Salto do Cabrito lies nestled in the verdant landscapes of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, surrounded by dense vegetation. This stunning waterfall, a natural treasure of the Azores, attracts thousands of visitors annually with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil ambiance.
Reaching Salto do Cabrito is an adventure, whether by car or a scenic footpath that immerses you in lush greenery. Once there, you’ll experience an intimate connection with nature, perfect for relaxation or exploration. Make the most of your trip by discovering other nearby attractions in Ribeira Grande.
What is Salto do Cabrito
The Salto do Cabrito, known for its imposing, crystal-clear waterfall, is one of the area’s most popular natural attractions that appeals to kids and adults alike, regardless of their age and personal tastes. If you like exploring nature, this place will give you a unique experience to enjoy with family or friends. Set off on an adventure and collect unforgettable memories.
What to Do at Salto do Cabrito
Explore the hiking trail
Salto do Cabrito hiking trail (PRC29 SMI) begins and ends near Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. The circular route takes you along a dirt track surrounded by dense incense, acacia, cryptomeria, and eucalyptus vegetation. Along the 8.5 km trail, you’ll pass by the Fajã do Redondo dam and enjoy privileged views over the sea and the fields with cows. This medium-difficulty route challenges hikers with steeper inclines and takes an average of 3 hours to complete.
→ Related tour: Hiking in Salto do Cabrito (half-day)
Pro Tip
We recommend that you wear light, comfortable clothing. Take the opportunity to pack a backpack with a beach towel, sunscreen, water, some snacks, extra clothes, a camera, and possibly a power bank.
Dive into the waterfall
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall is a beautiful natural monument that will never leave its visitors indifferent. The site has a small natural lake where you can bathe peacefully. The imposing waterfall stands approximately 40 meters high, with crystal-clear waters that become irresistible on the hottest days. On warm days, visitors often can’t resist taking a refreshing dip in its deliciously cool waters. Surrounded by vegetation, the place is perfect for its freshness and tranquility.
Quick Info
If you want another view of Salto do Cabrito, climb the metal stairs and follow the waterfall. At the top, you’ll find a viewpoint from which you can enjoy the fantastic scenery nearby.
Plan Your Visit
How to get to Salto do Cabrito
Salto do Cabrito is a must-see destination in São Miguel. It is near the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument and Lagoa do Fogo. You can reach it by car or on foot. The trail from the Caldeira Velha area takes about 45 minutes for those walking, offering a scenic hike through lush vegetation. If driving from Ponta Delgada, the journey will take approximately 20 minutes.
🗺️ View the GPS coordinates for Salto do Cabrito Waterfall on Google Maps.
You can park your car on the side of the road and walk 500 meters to your destination. However, you can also drive your car to the parking lot 50 meters from the waterfall — it may not be a good idea on rainy days, as the road is very steep and slippery.
→ Related articles: São Miguel | Lagoa do Fogo | Caldeira Velha | Ponta Delgada
Best time to visit
Due to its location, temperatures in São Miguel are mild all year round. However, rain and lower temperatures become more frequent in the winter months. In this sense, the best time to visit this waterfall is usually between May and September, when the days are sunny and more inviting to bathe in the waterfall.
However, it’s important to note that cloudy skies are a common feature of all the islands in the archipelago, so it may sometimes be difficult to appreciate the true splendor of some of Ribeira Grande’s viewpoints.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Quick Info
If you visit Salto do Cabrito mid-morning on a sunny day, the sun’s rays pass through the crack at the top of the waterfall, giving you a different perspective.
Where to Eat near Salto do Cabrito
If you need somewhere to eat near Salto do Cabrito, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where to Stay near Salto do Cabrito
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What to Do After Visiting the Salto do Cabrito
Visit Ribeira Grande
Ribeira Grande has several tourist attractions that promise to win the hearts of those who visit the town. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — the peace of nature and the hustle and bustle of the city. The government elevated the town to city status on June 29, 1981. The municipality of Ribeira Grande serves as the seat, and locals consider it the second-largest population area on São Miguel Island.
The region boasts natural attractions tucked away in lush surroundings and historic and residential buildings, churches, and Gothic and Manueline-style monuments. It has a wonderful natural and architectural legacy.
→ Related articles: Ribeira Grande | Lagoa de São Brás | Ponta de Santa Iria Viewpoint | Pico da Barrosa Viewpoint
Discover Lagoa do Fogo
Lagoa do Fogo, the second-largest lagoon on São Miguel Island, rests inside the crater of the Água de Pau Volcano. With its azure waters and surrounded by dense, lush vegetation, this serene spot is a true natural gem. Since 1974, the lagoon has been classified as a nature reserve. It boasts various endemic plants such as cedar, laurel, heather, and horehound. At an elevation of 949 meters, Lagoa do Fogo is the highest lake on the island, with a maximum depth of 30 meters. It offers a peaceful escape into nature.
