São Miguel: Full-Day 4WD Jeep Tour to Furnas with Lunch

Discover the Thermal Wonders of São Miguel in a Full-Day 4WD Jeep Tour

For those eager to explore the volcanic landscapes and geothermal marvels of São Miguel, the Full-Day 4WD Jeep Tour to Furnas with Lunch offers a well-rounded experience at $97 per person. This 8-hour guided excursion takes you deep into the Furnas Valley, revealing its bubbling hot springs, fumaroles, and steaming vents, all while showcasing the island’s lush scenery and volcanic activity.

The tour is especially popular among travelers who enjoy scenic drives, learning from knowledgeable guides, and sampling local cuisine. With high praise for guides like Romeo and Ricardo, this trip combines comfort, adventure, and cultural highlights, making it a compelling choice for a full-day activity. While it does not include entrance fees, the journey offers a rich taste of São Miguel’s geothermal landscape and local traditions.

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Key Points

• Full-day adventure lasting 8 hours with pick-up included from Ponta Delgada hotels
• Visit Furnas Valley to see hot springs, fumaroles, and the famous “cozido” cooked in geothermal heat
• Swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija with a swimsuit; water temperature averages 102°F
• Stop at Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel for stunning views over Vila Franca do Campo
• Tour a local tea plantation with a factory visit and tea sampling
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the experience

Exploring São Miguel’s Thermal Hot Springs at Poça da Dona Beija

One of the tour’s main highlights is the chance to swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija. This hot spring complex features several iron-rich pools warmed by the island’s volcanic activity, with water temperatures averaging 102°F. Travelers are advised to bring a swimsuit to enjoy the relaxing soak amid lush surroundings.

The hot springs are part of a series of geothermal features in the Furnas Valley that showcase the island’s volcanic nature. Since the springs are in contact with underground aquifers heated by volcanic activity, the experience combines relaxation with the insight that São Miguel’s thermal landscape is a living, breathing feature of the island.

Scenic Drive to Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel with Views of Vila Franca do Campo

The tour begins with a scenic drive along secondary roads, passing charming small villages on the southern coast. The first notable stop is the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, perched atop a hill that offers panoramic views over Vila Franca do Campo. This former capital of the island is a picturesque spot to appreciate São Miguel’s coastline and volcanic landscape.

The viewpoint provides a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the island’s historical geography. The drive itself offers glimpses of local life, with lush greenery and volcanic terrain framing your route.

Visiting the Fumaroles and Hot Springs of Furnas Valley

The core of this tour focuses on Furnas Valley, a geothermal hub filled with steaming fumaroles, bubbling hot springs, and mineral-rich vents. The guide leads you through this landscape, explaining how underground volcanic activity heats the aquifers that feed the springs.

Walking among the fumaroles, you’ll notice the distinctive smell of sulfur and the sight of steaming vents. The landscape’s energetic atmosphere underscores the powerful volcanic forces shaping São Miguel. The tour emphasizes the importance of these geothermal features as both natural wonders and sources for local cuisine.

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The Unique Cooking Method: “Cozido” in Geothermal Heat

A standout feature of this tour is the opportunity to try “cozido,” a traditional stew cooked for 6-8 hours in the hot springs of Furnas. This method uses geothermal heat to slowly cook meat, vegetables, and potatoes, resulting in a flavorful, tender dish.

The lunch in Furnas features this specialty, giving visitors a chance to taste authentic local cuisine prepared using the island’s volcanic heat. The cozido is a highlight for food lovers and offers a tangible connection to the geothermal activity that defines the region.

Pico do Ferro Overlook of the Furnas Crater

After exploring the hot springs, the tour stops at Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint overlooking the Furnas Crater. From this vantage point, visitors get an impressive overview of the volcanic caldera, with its lush green areas and steaming vents visible in the distance. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to understand the scale of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape.

The overlook combines scenic beauty with geological insight, making it a memorable part of the journey.

Tour of a Local Tea Plantation with Sampling

Heading along the northern shore of the island, the tour includes a visit to a tea plantation. Here, you’ll take a short factory tour and learn about the island’s tea production process, which has been thriving in São Miguel. Sampling some of the island’s tea offers a taste of the local product, complementing the natural richness of the landscape.

The plantation visit provides an educational look at how tea is cultivated and processed, adding a cultural element to the tour.

Returning Along the Northern Coast with Relaxed Stops

The journey back to Ponta Delgada follows the northern coastline, allowing travelers to unwind and enjoy the scenic views. The route offers a different perspective of São Miguel, with coastal vistas and small fishing villages. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the hotel, wrapping up a day filled with geothermal exploration and natural beauty.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This full-day adventure is operated by Greenzone Azores Tours and includes pickup from any hotel in Ponta Delgada, making logistics easy. The tour is led by guides fluent in English and Portuguese, with reviews highlighting knowledgeable and friendly guides like Romeo and Ricardo.

The price of $97 per person covers the entire day and lunch, which features the famous cozido. Entrance fees are not included, so travelers should be prepared for additional costs at specific sites. Flexibility in cancellations allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, and booking can be done with reserve now, pay later options for greater convenience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for those interested in geothermal activity, volcanic landscapes, and local cuisine. It suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives and learning from guides with expertise on São Miguel’s natural features. The inclusion of a traditional cozido lunch and a tea plantation visit adds cultural richness, making it a well-balanced day for curious explorers.

The tour’s moderate physical requirements mean most people comfortable with walking among fumaroles and hot springs will find it accessible. However, travelers should bring a swimsuit for the thermal waters and be prepared for a day of outdoor exploration.

Final Thoughts on the São Miguel 4WD Tour to Furnas

This full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive look at São Miguel’s geothermal wonders, from bubbling hot springs to steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. The 4WD vehicle ensures comfortable access to harder-to-reach spots, while the knowledgeable guides help bring the landscape to life through engaging commentary.

While the tour does not include entrance fees, the overall value, especially considering the lunch and guided experience, makes it a solid choice for those wanting to see the island’s volcanic core. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and culinary experience in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entrance fees to sites?
No, entrance fees are not included in the price. Visitors should be prepared for additional costs at specific locations.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible to most with moderate walking involved. It’s great for families, especially with guides noted for being good with all ages.

What should I bring?
A swimsuit is recommended for the thermal waters at Poça da Dona Beija. Comfortable clothes for walking and a camera for scenic views are also advised.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there is a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Booking includes flexible options to reserve now and pay later.

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