Furnas Volcano: Full Day Tour, Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Key Points

• Full-day adventure exploring São Miguel’s east side, including volcanic craters, waterfalls, and geothermal areas.
• Visit the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park with its picturesque waterfalls and watermill scenery.
• Experience the last 100% natural tea plantation on earth, with guided tour and tasting included.
• Discover Furnas volcano’s geothermal activity and active hot springs steaming in the geothermal area.
• Optional Furnas stew (Cozido) cooked with volcanic heat, available as an add-on for a unique culinary experience.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides.

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Discover the Unique Features of the Furnas Volcano Full-Day Tour

This 8-hour tour from Ponta Delgada offers an in-depth look at some of the most captivating sights on São Miguel’s east side. It is especially suited for travelers who appreciate volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. The tour features visits to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a 100% natural tea plantation, and the Furnas volcanic crater with its geothermal activity. One notable aspect is the optional tasting of the famous Furnas stew, which is cooked by volcanic heat—a memorable culinary highlight.

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, it’s worth noting that timing in some locations can be tight. The reviews highlight that some stops, like lakes and traditional food demonstrations, may be brief, so travelers should be prepared for a busy day. The small group format ensures a more intimate experience, but it also means that punctuality is key to seeing everything on the itinerary.

Exploring the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park and Its Waterfalls

The journey begins with a scenic drive to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a highlight for nature lovers. The park is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and lush landscape, where visitors can feel the spray of the Véu da Noiva waterfall. The area features charming watermills and a picturesque valley setting, making it a perfect spot for photos and a sense of tranquility.

With about 25 minutes of free time, visitors can explore the area at their own pace. While the stop is relatively short, the park’s scenic beauty makes it worth the visit. The guide helps highlight the significance of this natural area and points out the most photogenic spots, making this stop ideal for those who appreciate beautiful landscapes.

Visiting the Gorreana Tea Plantation and Tasting

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Gorreana Tea Factory, a guided visit lasting around 20 minutes. This is the only tea plantation in Europe still producing tea, making it a unique site to experience. The plantation’s lush greenery and traditional methods create a peaceful atmosphere, and the guided tour provides insights into local tea production.

After the tour, guests are invited to sample the plantation’s teas, offering a taste of the island’s agricultural heritage. This stop not only provides cultural insight but also a relaxing break with the opportunity to purchase tea souvenirs. The setting offers lovely views of the surrounding landscape, adding to the charm of this stop.

Scenic Viewpoints Across São Miguel’s North Coast

Throughout the day, the tour passes several scenic viewpoints, including Santa Iria Lookout and Pico do Ferro Lookout. These stops provide sweeping views of the island’s coastlines and volcanic landscapes. At Santa Iria, travelers enjoy a 15-minute photo stop with panoramic vistas, perfect for capturing the rugged beauty of São Miguel’s north coast.

Later, the Pico do Ferro Lookout offers another short stop where visitors can take in the volcanic scenery and snap pictures of the crater. These viewpoints are highlights for those eager to see the island’s diverse geology and enjoy some fresh air.

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Visiting the Volcanic Crater and Geothermal Area in Furnas

The central part of the tour is the Furnas volcanic crater, which showcases active geothermal activity. The guidance inside the geothermal area allows visitors to marvel at the steam vents and bubbling hot springs that characterize this volcanic landscape. The area’s fumaroles and boiling waters create a sensory experience that vividly illustrates the island’s volcanic nature.

While exploring, guests have the option to taste the Furnas stew (Cozido), cooked underground by volcanic heat—an authentic and distinct culinary tradition. This add-on is highly recommended for those interested in trying a true local specialty. The free time at this stop is approximately 20 minutes, which may be brief but enough to appreciate the geothermal environment and sample the stew if chosen.

Discovering Furnas Lake and Its Surroundings

The tour includes a visit to Furnas Lake, a serene spot with scenic beauty and historical significance. The guided tour around the lake provides insights into its formation and the volcanic activity that shaped it. Visitors can take photos at the lake and explore nearby views of steaming fumaroles.

A visit to the Caldeiras Vulcânicas offers additional photo opportunities of the bubbling waters and volcanic landscape. This double stop emphasizes the geothermal character of Furnas and its importance as a geothermal hub. The 20-minute stop allows for some exploration and photography, although time constraints mean limited in-depth wandering.

The Neo-Gothic Chapel and Vila Franca do Campo

After exploring the volcanic areas, the tour continues to Vila Franca do Campo, a charming town with a scenic drive lasting about 15 minutes. The town features a Neo-Gothic chapel built between 1877 and 1888, which symbolizes the area’s resilience after the 1522 earthquake that destroyed the previous capital.

The view over Vila Franca Islet offers a lovely coastal landscape. This stop provides a peaceful moment to reflect on the island’s history and enjoy the views before heading back to Ponta Delgada.

Practicalities and Group Size

This small group tour emphasizes personalized attention, with comfortable air-conditioned transportation provided throughout the day. The tour includes a water bottle per guest, and pick-up from Ponta Delgada is included, with instructions to wait at the hotel lobby or a designated meeting point.

The itinerary is designed for those prepared with comfortable shoes and an interest in natural and volcanic scenery. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or those over 115 kg (254 lbs) due to vehicle and activity limitations. It’s advisable to reserve your spot in advance, with options to cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

Weighing the Experience: Strengths and Considerations

The main strengths of this tour are its rich variety of stops, including waterfalls, geothermal sites, and scenic viewpoints. The knowledgeable guide enhances the experience by sharing insights about each location, while the small group size fosters a more engaging environment.

However, some travelers note that timing can be tight, with limited time at each stop, especially at lakes and food demonstrations. The optional Furnas stew tasting adds a culinary highlight but requires an additional purchase. The review highlights that some stops may be rushed, and the guide’s helpfulness can vary, impacting overall satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on the Furnas Volcano Full-Day Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes and natural beauty. It is particularly well-suited for those who want to see key sites without the hassle of planning multiple visits. The scenic viewpoints, geothermal activity, and cultural stops provide a well-rounded experience.

While the pace can be brisk and some stops brief, the diversity of locations and guided commentary compensate for this. The tour’s cost includes a guided experience, transportation, and tea tasting, making it a good value for travelers interested in geology, nature, and local traditions.

This tour will appeal most to active travelers with an interest in volcanic landscapes and small-group experiences. Its limited physical requirements make it accessible to most, barring mobility issues. For those seeking a full day immersed in São Miguel’s natural wonders, this tour delivers an engaging and scenic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Ponta Delgada, with pickup included.

Is food included in the tour?
Food and drinks are not included but are available as an add-on, including the opportunity to taste the Furnas stew.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Santa Iria Lookout, Gorreana Tea Factory, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, Pico do Ferro Lookout, Furnas geothermal area, Furnas Lake, Vila Franca do Campo and scenic drives.

Can I see active volcanic features?
Yes, the tour visits the Furnas volcanic crater, where fumaroles and hot springs are active, steaming in the geothermal area.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or back problems and not recommended for individuals over 115 kg.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and exploring outdoor sites.

Is there a guide?
Yes, the tour is led by a local storyteller guide in Portuguese and English.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates in small groups for a more personalized experience, though exact group sizes are not specified.

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