→ Related article: Lagoa do Fogo
Explore the Caldeira Velha
Caldeira Velha lies in the crater of the Fogo Volcano and is part of the São Miguel Natural Park. It has held the status of Natural and Regional Monument since 2008. This site, recognized as a biosphere reserve, plays a vital role in the fauna and flora of the Laurissilva forests. It is home to tree ferns and other unique species. The area features three hot water pools from the Lagoa do Fogo Volcanic Complex. Visitors can also explore fumaroles, gasification areas, a thermal spring, and a scenic hike.
→ Related article: Caldeira Velha
Visit the Environmental Interpretation Center of Caldeira Velha (CIACV)
The Environmental Interpretation Center of Caldeira Velha (CIACV) promotes the Caldeira Velha Natural and Regional Monument. This tourist attraction is currently classified as a natural heritage area. Visitors will also be able to discover the boiler’s specifics. The CIACV will complement informal education on this tourist attraction. The space has an interpretive exhibition that takes visitors through the islands’ origins. Here, you will also find information on the Caldeira Velha Natural Park and Natural Monument — biodiversity and geodiversity.
Discover the Caldeiras Thermal Baths in Ribeira Grande
The Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande thermal baths stand in the heart of São Miguel. In the mid-19th century, builders constructed these stone-masonry structures and painted them white. These baths feature stone-masonry structures painted in white, which enhance the complex’s historical charm. The lush Laurissilva forest surrounds the thermal complex, and a stream crosses it, adding to its natural charm. In the center, you’ll find a boiling water caldera with varying shades of light blue.
The oldest bath in the complex dates back to 1803 and was later incorporated into the Crown Baths building in 1811. Around the caldera, visitors can find nine cooking holes and several grills. These facilities are perfect for enjoying a delightful family meal. The serene setting enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor dining.
→ Related article: Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande
Visit Lombadas Waterfall
Lombadas Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls on São Miguel Island. It is located in the Lombadas Valley. The waterfall is near Ribeira Grande and Água d’Alto. This natural tourist attraction is 30 meters high. To access the beautiful waterfall, you’ll have to walk along the 1.8 km-long linear trail. Although the path is steep, it has many irregularities, making it dangerous and highly difficult.
→ Related article: Água d’Alto
Visit Fajã do Redondo Dam
The Fajã do Redondo Hydroelectric Power Station, in Ribeira Grande, sits on the road to Vale das Lombadas. Operated by EDA (Electricity of the Azores), the dam has been in operation since 1927. It began supplying electricity to Ponta Delgada, reinforcing the power supply to the Azorean capital.
The dam features an 11-meter-high wall and an artificial lake that stores water. This setup provides a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century hydroelectric power generation. A visit to this site offers the opportunity to learn about the history of hydroelectricity in the Azores.
Enjoy the View from Bela Vista Viewpoint
The Bela Vista viewpoint is located near Lagoa do Fogo in Ribeira Grande. It is at an impressive altitude of 570 meters, from which you can glimpse the beauty of the surrounding region. It offers breathtaking town views, providing a scenic panorama of the surrounding landscape.
Likewise, it also showcases the Sete Cidades Volcano, the Lombadas Valley, and the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Station. This viewpoint stretches from Ribeirinha, located on the island’s north coast, to the western side of São Miguel. The Bela Vista viewpoint provides convenient access, including a free visitor parking lot. It also features a ramp specifically designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility, ensuring accessibility for all.
→ Related article: Bela Vista Viewpoint | Sete Cidades
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Azorean Travel Essentials
Essential Information for Your Azores Trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
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FAQs
To reach Salto do Cabrito, drive from Ribeira Grande towards Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande. Along the way, follow the signs for Salto do Cabrito. The access road is partially unpaved and can be narrow, so drive carefully.
The Salto do Cabrito trail is a circular route that starts at the hydroelectric plant. It features steep ascents and descents and beautiful views of waterfalls and the surrounding forest. Take a tour here.
Salto do Cabrito is located in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, in São Miguel. View its GPS coordinates on Google Maps.
You can park your car on the side of the EN5-2A road and walk 500 meters to your destination. View the GPS coordinates for Salto do Cabrito Waterfall on Google Maps.
Yes, canyoning is available at Salto do Cabrito with Futurismo. Book a canyoning tour here.
Conclusion
Salto do Cabrito is an imposing waterfall approximately 40 meters high, surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to set off on your adventure along the Salto do Cabrito Trail, remember to take comfortable shoes and a backpack with the items mentioned. When you visit the waterfall, don’t forget to dip — the water is inviting and appealing.
Therefore, we recommend that you start planning your trip to Ribeira Grande and make a detailed itinerary of all the places you would like to visit. This is the only way to get the most out of the experience.
