Terceira Island Half Day Tour Algar do Carvão The Lava Route

Exploring Terceira Island through the Half Day Tour Algar do Carvão and The Lava Route offers a compact yet insightful journey into the island’s volcanic heart. For just $65.73 per person, this approximately 3-hour tour delivers a well-rounded experience of natural wonders, including the famous Algar do Carvão, lava formations, and thermal fumaroles. The tour is ideal for visitors interested in geology, volcanic landscapes, and the untouched beauty of the Azores, though it involves some moderate walking and exploration.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the inclusion of entrance tickets to Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão, guided by a certified guide from the Azores Regional Government. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during transport, and pickup service adds convenience. A key consideration is that Algar do Carvão is currently closed for renovations, but the tour still covers other major sites, making it a worthwhile option for those eager to understand the island’s volcanic origins.

Key Points

• Price of $65.73 per person for a 3-hour tour exploring Terceira’s volcanic sites
• Includes entrance tickets for Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão
• Stops at Lagoa das Patas, fumaroles at Furnas do Enxofre, and lava formations
• Guided tour by a certified Azores Regional Government guide
• Pickup offered from specified meeting point, with mobile tickets
• Algar do Carvão is temporarily closed for renovations, but other highlights remain accessible

Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour departs at 2:00 pm from Alto das Covas in Angra do Heroísmo. The approximate duration is 3 hours, making it suitable for travelers seeking a concise yet informative exploration of the island’s volcanic landscape. The group size is limited to 26, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of attention from the guide.

Visiting Lagoa das Patas: A Natural Sanctuary

The tour begins with a 20-minute stop at Lagoa da Falca, also known as Lagoa das Patas. This calm lagoon is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a peaceful view of a natural habitat where the tranquility of water and greenery can be appreciated. Visitors enjoy a chance to relax and observe the local flora, making it an ideal spot for photos and quiet reflection.

Exploring the Lava Tube of Gruta do Natal

Next, the 25-minute visit to Gruta do Natal provides an immersive glimpse into volcanic activity. This lava tube was formed by volcanic eruptions and can be explored from the inside. Walking through this geological formation offers a hands-on understanding of how the island was shaped by past eruptions, with the guide explaining the formation process and significance of this natural tunnel.

Experiencing Fumarolic Activity at Furnas do Enxofre

The 25-minute stop at Furnas do Enxofre introduces visitors to thermal fumaroles, hot springs, and sulfur waters. This site presents a distinct environment where fissures in the ground release steam and gases. The sulfur smell is strong but part of the charm of this location, showcasing active volcanic processes and the geothermal energy that continues beneath the island.

Algar do Carvão: A Volcanic Wonder (Currently Closed)

Algar do Carvão is a highlight of the tour and one of the few visitable volcanoes worldwide. This ancient volcanic cone was formed by a eruption thousands of years ago. Although currently closed for renovations, it remains a key point of interest due to its unique interior, where visitors could explore stalactites, stalagmites, and volcanic formations. The 40-minute visit would usually include walking into the crater, offering dramatic views of the volcanic interior.

Inclusions and Practical Details

The tour comes with entrance tickets for the Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão (though the latter is temporarily unavailable), making it a great value at $15 per person for entry costs. The guide is certified by the Azores Regional Government, providing authoritative insights into each site.

Transportation is via an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort, especially in the Azores’ climate. The pickup service offers added convenience, and the mobile ticket format simplifies the check-in process.

Limitations and Considerations

Algar do Carvão’s temporary closure for renovations is a noteworthy limitation. While this reduces the full scope of the volcano exploration, the tour compensates with visits to other spectacular sites like Furnas do Enxofre and lava formations. Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level due to walking and exploration involved at some stops.

Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour begins at Alto das Covas in Angra do Heroísmo at 2:00 pm. The return is to the same meeting point, making it easy to plan around. The group size is capped at 26 travelers, fostering a comfortable and engaging environment.

Value and Suitability

At $65.73, this tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Terceira’s volcanic landscape with guided insights and included entrance tickets. It suits travelers with moderate physical fitness who want a focused, well-organized, and informative experience. The small group size and certified guide ensure personalized attention and clear explanations, making it ideal for those interested in geology, natural beauty, and volcanic history.

Final Thoughts on the Terceira Half Day Tour

This half-day exploration provides an excellent overview of Terceira’s volcanic origins without demanding a full-day commitment. The high guide quality, inclusion of key sites, and scenic stops make it a worthwhile option, especially given its affordable price.

While Algar do Carvão’s closure limits some of the underground exploration, the other stops still reveal the island’s volcanic power and geothermal activity. Perfect for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers, this tour is a practical way to deepen understanding of Terceira’s landscape in a short amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Algar do Carvão included in the tour?
The tour includes entrance tickets to Algar do Carvão, but it is currently closed for renovations. Other sites like Furnas do Enxofre and Gruta do Natal are accessible.

How long do stops last?
Stops range from 20 to 25 minutes, with the longest at Algar do Carvão (if open) typically around 40 minutes.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour features air-conditioned transportation with pickup offered from the meeting point.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially for exploring lava tubes and volcanic formations.

Can children participate?
The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, but specific age restrictions are not listed.

How do I cancel if needed?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
The experience requires good weather and may be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor conditions, with options for a different date or a full refund.