{"id":13619,"date":"2025-12-21T20:40:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T20:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/?p=13619"},"modified":"2025-12-22T17:17:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T17:17:54","slug":"caldeira-velha-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/caldeira-velha-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Caldeira Velha Natural Monument"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"125\"><strong data-start=\"48\" data-end=\"125\">Discover the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument \u2013 A Hidden Gem in S\u00e3o Miguel<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"515\">Nestled on the northern slopes of the \u00c1gua de Pau mountain range, the <strong data-start=\"197\" data-end=\"238\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Caldeira Velha Natural Monument<\/span><\/span><\/strong> is one of the most captivating natural sites on <strong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"328\"><span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">S\u00e3o Miguel<\/span><\/span><\/strong>. This protected area blends <strong data-start=\"357\" data-end=\"411\">dramatic volcanic landscapes, endemic biodiversity<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"417\" data-end=\"448\">natural thermal experiences<\/strong> in a magical setting that enchants visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"520\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"556\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13621 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"woman walking inside a thermal pool with a waterfall\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Caldeira-Velha-Natural-Park-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3 data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"556\"><strong data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"556\">What Is Caldeira Velha?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"794\">Covering approximately <strong data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"596\">13 hectares<\/strong>, Caldeira Velha lies in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the flanks of the <strong data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"694\">Fogo Volcano<\/strong>, near the stunning <strong data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"731\">Lagoa do Fogo<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"735\" \/>It is an area of <strong data-start=\"752\" data-end=\"775\">secondary volcanism<\/strong>, characterized by:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"1072\">\n<li data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"845\">\n<p data-start=\"797\" data-end=\"845\"><strong data-start=\"797\" data-end=\"829\">Thermal springs rich in iron<\/strong> and fumaroles<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"846\" data-end=\"949\">\n<p data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"949\"><strong data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"893\">Natural waterfalls and warm thermal pools<\/strong>, with temperatures reaching around <strong data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"947\">38 \u00b0C (100 \u00b0F)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"1072\">\n<p data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1072\"><strong data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"984\">Unique geological formations<\/strong> and lush vegetation that combines native and endemic species with vibrant green forest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1077\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1125\"><strong data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1125\">An Unforgettable Thermal Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1127\" data-end=\"1358\">One of Caldeira Velha\u2019s main highlights is its <strong data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1199\">natural thermal pools<\/strong>. Surrounded by dense, tropical-like vegetation, these warm pools\u2014heated by geothermal energy\u2014offer a relaxing and immersive experience in the heart of nature.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1477\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The <strong data-start=\"1372\" data-end=\"1403\">pleasant water temperatures<\/strong> make these pools ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring S\u00e3o Miguel.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1482\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1530\"><strong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1530\">Environmental Interpretation Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"1709\">At the heart of the site you\u2019ll find the <strong data-start=\"1573\" data-end=\"1627\">Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Center<\/strong>, dedicated to showcasing the region\u2019s natural heritage. Visitors can learn about:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1836\">\n<li data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1751\">\n<p data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1751\">The <strong data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1735\">volcanic origin<\/strong> of the Azores<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1752\" data-end=\"1789\">\n<p data-start=\"1754\" data-end=\"1789\">How <strong data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1782\">geothermal phenomena<\/strong> work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1836\">\n<p data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1836\">The area\u2019s <strong data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1836\">biodiversity and geodiversity<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1925\">This center combines environmental education with tourism, enriching the overall visit.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1927\" data-end=\"1930\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1932\" data-end=\"1965\"><strong data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"1965\">Unique Flora and Fauna<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"2093\">Despite the presence of some introduced species, Caldeira Velha still preserves important <strong data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2083\">Azorean endemic plants<\/strong>, such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2252\">\n<li data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2135\">\n<p data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2135\"><strong data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2133\">Azorean heather (<em data-start=\"2115\" data-end=\"2130\">Erica azorica<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2136\" data-end=\"2176\">\n<p data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2176\"><strong data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2174\">Malfurada (<em data-start=\"2151\" data-end=\"2171\">Hypericum foliosum<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2215\">\n<p data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2215\"><strong data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2213\">Azorean holly (<em data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2210\">Ilex azorica<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2216\" data-end=\"2252\">\n<p data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2252\"><strong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2252\">Royal fern (<em data-start=\"2232\" data-end=\"2249\">Osmunda regalis<\/em>)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2377\">The area is also home to diverse birdlife, including the <strong data-start=\"2311\" data-end=\"2329\">Azores buzzard<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2334\" data-end=\"2347\">chaffinch<\/strong>, often seen along the trails.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2382\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2384\" data-end=\"2411\">\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"2392\" data-end=\"2411\">Plan Your Visit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2413\" data-end=\"2626\">To protect this precious natural space, <strong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2484\">visitor numbers are limited<\/strong>, and access is <strong data-start=\"2500\" data-end=\"2514\">controlled<\/strong>. Booking tickets <strong data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2553\">online in advance<\/strong> is highly recommended\u2014especially if you plan to enjoy the thermal pools. We offer numerous tours that include this visit, such as our <a href=\"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/azores-tours\/sao-miguel-multi-day-tour\/\"><strong data-start=\"61\" data-end=\"75\">2-day tour<\/strong><\/a>, or, if you prefer to travel in an adventure style, our <a href=\"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/azores-tours\/sao-miguel-private\/\"><strong data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"149\">private tours<\/strong><\/a> are the ideal way to explore all the natural parks.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2631\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2633\" data-end=\"2669\"><strong data-start=\"2640\" data-end=\"2669\">Why Visit Caldeira Velha?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2858\">\u2714\ufe0f Unique contact with nature<br data-start=\"2700\" data-end=\"2703\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f Relaxing natural hot springs<br data-start=\"2734\" data-end=\"2737\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f Impressive volcanic scenery<br data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2770\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f Environmental and cultural learning<br data-start=\"2808\" data-end=\"2811\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f Perfect destination for eco-tourism lovers<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2863\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"3048\">If you\u2019re planning a trip to S\u00e3o Miguel, <strong data-start=\"2906\" data-end=\"2924\">Caldeira Velha<\/strong> is a must-see stop on your itinerary\u2014a place where the power of nature meets serenity in a truly unforgettable setting. \ud83c\udf3f\u2728<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument \u2013 A Hidden Gem in S\u00e3o Miguel Nestled on the northern slopes of the \u00c1gua de Pau mountain range, the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument is one of the most captivating natural sites on S\u00e3o Miguel. This protected area blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, endemic biodiversity, and natural thermal experiences in [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11755,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[192],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guide"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Design-sem-nome.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13619"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13623,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13619\/revisions\/13623"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/igoazores.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}