How to Hike to the Beautiful Salto do Prego Waterfall Hike
One of the best waterfalls of São Miguel Azores can be found on the east side of the island near the small hamlet of Faial da Terra. The trailhead for the Salto do Prego waterfall follows a lush forest path alongside a creek.
This awesome hiking trail provides a detour to another waterfall, Salto do Cagarrão, a waterfall tucked away into a mossy canyon. Another highlight is a stroll through the “lost village of Sanguinho.” The downhill stone path provides incredible views of Faial de Terra and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The Salto do Prego hike is one of the best hiking trails on the island of São Miguel Azores. If you only have time for one hike on São Miguel, make it the Salto do Prego – Sanguinho loop trail.
This is a basic hiking guide to the worthwhile Salto do Prego – Sanguinho hiking trail in the Azores.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Salto do Prego Hike Overview | PRC 09 SMI Sanguinho
- What to Pack for Salto do Prego Waterfall Hike
- How to Reach the Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Trailhead
- The Fabulous Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Hiking Trail
- Tips for Hiking the Salto do Prego Trail & Beyond
- Salto do Prego Guided Tours
- Things to do After the Salto do Prego Hike
- Conclusion |Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Hiking Guide
Salto do Prego Hike Overview | PRC 09 SMI
- Loop Trail | Salto do Prego – Sanguinho – PRC 09 SMI
- Trailhead: Faial da Terra village
- Official Trail Markers: PRC 09 SMI is well-marked with yellow and red wooden signboards and blazes found throughout the trail. There are also official signboards at trail splits
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2.8 Miles (4.5 Km)
- Add 2.75 miles (4.4 Km) round trip to include Cagarrão Waterfall Detour
- Total Distance: Salto do Prego – Salto do Cagarrão – Sanguinho: 5.4 Miles (8.7 Km)
- Excursion Duration: 2- 5 hours, dependent on weather, stops, speed, etc
- If visiting the Cagarrão Waterfall, follow a short section of the PRC 11 SMI. Be mindful that this trail can close due to mudslides. Always check the current trail conditions and follow advised regulations.
- Azores Trails has a downloadable version of the Salto do Prego Hike here
Salto do Prego Map with Salto do Cagarrão Detour
What to Pack for the Salto do Prego Waterfall Day Hike
For any day hike on the Azores, it’s ideal to have a well-stocked day pack. The weather changes fast so being prepared is essential. Must carry gear should include extra dry gear, rain jacket, snack, and plenty of water.
🎒 On day hikes I use a small packable daypack like the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack that easily fits inside my Osprey Kyte 36. Another great day pack is the Osprey Day Pack Plus for those travelers not backpacking through Europe.
⁉️ No matter the hike, I never leave without a First-Aid Kit that has at least one emergency blanket in it and a fully charged power bank to use with my electronics.
🚰 I carry a lightweight Hydra Flask Water Bottle that holds at least 1.5 L of water
👣 Trekking Poles are useful, especially on muddy trails. Some sections of the Prego do Salto hiking trail are steep.
🥾 I visited the Azores at the end of May and beginning of June and found that my Altra Trail runners were perfect and dried quickly. If looking for more ankle support, try Salomon trail runners. Some people prefer hiking boots, especially during the winter months and Salomon makes really great waterproof boots.
🧦 Carry a lightweight packable rain jacket. For sun protection and chilly mornings, a Smartwool All-Season Merino Base Layer Long-Sleevelong Shirt is great. Additionally, a baseball cap or a buff provides another method of sun protection. An extra pair of Merino wool socks is amazing to change into mid-hike if the ones on your feet get wet.
👙 A swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip a packable towel and a plastic bag for wet items. I also brought my favorite hiking sandals, Chacos, and used them in the rocky water poos and after swimming. Don’t forget a packable towel.
⌚️ An Apple Watch is great for recording hiking trails and check-in with daily fitness goals
💶 Euros for cafes, restaurants, etc
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
How to Reach the Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Trailhead
The Salto do Prego hike trailhead is found in the village of Faial da Terra. The trailhead follows the stream uphill to begin the trek. There is a parking lot with a detailed information board.
Cars park along the road of R. do Burguete, where there is a small turn-off section to the right with designated places to park. Parking is free and on a first come first serve basis.
Those travelers who are staying in Ponta Delgada can only access the trail with a car. There are buses to Povoacao, but walking from there to the trailhead in Faial da Terra takes at least 3 hours. This makes taking a bus from Ponta Delgada nearly impossible.
Taxis and organized tours can also be arranged.
☛ I rented a scooter to reach the Salto do Prego trailhead. I highly recommend Auto Ramalhense Rent a Car for their above-and-beyond customer service. They also provide free airport shuttles.
