Lagoa do Congro, Sao Miguel Azores

The peaceful Lagoa Do Congro (green lake) is located at the end of an easy hike in Sao Miguel Azores. After a quick walk via a slippery but otherwise manageable trail, you will find a peaceful large lake. The endless shades of green surround you, and enormous catfish swim just inches from your feet. The birds chirp peacefully overhead. Let’s explore the Lagoa Do Congro in Sao Miguel with this photo essay and discover some travel tips to make your journey easier.

Lagoa Do Congro – The Parking Situation

Follow your GPS direction to Lagoa Do Congro. Eventually, you will enter a dirt road, and your GPS will tell you that you have arrived. You won’t see a lake here yet, but you are close. You have two options at this point. The first is to park by the side of the road at the widest point, careful not to block the other cars. The second is to keep driving via the pretty bad dirt road. If you are here after 9, chances are all the spots on the side of the road will be taken. If you are here earlier, turn around to face the direction you came from, and park on the side. I came at 8 the second time, and as you can see I was the first person there.

If you can not find a spot on the wide part of the dirt road, keep driving. Eventually, after a relatively bumpy ride, you’ll find a parking lot. Again, park here if you can – you can easily walk the rest of the way. If you can’t, keep driving, you’ll have another opportunity later.

Walk to the Trailhead

Proceed further on the road either by foot or if you don’t find a parking spot by car. As you walk past you will begin to see the beautiful nature you came to explore.

As you walk to the green lake, you might meet some local residents.

After you walk for about 15 minutes, you will reach this sign. Here is your last chance to park, on the dirt road to the left of this sign. Before you park, try to turn around and face the direction you came from, or getting out will be difficult.

Hiking Down to Lagoa Do Congro

Now, start on the trail to the bottom of Lagoa Do Congro. I suggest you wear hiking sneakers on this walk, as the trail can, at times, be slippery. As you begin to make your way down, you will pass by this sign. The sign says “No Swimming.” Thus, you won’t need a bathing suit for this lake.

On your walk, you’ll encounter magical forest scenes, dozens of species of birds and frogs.

This easy trail down takes about 20 minutes.

Eventually you reach the bottom of the trail, and the beautiful lake comes into view through the trees.

Enjoy Your Time

The earlier you come to Lagoa Do Congro, the more likely you are to enjoy the experience in solitude.

Thus, if you are looking to be alone with nature, I suggest coming here at 8 am.

If on the other hand, you don’t mind the company of others 9 or 10 am should be a good time to come in.

After you had your fill, begin to slowly make your way up.

Trekking Back up from Lagoa Do Congro

The walk back up the hill is a little harder. Take your time and enjoy the bird song and flowers that surround you.

You’ll spot these little red berries on you walk back. These are NOT strawberries. Just take my word for it. I don’t know what they are – but they are not strawberries. 😉

As you walk back to the parking lot, you are likely to find it much more full than you did before you got here. Things get really hopping by noon.

If you can’t come to the lake in the morning, try to come in the late afternoon when most people are at dinner.

Conclusion

Lagoa Do Congro is a beautiful green lake located at the bottom of an easy hike. To truly enjoy the lake without the stress of finding parking, come out either early in the day or late in the afternoon. The hike, while short, can be slippery so don’t forget to wear hiking sneakers. This adventure will only take a couple of hours, so Lagoa Do Congro is a good stop to combine with Furnas, the volcanic hot springs. Alternatively, check out Bar Caloura for lunch.