Pico Plateau Lakes: Lagoa do Capitão, Rosada, Caiado and Peixinho

On Pico’s central plateau, before the road begins its climb up the mountain, a cluster of four small volcanic lakes is often the first sign of fresh water on an island otherwise dominated by volcano and sea.

The plateau and its lakes

The four lakes — Capitão, Rosada, Caiado and Peixinho — occupy old craters and volcanic depressions on Pico’s central plateau, now colonised by peat bog vegetation adapted to altitude, wind and the area’s frequent fog. They sit close enough together to be visited all in one outing, connected by forest roads that cross the plateau.

Lagoa do Capitão

The best-known and most-visited of the four. It sits right next to the road leading to the base of the Pico Mountain ascent, often serving as a stopping point before or after climbing Portugal’s highest peak. Vegetation typical of high-altitude wetlands grows around it, including sphagnum moss species — an uncommon habitat in the Azorean context.

Lagoa da Rosada

The only one named after the colour its water reflects. The pinkish tones that late-afternoon light sometimes paints across its surface gave the lake its name, a phenomenon that depends on the atmospheric conditions at the time. Being farther from the plateau’s main tourist spots, it mostly draws those who enjoy quiet walks.

Lagoa do Caiado

The farthest lake in the cluster, at the edge of the plateau. It closes out the group of Pico’s small lakes, sharing the same quiet character as neighbouring Lagoa do Peixinho. The low, shrubby vegetation around it is particularly adapted to this part of the plateau’s wind, humidity and fog.

Lagoa do Peixinho

The smallest and most discreet of the four. Despite its name, fish are rarely found in these high-altitude lakes — the site’s interest lies mainly in the rarity of finding still fresh water on a volcanic island otherwise dominated by lava flows. It offers the most solitary experience for anyone visiting the plateau off the more popular routes.

Planning a visit to all four

The four lakes are just a few minutes’ drive from one another, connected by secondary forest roads — it’s possible to visit all of them in a single morning or afternoon. Lagoa do Capitão, next to the main road to the mountain, is the most practical starting point; from there, Lagoa da Rosada is a short distance away, followed by Lagoa do Caiado and Lagoa do Peixinho, both further back on the plateau.

Planning your visit

• Location: Pico island’s central plateau.
• What to bring: closed footwear and clothing suited to the altitude climate — the area is frequently covered in fog and temperatures drop faster than on the coast.
• Pair with: Furna do Frei Matias, a lava cave on the same plateau, or one of Pico’s official walking trails.

Best time to visit

The middle hours of the day, when fog is generally less likely, are best for visiting all four lakes. For Lagoa da Rosada specifically, late afternoon is the best time to see the tones that give it its name.

Nearby highlights

On the same plateau is Furna do Frei Matias, a lava cave with a hermit’s story. Pico’s network of walking trails also crosses this area — it’s worth combining the lakes with one of the island’s official hikes.

Featured image — Photo: Luis Afonso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0