The Fabulous Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Hiking Trail
The Salto do Prego trail is a memorable hiking trail on São Miguel island. Between the diverse forest path, two very different waterfalls, and the timeless Sanguinho village, it was one of my favorite hiking trails in the Azores.
The trail follows through a forest for the majority of the trail. Even the waterfalls are quite protected, the first by the trees and the second almost in a mossy canyon. Once in the village of Sanguinho, the trail is exposed and offers epic views of the village and the sea below.
Trailhead to Cascata Salto do Prego
Park the car near Faial da Terra and follow the road straight. Notice there is a water fountain to fill up before starting on the uphill trail. Remember, the trail is a loop so technically, it’s possible to follow the trail to the left and visit Sanguinho village first. However, I think it’s better to visit the waterfalls first as it’s not as steep and come down the stone path from Sanguinho.
Keep to the right and follow the signboards to Salto do Prego. The road follows the stream and then turns into a dirt path. Cross over the stream and follow the trail markers. There are uphill sections that utilize natural steps made from tree branches.
The path is quite straightforward and is clearly marked where the divergent trails are. Continue past the trail for Sanguinho and continue right toward the Prego Waterfall. Again, stay right where the uphill trail markers split for Carragao Waterfall.
Shortly after the split, the trail arrives at the Cascata Salto do Prego. Here it’s possible to go for a dip or take a short trail to a viewpoint near the top of the falls. The base of the waterfall is a great place to enjoy a picnic or a snack.
The base of the waterfall is stony, so mind your feet. Hiking sandals were especially useful here.
🥾 Faial da Terra – Prego Waterfall | Distance: 1.3 Miles | Duration: +/ – 50 minutes
Add-On | Hike to Salto do Cagarrão Waterfall
The trail ends at the waterfall, so return on the same path you came in on. If you want to visit the Salto do Cagarrão, head back to the intersection at 37.759686, -25.198749. Here is the signboard for PR 11 SMI in the direction of Ribeira do Faial da Terra and the Salto do Cagarrão Falls.
This trail is steep and can be extremely muddy. Be mindful of trail closures, as this trail has a history of closing. There are also some wooden bridges on the path that can be extremely slippery in the rain with no guardrails.
With that being said, the trail is marked although the official signboard reads 1.9 KM (1.2 miles) with ascents my recorded distance was just a bit farther.
The Cagarrão Waterfall kind of feels like being transported to a scene out of Jurassic Park. The first view of the waterfall is unforgettable. The waterfall is nestled in a fern-covered canyon and there’s a large tree that’s been jammed in the center of the gorge waterfall. It’s truly spectacular.
It’s also possible to swim at the base. For safety, do not climb on the tree. I preferred the Cascacata Salto do Cagarrão over the Salto do Prego due to its more dramatic setting.
The hike to Salto do Cagarrão is more challenging but definitely worth the climb. If the trail is open, don’t miss this incredible waterfall on São Miguel Island.
To return to the loop trail, return on the same trail to the split.
🥾 Detour to Cagarrão Waterfall | Distance: 2.75 Miles (4.4 KM) | Duration: +/ – 2 hours
Charming Sanguinho Village
At the trail split, follow the signboard in the direction of Singuinho. In around 10 minutes or so there will be another signboard to the right that leads to the village of Sanguinho.
The path will leave the forest and open to the small hamlet of Sanguinho. The village of Sanguinho was a traditional hamlet that was used as a hilltop refuge when floods occurred in Faial da Terra. Sanguinho village had around 20 houses and was inhibited for more than a century. The small hamlet also housed livestock.
The town was abandoned during the 1960s as it was becoming increasingly difficult to get children to school.
The once “lost village” has a charm and with visitors walking through it more and more it is being revitalized. There is now a small bar, Bar Loja, that offers snacks and drinks from a pop-up stand. As the deserted hamlet continues to be revived back to life, there are newly renovated places to stay in Sanguinho.
In the main section of the village, find a water spigot to replenish water. When I walked past two jovial ducks were splashing and cooling off in the water trough.
Sanguinho is truly a beautiful gem of a village to visit.
Follow the stone path out of the hamlet. There is a section through a small forest and then the trail opens to spectacular views of Faial de Terra. The downhill is quite steep and the cobblestones can be slippery during rain.
The trail ends back at the signboard where the cars park
🥾 Salto do Prego Loop Trail with Salto do Cagarrão Detour | My Personal Distance: 5.4 Miles (8.7 Km) | Duration: Around 4 hours
Tips for Hiking the Salto do Prego Waterfall Hike & Beyond
The Salto do Prego hike is quite straightforward, but here are some general tips for hiking in the Azores.
Be Mindful of the Weather
The Azores are found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and the weather can change drastically in just a short time. São Miguel is known as the “Green Island” due to the lush and fertile green plants that grow on the volcanic soil. Expect it to rain, even during the summer months.
