Octant Furnas Hotel: Cook Cozido das Furnas with your own hands! + thermal circuit

The Octant Furnas Hotel offers a unique 2.5-hour experience that combines culinary tradition with well-being in the heart of the Azores. For those interested in local culture, the tour revolves around Cozido das Furnas, a legendary dish cooked naturally in volcanic earth, with the added luxury of relaxing in thermal pools afterward. The tour is led by a multilingual guide and is suitable for small groups of up to 6 participants, making the experience intimate and personalized.

Priced at a level that reflects both the activity and the spa access, this experience is perfect for visitors wanting an authentic taste of Furnas’ heritage paired with relaxing thermal treatments. The only consideration is that the tour’s duration is fixed at 2.5 hours, which means the focus remains on the cooking process, the tasting, and the thermal circuit. It suits those with a keen interest in local gastronomy and wellness, or those seeking a hands-on cultural experience combined with relaxation.

Key Points

• Authentic Cozido das Furnas: Watch how this iconic dish is carefully prepared and cooked in volcanic earth.
• Hands-on Cooking Experience: Learn how to cook the dish yourself, layer by layer, in the kitchen.
• Spectacular Cooking Method: Witness the pot being buried in geothermal ground and slowly cooking for hours.
• Thermal Circuit Access: Relax in natural hot spring pools, sauna, and Turkish bath after the cooking experience.
• Tasting of Cozido: Enjoy the stew served steaming from the ground, with flavors intensified by geothermal heat.
• Multilingual Guides and Small Groups: The tour features guides speaking Catalan, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, with a limited group size for a more personal experience.

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The Authenticity of Cozido das Furnas and Its Preparation

This tour starts right in the kitchen of the Octant Furnas Hotel, where the chef meticulously prepares the Cozido das Furnas. Layers of high-quality local ingredients are carefully assembled in a pot, which then becomes part of a sacred tradition. The highlight is the moment when the pot is buried in volcanic earth, where geothermal geysers provide gentle heat that cooks the stew over several hours.

The process showcases a cultural ritual unique to Furnas, where the earth’s volcanic heat replaces modern ovens. The aromatic vapors escaping from the ground as the pot is uncovered create a striking visual and sensory spectacle. The tasting takes place at the À TERRA restaurant, where the stew is served hot and steaming, offering an intensified flavor thanks to the geothermal cooking process.

What Makes the Cooking Method Special?

The volcanic heat used to slow-cook the Cozido imparts a distinct flavor and tender texture to the dish. Unlike conventional stews, the geothermal process preserves the ingredients’ essence, resulting in a rich and aromatic final product. The almost ancestral ritual of burying and retrieving the pot enriches the experience, making the meal more than just food—it’s a cultural event.

Learning to Cook Cozido das Furnas

Participants receive guidance on how to prepare the dish themselves, layering local ingredients in a pot. This hands-on element allows for a deeper appreciation of the tradition. The chef explains each step, giving insights into the choice of ingredients and the significance of the process.

This activity is especially appealing for anyone interested in culinary traditions, as it offers a practical skill combined with cultural storytelling. The experience of burying the pot is also a memorable part of the journey, connecting participants directly to the island’s volcanic origins.

Relaxing in the Thermal Circuit at Octant Furnas Hotel

After the cooking and tasting, the tour transitions into a well-being component. Visitors can unwind in the thermal pools, which include natural hot spring pools, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. These facilities provide a soothing environment to relax muscles and enjoy the therapeutic properties of mineral-rich waters.

The thermal circuit complements the cultural experience by nourishing both body and mind. The pools are set in a tranquil environment, offering sweeping views that enhance the sense of relaxation. The combination of geothermal heat and wellness makes this tour a holistic experience that embodies the essence of Furnas.

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Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point is conveniently located at coordinates 37.77098083496094, -25.304447174072266. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that a range of visitors can participate comfortably. The focus on small groups makes the experience more personal, with limited to 6 participants, allowing for interaction and tailored guidance.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This tour is designed for flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It offers the convenience of reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan the trip without immediate commitment. The duration of 2.5 hours fits well into a half-day itinerary, balancing culture with relaxation.

Guides speak multiple languages, including Catalan, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, which helps ensure clear communication and an enriching experience regardless of language preference.

Comparing Similar Experiences in the Azores

For visitors interested in other activities around São Miguel, there are various options such as buggy tours around Sete Cidades, Furnas night-time thermal baths, and full-day island explorations. These alternatives are listed in the provided links, offering different ways to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

However, this Cozido and thermal circuit experience at Octant Furnas Hotel is distinctive because it combines culinary hands-on participation with geothermal thermal relaxation, capturing the essence of Furnas in a single, memorable session.

Final Thoughts on the Cozido and Thermal Experience

This tour excels at providing an authentic taste of Furnas’ culinary tradition through a hands-on cooking activity that culminates in tasting a dish cooked in volcanic earth. The added benefit of relaxing in the natural thermal pools, sauna, and Turkish bath makes it a well-rounded experience that nurtures both body and soul.

It is especially suited for foodies, culture seekers, and those who appreciate wellness activities. The small-group format and multilingual guidance ensure a personal, insightful experience that leaves a lasting impression of the Azores’ volcanic heritage and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, including cooking, tasting, and relaxation.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Catalan, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is thermal circuit access included?
Yes, the thermal pools, sauna, and Turkish bath are part of the experience.

What is the significance of the volcanic Earth in cooking?
The geothermal heat from the volcanic earth cooks the stew slowly, imparting distinct flavors and tenderness.

Do I need prior cooking experience?
No prior experience is required; guidance is provided on how to prepare Cozido das Furnas.

Where does the tasting take place?
The tasting is at the À TERRA restaurant within the hotel.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While suitable for most, the focus on cooking and relaxation makes it ideal for adults and older children.

How do I reserve and pay?
You can reserve in advance, and the payment is deferred until a later date—perfect for flexible planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby