The Best Hidden Waterfalls in São Miguel, Azores: A Professional Photo Tour Guide
We've all seen the same Instagram photos: the line of people waiting for a selfie at Caldeira Velha or the crowds at the Vista do Rei viewpoint. Are they beautiful locations? Without a doubt. But when we travel to the Azores, we are often looking for something more... something personal.
The magic of São Miguel isn't just in the postcards you find in guidebooks, but in those "hidden gems" where the only sound you hear is falling water and the birds.
As a local photographer, I spend a lot of my time exploring dirt roads and lesser-traveled trails to find the perfect backdrops for my clients.
Today, I’m sharing why you should avoid the obvious if you want truly unique memories.
The beautiful natural light and water at these cascades create an intimate and powerful setting for portraits
1. The Challenge of the Azorean "Jungle"
Many travelers arrive here, rent a car, and follow the GPS to the most famous waterfall. The result?
They arrive at the wrong time (when the sun is too strong and creates harsh shadows on their faces);
They encounter dozens of other tourists (it’s hard to have a romantic moment with 20 people watching);
They try to take a photo with a smartphone, but the forest lighting is tricky—either the waterfall is "blown out" white, or the people are too dark.
An unforgettable "Yes" in a dream setting. The magic of a marriage proposal in the Azores captured for eternity
2. It's Not Just About "Where," It's About "How"
Knowing the coordinates of a hidden waterfall in Nordeste or Ribeira Grande is only 50% of the secret. The other half is knowing how to photograph it.
The humidity near waterfalls is the enemy of electronic equipment (and hairstyles!). When I run my Photo Tours, my goal isn't just to guide you there — my "Bug" (my car) gets everywhere! — but to ensure that when we arrive, you can simply relax and enjoy the moment.
I worry about the right lens, the shutter speed to make the water look silky and dreamy, and the angle that flatters you the most. You? You just have to have fun.
Waterfall lighting requires skill. I guarantee the silky water effect and your portrait will turn out perfectly, every time
3. My Favorite Zones (Where the Tour Buses Don't Go)
While I keep a few secrets just for my clients (to guarantee your complete privacy during the session), here are some tips on areas worth exploring for those who love raw nature:
The Faial da Terra Area: This zone hides much more than the main trail. There are corners with fluorescent green moss that look like something out of a movie.
The Northern Streams (Ribeiras): Far from the main roads, there are cascades where you can be completely alone.
The Furnas Interior: Beyond the steaming hot springs, there is incredible Jurassic vegetation perfect for deep, rich portraits.
Hidden lakes offer tranquility and stunning symmetry for unique photos. Far from the tourist crowds, the focus is on your experience.
The Value of Returning Home with "That" Photo
Can you rent a car and go on an adventure? Of course, and I encourage you to do it! But there is a difference between "visiting" a place and being "imortalized" within it.
On my tours, I am your driver, your local guide, and, above all, your personal photographer. You don't need to carry tripods, or ask strangers to take a shaky, tilted, semi blured photo.
If you want to discover the secret side of São Miguel island and take home high-resolution images that you will want to print and hang on your living room wall, let's talk.
