Caldeira Velha Tours

Caldeira Velha Tours

Immerse yourself in a prehistoric paradise. Discover São Miguel's famous iron-rich hot springs nestled in a lush, volcanic forest.

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Multiple options available
1 Languages
Small groups available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

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Experience

Your Gateway to São Miguel's Natural Thermal Paradise

Escape into the heart of São Miguel's volcanic landscape at Caldeira Velha, a designated Natural Monument and a true Azorean gem. Nestled on the verdant slopes of the Fogo Volcano, this unique park offers a sanctuary of relaxation and natural beauty. Imagine sinking into naturally heated, iron-rich thermal pools, with temperatures ranging from a balmy 26°C to a toasty 38°C, all while enveloped by a lush, subtropical forest that feels like a scene from another era. Booking a tour that includes Caldeira Velha allows you to seamlessly integrate this unforgettable experience into a wider exploration of São Miguel's wonders, often combining it with visits to Lagoa do Fogo or nearby pineapple plantations, all handled by expert local guides.

Why Book Your Caldeira Velha Experience With Us?

Curated Selection of Top Tours

We've handpicked the best tours that include a visit to Caldeira Velha, saving you hours of research. Access the highest-rated experiences from São Miguel's most reputable operators.

Verified Traveler Reviews

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Flexible Planning

Plans change, we get it. Many of the tours we feature offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your experience, giving you ultimate flexibility for your Azores adventure.

24/7 Partner Support

Once you book, you'll have access to the 24/7 customer support of our global tour operator partners, ready to assist you with any questions about your upcoming trip.

See the twin lakes of the Sete Cidades volcanic crater of São Miguel Island
Stop for typical Azorean food in a local restaurant
Drive along the scenic road of the Pico do Carvão mountain
Marvel at the unique flora of the Azores
Enjoy panoramic lake views

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Visitor Experience
Limited time slots (usually 1.5-2 hours)
Multiple thermal pools with varying temperatures
Lush, humid forest environment
Walkways connect pools and facilities
What to Consider
Iron-rich water can stain light-colored swimwear
Book in advance, especially in peak season
Not a large water park, but a natural monument
Changing rooms and showers are available on site
Physicality
Some walking on boardwalks and stone paths
Steps to enter and exit pools
Generally accessible but may have uneven surfaces
Best For
Nature lovers and relaxation seekers
Couples looking for a romantic experience
Travelers exploring the Fogo Volcano area

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • • Book your tickets or tour well in advance, especially for summer travel, as entry is strictly limited by time slots
  • • Tours that combine Caldeira Velha with Lagoa do Fogo offer great value and efficient sightseeing
  • • Double-check if the tour price includes the Caldeira Velha entrance fee (approx. €8-€10), as some list it as an optional extra
  • • Book a morning time slot if possible to avoid the larger afternoon crowds and have a more tranquil experience.

What to Bring

  • • Dark-colored swimsuit
  • • Dark-colored towel
  • • Flip-flops or water shoes
  • • Change of clothes
  • • Waterproof bag for wet items
  • • Credit card or cash for entry/locker if not included in tour
  • • Reusable water bottle
  • • Waterproof phone case or camera

Best Seasons to Visit

Caldeira Velha is a wonderful year-round destination. Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) offer a great balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is the peak season and booking in advance is essential. A winter visit can be particularly magical, soaking in the hot water while the air is cool and misty.

What to Wear

Wear your darkest colored swimsuit to avoid irreversible stains from the iron-rich water|Bring comfortable walking shoes for the park's trails in addition to flip-flops for the pool area|A light rain jacket is always a good idea in the Azores, as weather can change quickly|Consider bringing a robe or a large towel for walking between pools on cooler days.

Planning

Historical Context

Caldeira Velha is part of the volcanic complex of the Fogo Volcano, which last erupted in 1563. The thermal springs are a direct result of this ongoing geothermal activity, known as secondary volcanism. The area was classified as a Natural Monument and is part of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, recognizing its significant geological, environmental, and cultural value. The on-site Environmental Interpretation Centre was created to educate visitors about the unique biodiversity, geology, and history of this special location.