The Salto do Prego hiking trail is mostly through a forest on mud trails. Heavy rains can cause the trail to be extremely muddy. Never hike in extreme weather or seriously heavy rains. As this trail has two waterfalls, be mindful of swimming conditions during and after heavy rains.
It’s nice to check the SpotAzores webcams found throughout all nine of the islands. Do not rely on the cameras since the weather can change at a moment’s notice.
Carry Enough Water & Proper Gear
For the Salto do Prego hike, carry enough water and proper gear. Hiking sticks come in useful here as many sections of the trail can be muddy and steep. The downhill trail section from Sanguinho to Faial da Terra is steep and is on cobblestones.
There are two water fountains, one near the trailhead and one in Sanguinho village. Water should not be an issue on the hiking trail.
A day pack is essential while hiking in the Azores. With constantly changing weather, a light rain jacket and dry layers are nice to have in reserve. Those swimming should also bring a swimsuit, a bag for wet items, and extra dry clothes.
Be Up to Date on Current Trail Conditions
This trail can be muddy and there are some wooden footbridges on the steeper uphill trail to Cascata Salto do Cagarrão. The PR 11 SMI can close frequently, so always check in with the official Tourist Information Center about what sections of the trail are closed.
Do not hike on closed trails.
Do I Need a Guide to Hike to the Salto do Prego Waterfall?
No, a guide is not required to hike the Salto do Prego – Sanguinho trail. The Azores Islands continue to focus on being an eco-destination with an emphasis on visitors enjoying the natural beauty. All of the official hiking trails across every Azore island are registered, well-marked, and have detailed trail information and pamphlets.
The island of São Miguel has 29 registered hiking trails, with the Sanguinho trail to the Salto do Prego Waterfall being one of them. Always check the current trail conditions.
Salto do Prego Tours
There are plenty of Salto do Prego hiking tours. Most of the organized tours depart from Ponta Delgada as many visitors opt to sleep in the largest city of São Miguel island.
➜ This is the most popular Sanguinho Hike from Ponta Delgada that includes a stop at the Prego Waterfall
➜ Full Day Hiking Faial da Terra includes a visit to both the Prego Waterfall and the Cagarrão Waterfall.
➜ Another popular tour is the Sanguinho Trail Full-Day Walking Tour with Lunch
A tour to Salto do Prego and Sanguinho is a great option for those visiting the Azores without a car.
Things to do After the Salto do Prego Hike
After the hike, the small village of Faial da Terra is worth a wander. I had one of the best seafood meals on my trip at the restaurant Faialense. The nice family-run establishment has an outdoor terrace and huge portions for a fair price.
The village also has a free public pool next to the Ocean.
If heading back towards Ponta Delgada, the road passes through Funas. The valley town of Furnas is worth a stop. Why not soak those tired legs at Poça da Dona Beija, one of the best hot springs on São Miguel island? Bonus, they are open late!
São Miguel has plenty of hiking trails. If spending a few more days on the island, Janela do Inferno is another spectacular hiking trail. Salto do Cabrito also boasts a waterfall, however, in my opinion, the actual waterfalls of Salto do Prego and Salto do Cagarrão are more impressive.
The Caminho da Água da Gorreana trail is a hidden gem trail found at the Gorreana Tea Plantation.
More Epic Things to Do on Portugal’s Azores Islands
The Azores Islands are an archipelago of nine islands found in the Atlantic Ocean almost 1,000 miles to the west of Portugal. The archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal, with each island having its own personality and highlights.
From endless day hikes to multi-day treks, the Azores are a hiker’s dream destination. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of activities from lounging on a beach to whale-watching tours or visiting a pineapple plantation.
The three islands of Pico, Faial, and São Jorge islands make up the “Triangle Islands” and are worth visiting.
Pico boasts wine trails and Portugal’s tallest mountain, Pico. Don’t miss a chance to walk through the protected landscape of the vineyards along the Vinhas da Criação Velha.
Faial has the port town of Horta and the stunning Caldeira. Adventurous hikers can hike the challenging Ten Volcanoes Hike on Faial Island.
São Jorge island has distinct fajã landscapes, awesome hiking trails along the fajãs, and cheese factories.
No matter what, the Azores are an incredible place to visit and explore.
Conclusion | Salto do Prego – Sanguinho Hiking Guide
In short, this is a basic overview of how to hike the spectacular loop trail of Salto do Prego.
This worthwhile hike on São Miguel Azores boasts two breathtaking waterfalls, a lush jungle-like trail, and the abandoned yet charming village of Sanguinho. If you have time for only one hike on São Miguel island, make it the Salto do Prego – Sanguinho hike! It will not disappoint.
Have you completed the Salto do Prego hike? Did you add the Cagarrão Waterfall detour? What did you think?
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