caldeira

American-in-Paris75

Great visit to see the Caldiera. Easy to get there as all roads going up end there!One thing I would have wished for is a way to know the visability at the top before going. Twice we made the trip in February and twice it was foggy and covered in clouds. The third time was a charm even though clouds hovered around, the Caldiera was clear as a bell and so warm in the sun! Perhaps a live cam or a website with up to the minute visibility data would be a help! Nature at it´s finest can be seen from the observation platform at the end of the tunnel from the parking area or for the so inclined, a hike around the rim 16 kms in all.

831kirkm

The 4x4 tour was excellent! Really enjoyed the day as did the kids :) The tour trip was organised through Horta Cestaceos, the trip was great as was their knowledge and care taken for us throughout the day :)

GingerBC

Our first trip was nothing but rain and fog. Zero visibility at the caldeira and dangerous driving downhill afterwards. Two days later in the sunshine we tried the trip again. Still overcast but able to see inside the caldeira. Temps are lower and winds are gusty. Dress accordingly.

Explorercouple

As almost every review notes, the view is outstanding. We had bad weather while there, but could still enjoy the awesomeness of the caldeira. As it was rainy during our visit we reluctantly chose not to walk the rim, but would certainly do so in better weather. We were only disappointed in that our main reason to go was the opportunity for my wife to take photographs, but the rain but a damper on that! From what we gathered it is not unusual for weather can be uncooperative, so if it is half way decent take advantage of it and do not miss the drive. Also give yourself time to walk the rim.

TonyWriter1946

At the time I was finishing my novel Cometa-em busca da felicidade, and my tripto Fail inspired me a lot... Caldeira in itself... oh, my no words ! It gives me the creep - "calafrios". looking down there: I asked the driver to hold me back!

301anneh

Horta is beautiful but if the weather is not clear you won't see a thing. Still worth going up though as interesting journey to the summit.

djglobetrotting

We saw little because of the weather, but enjoyed the day trip nonetheless. Speaking of day trip, here are a few helpful tips we wanted to pass along:-- we had only 5 hours on the island. Car rental was 49 euros (no discount for half a day's rental) and a taxi was 65 (plus tip, as appropriate). We ended up taking the taxi to give ourselves a break having driven the last many days in a row on another island-- check the weather as frequently as you can as we've seen a hot, sunny, cloudless day turn into a cloudy, grey one within two hours-- always bring a coat. You never know when it's start getting windy or rainy. The story of our lives the last week!

731dawnh

Really beautiful. Good 8 km walk - best on a clear day. would recommend. weather variable so be prepared for all possibilities

388mandys

A strenuous 3 hour walk around the rim was well worth the effort. The mist came and went...when it parted there were amazing views out to sea or down into the basin with its amazing vegetation and little lake. The path is clear . Quite muddy on the first section going clockwise with a bit of a scramble uphill. Stout footwear needed...we had walking boots. But the rest of the track was easier. Although the track is narrow, if you were to slip you would fall into hydrangea bushes and not all the way to the bottom so don't be put off! It must be a wonderful sight when they are in bloom in july/August but probably very humid. We went in May when it was quite cool especially when the mist came down. The swirling mist which came and went made it all the more spectacular but don't bother going if there is heavy mist.

968wendyb968

A must see….incredible volcano basin, now preserved as a nature reserve- you can walk right round the rim- or just stand amazed and take photos!

maryjoe0777

The views were Breathtaking, we took the mountain road overlooking the valley of Flamengos. A Must See

filmg

The rim walk is fine if you are: a) fit, b) steady on your feet, c) not afraid of heights and d) have 3+ hours to spare. Do Not Attempt of it is wet or very foggy. Though the trail is well marked, it can get slippery, and it is a long way down.

PetterB794

First and foemost you need clear weather. Unfortunately, this was normally not the case when we visited for a week. However, when sunny, you have a very nice view down into this impressive crater with many shades of green color as well as a reflecting sunshine. The rim walk itself follows a good trail and often there are nice flowers along the trail. The walk is perhaps 6-7 kilometer and can be completed in about 2 hours or less (depending on general fitness and speed of walking).

CJSNetwork

Although it was a misty day, the sights such as the cone and dome in the Caldeira were fascinating as the flora around it

RAR1126

We did a hike that started at the Caldeira - it was mostly overcast and cloudy but we did get a decent view into the caldeira and it was beautiful. We then hiked up to the rim then back down the mountain to the levada trail which lead us through a nice lush green forest. It took us about 3 hours at a leisurely pace and I highly recommend it.