa Branca and Lagoa Seca, areas noted for their richness in migratory and resident birds—an ideal stretch for those tuned to avian sights and calls.
Descent to Fajã Grande and Poço do Bacalhau
The trail concludes with a rocky descent into Fajã Grande and a finish at the Poço do Bacalhau waterfall — a natural resting point that, conditions permitting, doubles as a place to cool off with a swim.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a steady, 4-hour guided hike that moves from lookout to lagoon to plateau before a pronounced descent to the island’s westernmost settlement. The route mixes wide viewpoints with quieter lagoon edges and rocky walking, guided commentary on local plants and history, and concludes with a restorative stop at a waterfall followed by a local lunch.
THE LANDSCAPE
Plateau vistas and the four lagoons
The route opens on the Miradouro das Lagoas Negra e Comprida with wide views over two of Flores’s most recognizable crater lakes, then continues across the central plateau where the landscape alternates between lush green and volcanic rock.
THE WILDLIFE
A privileged zone for bird observation
Sections of the walk pass the Lagoa Branca and Lagoa Seca, areas noted for their richness in migratory and resident birds—an ideal stretch for those tuned to avian sights and calls.
THE FINALE
Descent to Fajã Grande and Poço do Bacalhau
The trail concludes with a rocky descent into Fajã Grande and a finish at the Poço do Bacalhau waterfall — a natural resting point that, conditions permitting, doubles as a place to cool off with a swim.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided experience runs approximately four hours and covers roughly 8 km over mixed terrain at a medium difficulty level.
Participants meet at Experience OC for departure and briefing before the walk.
Wear appropriate hiking footwear and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing; bring sufficient water, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a camera or phone for photos and an optional light snack.
Participants should have moderate endurance; the trail involves climbs, descents and irregular surfaces and may be unsuitable for those with significant physical limitations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike?
The guided trail lasts approximately four hours and covers about 8 km.
Where does the hike start and finish?
The walk begins at the Miradouro das Lagoas Negra e Comprida and finishes at the Poço do Bacalhau in Fajã Grande.
Is swimming allowed at the waterfall?
The itinerary ends at Poço do Bacalhau with the possibility of swimming if conditions permit.
What should I bring on the trail?
Bring suitable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sufficient water, sun protection and optionally a light snack and a camera.
Are there any age or health restrictions?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; pregnant travelers are advised to limit activities to light exertion and the route is not recommended for people with significant mobility issues.
What kind of landscapes and wildlife will I see?
The route crosses the central plateau and visits Lagoas Negra, Comprida, Seca and Branca, offering a variety of green and rocky landscapes and a privileged zone for bird observation.