Octant Furnas Hotel: Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class

Discover the Cozido das Furnas Cooking Experience at Octant Furnas Hotel

This 2.5-hour cooking class offers a rare opportunity to see how Furnas’ legendary cozido is prepared using natural volcanic heat. Starting from the Octant Furnas Hotel, located in the heart of the Azores, this experience immerses visitors in a centuries-old culinary tradition. The entire process, from preparing the ingredients to burying the pot in the earth and finally tasting the steaming results, makes for a memorable and authentic taste of local culture.

While the activity is engaging and informative, it is best suited for those interested in culinary traditions and natural cooking methods. The small group size, limited to 6 participants, guarantees personalized attention and a more intimate experience. It’s a perfect choice for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone eager to learn about Azorean gastronomy firsthand.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2.5 hours, perfect for a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.
• Location: Starts at Octant Furnas Hotel in Furnas, Portugal.
• Unique method: The cozido is cooked in volcanic earth, using natural geothermal heat.
• Includes tasting: The steamed stew is enjoyed at the À TERRA restaurant after cooking.
• Multilingual guides: Delivered in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Catalan.
• Small group: Limited to 6 participants for a personalized experience.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Point at Octant Furnas Hotel in Furnas

The tour begins at the Octant Furnas Hotel, a central location in Furnas. Participants meet here before heading out on a guided 45-minute scenic drive. The meeting point’s coordinates are 37.77098083496094, -25.304447174072266, making it easy to find for anyone staying locally or arriving by car. The hotel setting offers a comfortable spot to gather before the activity starts, and the organized pickup ensures a smooth transition to the next stage of the experience.

Scenic Drive Through Furnas to Fumarolas Lagoa

After meeting at the hotel, the group departs for a guided scenic drive lasting about 45 minutes. As the vehicle makes its way through the lush landscapes of Furnas, travelers enjoy views of the volcanic terrain and bubbling geothermal activity. This drive sets the stage for the culinary demonstration, giving a glimpse of the landscape that contributes to the unique cooking method.

The drive concludes at Fumarolas Lagoa das Furnas, a geothermal site famous for its fumaroles and geysers. This stop provides an immediate sense of the volcanic forces at work and is an ideal backdrop for witnessing the natural heat source used in cooking the cozido.

How the Traditional Furnas Cozido Is Prepared

The highlight of this tour is watching the meticulous preparation of the Cozido das Furnas. The chef layers local ingredients into a large pot, ready for the geothermal cooking process. Once prepared, the pot is carefully buried in the volcanic earth, where natural geysers heat it for several hours.

This process, rooted in ancient tradition, uses the Earth’s geothermal energy to slow-cook the stew. The result is a flavorful dish with ingredients that develop a unique taste and aroma, intensified by the geothermal heat. The almost ancestral act of burying and retrieving the pot adds a memorable visual element to the experience.

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The Moment of Unveiling and Tasting the Cozido

After hours of geothermal cooking, the cooked cozido is carefully dug out from the earth. The pot emerges steaming, shrouded in aromatic vapors that hint at the rich flavors within. The sight and smell create an instant appetite, as the steaming stew is transferred to the À TERRA restaurant for tasting.

The flavors of the cozido are intensified by geothermal cooking, offering a distinctive and authentic taste of Furnas. The experience of eating a dish literally cooked underground makes this meal truly special and memorable, especially for lovers of traditional cuisine.

The Guided Tour of Furnas and Scenic Views

Following the cooking and tasting, the tour includes a guided walk around the Furnas area. This segment offers scenic views and insights into the volcanic landscape. Visitors get a chance to see geothermal phenomena up close and learn about the local environment that influences Furnas’ culinary and natural features.

This part of the experience complements the cooking activity, providing a broader understanding of how volcanic activity shapes the region and its culture. The walk is leisurely and suitable for most physical abilities, thanks to its manageable pace and accessible paths.

The Small Group Experience and Multilingual Guides

This tour is designed for small groups of up to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. The guides speak multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, and Catalan, making communication accessible for a wide range of visitors.

Having a small group enhances interactions, allowing for more detailed explanations and closer attention from the guide. The multilingual aspect ensures that non-Portuguese speakers feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the activity.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

Booking this experience is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. This allows for peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly. The activity is also wheelchair accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs.

Participants can reserve their spot without paying upfront, as the platform offers a reserve now, pay later option. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your trip without immediate financial commitments.

How This Tour Compares to Other Azores Experiences

This Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class offers a distinctive glimpse into the cultural and geological uniqueness of the Azores. Unlike typical food tours, it combines culinary demonstration with natural geothermal activity, making it both educational and engaging.

Compared to other experiences like Furnas night-time thermal baths or volcano tours, this activity focuses on local cuisine and traditional cooking techniques. It provides a hands-on opportunity to witness a living tradition, making it an ideal complement to broader sightseeing or relaxation activities in the region.

The Sum Up: A Truly Authentic Azorean Culinary Experience

The Octant Furnas Hotel’s Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class stands out as a meaningful way to connect with the local culture and natural environment of Furnas. The combination of geothermal cooking, guided scenery, and tasting creates a well-rounded experience that appeals to foodies and curious travelers alike.

While the activity is straightforward and not overly physical, it offers a deep appreciation for the Azores’ volcanic landscape and culinary ingenuity. The small group size and multilingual guides ensure a personal touch, making it a memorable addition to any trip to Furnas.

This tour is particularly suitable for those who want to see and taste a tradition rooted in nature, offering both a culinary lesson and a cultural experience in one seamless package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Cozido das Furnas cooking class last?
The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including preparation, cooking, and tasting.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Octant Furnas Hotel in Furnas, with the meeting point at coordinates 37.77098083496094, -25.304447174072266.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

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

Can I cancel this experience if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation provided between the hotel and the geothermal site?
The description suggests a guided scenic drive, but specific transportation details are not provided.

What is included in the tasting?
Participants enjoy the steaming Cozido das Furnas served at the À TERRA restaurant after cooking.

How many participants are in each group?
The experience is limited to 6 participants for a more personalized encounter.

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
No prior preparation is needed; just arrive at the designated meeting point ready to participate.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
While suitable for most, the activity is best for those comfortable with outdoor and culinary activities.

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