Janela do Inferno is a trail that leads through the incredible biodiversity of the Azores. Literally translated, it means the Window to Hell, but we can assure you that this is nothing but paradise. This is not one of the most famous trails on São Miguel island, but it is definitely a good one to see various landscapes. Indeed, from cow pastures to a lush forest, passing by ancient aqueducts and tunnels, this hike will please everyone.
The tourism council is responsible for this official trail, which means it is well maintained and indicated in Portuguese and English all along the way. So, if you love wandering surrounded by nature while discovering the true face of our paradise islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, then let’s find out more about this epic walk on Green Island.
What is Janela do Inferno
Geology & Volcanology
Janela do Inferno is located right at the base of Água de Pau volcano, on the central part of São Miguel island. If you go up the road by car, you will arrive at Lagoa do Fogo, a lake inside the volcano crater.
The shape of this volcano surrounding Janela do Inferno is due to several eruptions, the strongest of which occurred about 15,000 years ago. Nowadays, we don’t see eruptions anymore; the last one happened in 1564.
Volcanic activity is still present in the region of Janela do Inferno. In fact, there are hot springs, fumaroles, and many other natural phenomena to see. Janela do Inferno in itself is a waterfall flowing down from a cave (the ‘window’), creating a little pond of clear water right at its base.
History & Geography
This is a recently officialized trail, but locals have used it for a long time. Indeed, the old aqueduct system you will see on the trail was initially designed to bring water from mountain springs down to the Alcohol Factory in the town of Lagoa. This factory has not produced alcohol since the second half of the 20th century.
Janela do Inferno is on the south side of São Miguel island — Azores. It belongs to Lagoa, one of the six counties of the island. From east to west, the location of Janela do Inferno is quite central. Being only around 15 minutes by car from the central city of Ponta Delgada.
Fauna & Flora
While walking the trail of Janela do Inferno, you might see some birds and lizards, but the stars of the show are undoubtedly our beautiful cows. You will pass by many farmlands where milk cows graze on the greenest grass. Once at the waterfall, you can spot Newts (Triturus cristatus) in several phases of their life cycle (adults, juveniles, and larvae). So be patient and look for them around the pond.
Culture & Festivities
Once a year, a famous art festival called ‘Walk and Talk’ organizes concerts and exhibitions in nature. It usually takes place around July. Janela do Inferno is a gorgeous space, so they already included this trail in their festival for a cellist live.
What to Do at Janela do Inferno
Hike Along Pastures
Janela do Inferno is a relatively easy trail without big ascents or descents. It is a circular trail, which means the departure and arrival points are the same. In total, it is about 7.6 kilometers, and it takes around 2.5 hours to walk.
Begin the hike by Casa da Água (the ‘water house,’ which actually is a former milk station that is now an information point for hikers). Then, you will need to go down the path, pass by the picnic area, and turn left. Always follow the red and yellow signs until you find a dirt path going up on your left. While you climb, don’t forget to turn back to have a beautiful view over the counties of Lagoa and Ponta Delgada, bordered by the ocean.
You will pass by different pastures where cows are gently staring at travelers passing by. Don’t forget to take some pictures of our famous cows.
→ Related articles: Lagoa | Ponta Delgada
Cross the Tunnels
Now, you will go from typical bright green farmlands to a lush jungle with darker shades of green. You will encounter the first of 4 tunnels, which are old aqueducts. The last tunnel you will see is about 50 meters long. As some tunnels are longer than others, it is recommended that you have a flashlight with you to avoid putting your feet where they shouldn’t be. While some of them were formerly used for the Alcohol Factory, nowadays, some still transport water to Lagoa County.
Admire the Waterfall
Finally, the biggest highlight of the hike is this beautiful waterfall, which you will find at the end of the hike (before returning to the departure point). This is Janela do Inferno: a tall vertical wall with springs inside flowing from the small cave, which was created by water erosion.
Look out for the newts at the little pond. Take some time to admire this unique place before returning via the other side of the river and inhaling pure air surrounded by the lush forest of Serra de Água de Pau.
→ Related articles: Sete Cidades | Lagoa das Sete Cidades | Sete Cidades Legend
Best Time to Visit Janela do Inferno
Best Season
The Azores Archipelago is known for its mild temperatures throughout the year. However, the rain and cloudy skies are constant in the Spring, Autumn, and Winter months.
The island of São Miguel is in the Eastern Group of the Archipelago. Here, you will notice the atypical characteristics of this climate resulting from several factors that contribute to its plant exuberance and landscape value. On average, temperatures vary between 16 degrees in spring, 21 degrees in summer, 18 degrees in autumn, and 14 degrees in winter.
Thus, if you want to enjoy all the splendor of this island and this specific place, the best time to visit is between May and September, when the probability of rain is lower. On the other hand, if you would like to make your trip in this time frame, we advise you to organize and book your stay and flights as soon as possible — prices tend to go up a lot.
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
Best Time of the Day
The trail is open at all times and is a delight to visit at any time. If you go early in the morning or during lunchtime, you can enjoy the place almost to yourself. Going in the afternoon is also a good idea as long as you are aware of sunset time, so you can avoid walking in the dark and see the magnificent sunset on the Fogo volcano.
Plan Your Visit to Janela do Inferno
How to Get
You can get to the starting point of Janela do Inferno’s hike by car, guided tour, or taxi. Currently, there is no public transportation that goes up the mountain. It is only a few minutes away by car from the town of Lagoa and 15 to 20 minutes from Ponta Delgada.
Once you park the car at the picnic area, you will see an information point with all the details about the trail. The trail is well-marked with official red and yellow signs. However, if you get lost, you can always use a GPS for dirt roads like Maps.me.
What to Bring
Before starting the trail, make sure you have all the equipment you need to stay warm, safe, and comfortable. First, check if you have enough water and snacks for the walk. Be careful with the sun, too. As we are in the middle of the ocean, it can hit you stronger than you are used to. Using sunscreen is always a good idea. Moreover, remember that a headlight or flashlight for the tunnels is recommended.
As for clothes, depending on the time of the year you are coming to our islands, it is variable. However, it is strongly advised to dress in layers. A waterproof jacket is a must-have, and a sweater or warm top is also good to have for the moments when you will be stopping and not walking. Pants are always better than shorts for hiking in the forest and avoiding leg scratches. Hiking shoes or boots are also the safest options so as not to slip in the mud on rainy days.
Where to Eat
If you need a place to eat near Janela do Inferno, click here. In this link, you will find the Top 10 restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where to Stay
Pro Tips
You can take pictures of cows but do not try to enter private fields to take a closer look at them. First, they might not like it, and second, there might be guard dogs inside to protect their cows. One tip that applies everywhere you go in nature is to not take anything but pictures and not leave anything but footprints. Leave the place as you found it for the pleasure of future visitors and respect for Mother Nature.
What to Do Around Janela do Inferno
Venture to Lagoa do Fogo
This awe-inspiring turquoise lake is a pure testimony of nature’s pace. Many stories can be told, and yours might start here. This least humanized and preserved area even had its pumice beach on the lagoon margins, and it was awarded the best wild beach in Portugal in the 7 Wonders – Beaches of Portugal Contest.
Due to its untouched landscape, Lagoa do Fogo is a great place to be one with nature. The green peninsulas diving into the pristine waters are great photo subjects. Enjoy many trails around to discover this unique lake in a volcano crater.
→ Related article: Lagoa do Fogo
Get Warm at Caldeira Velha
When visiting Caldeira Velha is like entering Jurassic World, which is full of exuberant nature. It is an authentic spa in the open air, surrounded by lush vegetation. The iron-rich water of this spa in the open air is naturally warm at any time. This green jungle, classified as a Natural Regional Monument, will transport you to another planet. Deep inside the forest with many plants dating from the Cretaceous period, hold your breath and dive into the warm thermal iron-rich waters. It has to be on your to-do list! Enjoy the unique scenery straight out of a Jurassic Park film.
→ Related article: Caldeira Velha
Go See the Waterfall Salto do Cabrito
Hidden inside a lush forest and set in scenery straight out of a fairy tale, Salto do Cabrito is an impressive waterfall about 40 meters high. A swim close to the waterfall in the crystal clear waters at the bottom will make you feel connected to nature. Harmony is in the air at this natural masterpiece.
→ Related article: Salto do Cabrito
Wander in the Picturesque Streets of Lagoa City
Lagoa is where nature meets urban life and creates the perfect balance. Some minutes away from the town, there are hidden trails full of waterfalls, mystic volcanic lakes, and idyllic beaches. Culture and history seekers will also be satisfied thanks to various museums and traditional events.
→ Related articles: Lagoa | Caloura
Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago boasts a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes, making it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, each season offers something unique. 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 enable you to compare prices and schedules from various airlines in one convenient location.
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!
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 provides live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, allowing you to 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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Conclusion
If you had to resume the Azores to one trail, Janela do Inferno would have most of the typical characteristics. From our lovely cows to the greenest grass you will ever see, ancient stone infrastructures, and the quiet of our lush nature, Janela do Inferno is everything but Hell.
Enjoy the beautiful nature of the Azores on one nice hike that is accessible to almost everyone. You can go walk and then relax at the hot springs nearby to relax the muscles. So, if you are planning to come to São Miguel island and didn’t put Janela do Inferno on your list of things to see, you should reconsider and include this incredible spot.
