Boca do Inferno Viewpoint – The Azores

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

The Miradouro da Boca do Inferno is one of, if not the most, famous views in the Azores. A simple Google Image search for “The Azores” or “Sao Miguel Island” will almost certainly yield dozens of photos of this stunning vista. The crater lakes of Sete Cidades can be viewed from above from several different viewpoints, but it’s hard to beat Boca do Inferno. Not to mention, it doesn’t require much effort to reach the overlook.

Getting There

While many of the viewpoints overlooking Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) are located right off the side of the road, the Boca do Inferno viewpoint requires a short walk/hike. There is, however, a small parking area (no fee) located on the side of the road where the trail begins. Chances are that the parking area will be crowded, but if you go at a less busy time, then it’s easy to miss.  The parking area is about a 15 minute drive from the town of Sete Cidades and 20 minutes from Ponta Delgada. The parking area is located on an unnamed yet well traveled and paved road about 5 minutes from the junction with Route EN9-1A. There will be an iron gate with a sign for Lagoa do Canario and there is limited parking in a dirt lot on the opposite side of the road. Apparently this gate is sometimes open, in which case you could drive down the road further and park even closer to the viewpoint. Either way, it’s not a long walk.

Read More: Top Things to do on Sao Miguel Island

The Walk

Walking from the road to the overlook takes about 15 minutes and it is an extremely simple trail to follow (see map above). You will start by bypassing the gate and walking downhill on a dirt road where you will see multiple paths to your left which lead down to Lagoa do Canario (Canary Lake). Lagoa do Canario is worth the short detour, but to arrive at the Boca do Inferno viewpoint you’ll continue straight.  You will quickly come to a sign that says “Miradouro” (viewpoint) and a road will branch off to your left. You’ll follow this road through a heavily wooded area until coming to a well-marked dirt road leading up and to the left. There are stairs that lead up the side of the moderately steep hillside. It will only take a couple of minutes before you’re greeted with some spectacular views.

The Views

There will be some views off to your right before reaching the end of the trail, but they only get better as you continue. By the time you reach the end of the trail, Lagoa de Santiago will be in clear view, with Lagoa Azul (right) and Lagoa Verde (left) just a bit farther in the distance.  You will also be able to see the much smaller Lago Rasa just to the left of Lagoa de Santiago. You’re basically perched above a huge volcanic crater filled with multicolored lagoons. If it’s not the best view on the island, it’s close.