Photography Tips

  • • A waterproof case for your phone or a GoPro is highly recommended for in-water shots
  • • Use a polarizing filter to cut through the glare on the water's surface and deepen the greens of the foliage
  • • Capture the steam rising from the water for atmospheric photos, especially on cooler days or in the morning
  • • Look for detailed shots: the texture of the giant ferns, the orange color of the water against the dark volcanic rock, the light filtering through the canopy.

Insider Tips

  • • Bring a dark-colored towel and swimsuit to avoid stains from the iron water
  • • Use the lockers available on-site for your valuables for peace of mind
  • • Rinse off in the cold showers after your soak to wash away the iron residue from your skin and hair
  • • Don't rush; take time to walk the lush forest trails beyond the main pools to fully appreciate the unique flora
  • • Bring a waterproof phone pouch to capture photos in the water without risk.

Our Partners

  • • We are proud to connect travelers with world-class tour experiences through our official partnerships with leading platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator. This ensures you have access to a curated selection of the best, most reliable tours in the Azores.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour operator booked through our partners. Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour time. Always check the specific policy on the booking page before completing your purchase.

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

K
Klaus Schmidt
Germany • 2024-09-05

Ein Naturwunder!

Booking a tour that included Caldeira Velha was the best decision. No stress with parking, and our guide was fantastic. The hot pools in the middle of this green jungle are just magical. The water is very brown from the iron, so believe the warnings and wear dark clothes! It was the highlight of our Azores trip.

E
Emily Carter
United Kingdom • 2024-08-22

Jurassic Park vibes!

Felt like stepping into another world. The lush ferns and steamy pools are incredible. We booked a tour through this platform's partner, GetYourGuide, and it was seamless. The 1.5-hour slot was just enough time to enjoy everything without it being too crowded. Highly recommend a morning visit!

I
Isabelle Dubois
Canada • 2024-07-16

Beautiful but be prepared

A stunningly beautiful location. The hot springs are very relaxing. However, it gets very busy, and the change rooms are a bit chaotic. Booking a tour helped manage the logistics. I recommend bringing water shoes as the ground can be a bit rough in the pools. The experience itself is a must-do.

M
Marco Rossi
Italy • 2024-09-10

Relaxing and fascinating

More than just a hot spring, it's a beautiful natural park. The interpretation center was surprisingly interesting. Our tour guide gave us great context on the volcanic activity. Soaking in the warm waterfall pool was pure bliss. A perfect afternoon after hiking near Lagoa do Fogo.

A
Aoife Murphy
Ireland • 2024-06-28

An essential Azores experience

You can't come to São Miguel and not visit Caldeira Velha. The landscape is breathtaking. It's a very well-managed attraction with timed entry, which I appreciate. My only tip is to bring your own dark towel, as renting one is an extra cost. The tour we booked was excellent value.

K
Kenji Tanaka
Japan • 2024-05-15

Peaceful and Unique

A very unique hot spring experience, different from Japanese onsen. The forest setting is the main attraction. The iron water feels soft on the skin. I joined a small group tour and it was very well organized. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. A truly memorable place.

S
Sofia Nilsson
Sweden • 2024-08-01

Wonderful nature, a bit crowded

The nature here is 5-star, absolutely stunning. The thermal pools are lovely. It loses one star because even with timed entry, it felt quite crowded in the main pools during our August visit. Booking a tour was convenient. I would suggest trying to visit in the shoulder season for a more serene experience.

D
David Miller
USA • 2024-09-20

Top notch tour and destination

Used this site to book a combo tour of Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha. The process was easy, the partner operator was professional, and the experience was A+. Caldeira Velha was the perfect way to relax after a morning of sightseeing. It's clean, organized, and stunningly beautiful. A must-do on São Miguel.

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