Sao Miguel: Full-Day 4WD Jeep Tour to Furnas With Lunch

Sao Miguel, the largest and most populous island in the Azores, boasts a wealth of natural wonders that captivate visitors from around the world. One of the must-see destinations is the volcanic landscape of Furnas, where a full-day 4WD Jeep tour promises an immersive experience. Travelers can expect to explore stunning vistas, witness the power of geothermal activity, and indulge in a traditional cozido lunch cooked in the island’s famous thermal pits. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, this tour offers an opportunity to explore the heart of Sao Miguel’s rich geological and cultural heritage.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Lunch Experiences In Sao Miguel Island.

Key Points

• A full-day 4WD Jeep excursion to the Furnas region on the island of Sao Miguel, exploring volcanic landscapes and natural wonders.
• Highlights include visiting the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, soaking in the therapeutic thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, and enjoying a traditional cozido lunch.
• The tour provides an opportunity to witness fumaroles, hot springs, and the panoramic views from Pico do Ferro in the Furnas Valley.
• Guests can explore the region’s diverse geological features, including thermal springs, bubbling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles that showcase the area’s volcanic activity.
• The tour includes transportation, a traditional cozido lunch, and all entrance fees, offering a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour is a full-day 4WD Jeep excursion to the Furnas region on the island of Sao Miguel.

Priced from $83.40 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and is offered in English and Portuguese.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is provided from any hotel in Ponta Delgada.

The itinerary includes visits to the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, the Poça da Dona Beija thermal springs, a traditional cozido lunch cooked in hot springs, and a tea plantation tour.

With an overall 5/5 rating, the tour is known for its knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences at scenic locations and meals.

Itinerary Highlights

A visit to the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel offers sweeping views over the town of Vila Franca do Campo. After, guests can indulge in a therapeutic soak in the thermal waters at Poça da Dona Beija. The tour’s lunch features the traditional cozido, a hearty stew slow-cooked for 6-8 hours in the volcanic hot springs of Furnas Valley. Exploring the valley, travelers will witness fumaroles and hot springs firsthand. A scenic overview at Pico do Ferro provides a panoramic look at the Furnas Crater. The tour concludes with a tea sampling at a local plantation.

Attraction	Description
Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel	Offers views over Vila Franca do Campo
Poça da Dona Beija	Natural thermal springs with 102°F water
Furnas Valley	Known for volcanic activity and thermal wonders

Geological Features

Why do thermal springs arise in the Sao Miguel region?

The thermal springs found in Furnas Valley originate from underground aquifers that come into contact with high-temperature rocks deep within the earth’s crust.

This interaction between the cold groundwater and the heated rocks beneath the surface causes the water to become heated and rise to the surface, forming the thermal springs that are a defining feature of this volcanic landscape.

The average water temperature at the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs is a toasty 102°F, making it an ideal spot for visitors to relax and soak in the thermal waters.

Furnas Valley is known for its diverse array of volcanic features and thermal wonders, showcasing the region’s dynamic geological processes.

Thermal Springs and Fumaroles

Furnas Valley’s thermal springs and fumaroles are a captivating display of the region’s volcanic activity and geothermal energy.

As you explore the area, you’ll witness:

1. Steaming fumaroles, or volcanic vents, releasing plumes of sulfurous gases.
2. Bubbling mud pots, where heated groundwater mixes with volcanic gases and minerals.
3. The soothing Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools, where the water temperature averages a comfortable 102°F.

These natural wonders offer a glimpse into the dynamic geological processes shaping the Azores archipelago, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cozido Lunch in Furnas

One highlight of the Furnas tour is the traditional cozido lunch, a hearty stew cooked to perfection in the valley’s natural volcanic ovens.

The cozido is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, slowly simmered for 6-8 hours in the geothermal pits.

Guests can enjoy this local delicacy as part of the Furnas Valley experience, savoring the rich, flavorful dish after a morning of exploring the scenic thermal landscape.

The cozido lunch is an integral part of the tour, providing a delicious and authentic taste of Azorean cuisine amidst the stunning natural wonders of Furnas.

Tea Plantation Tour

As part of the Furnas tour, visitors have the opportunity to tour and sample teas at a local tea plantation.

The plantation offers a glimpse into the production process, from harvesting the tea leaves to drying and packaging the final product.

Guests can expect to:

1. Explore the lush, verdant tea fields and learn about the unique microclimate that allows Azorean tea to thrive.

2. Observe the traditional methods used to process the tea, including withering, rolling, and oxidation.

3. Indulge in a tasting session, sampling a variety of the plantation’s signature blends and learning about the distinct flavor profiles.

This tea-centric experience provides a delightful contrast to the volcanic wonders explored earlier in the day.

Customer Feedback

According to the customer reviews, visitors have been consistently impressed with the Sao Miguel 4WD Jeep Tour.

The tour has earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 22 reviews. Customers have praised the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences at the scenic locations and meals.

The transportation is rated 4.8 out of 5, and the value for money and organization are both rated 5 out of 5.

Reviewers highlight the beautiful landscapes, thermal springs, and traditional cozido lunch cooked in hot springs as highlights of the tour.

Tour Details and Inclusions

The Sao Miguel 4WD Jeep Tour provides a full-day adventure that includes several highlights across the island’s volcanic landscapes.

The tour features:

1. A visit to the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel for panoramic views over Vila Franca do Campo.
2. A swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, with an average temperature of 102°F.
3. A traditional lunch of cozido, a hearty stew cooked in the hot springs for 6-8 hours.

The tour also explores the Furnas Valley, known for its volcanic activity and thermal wonders, and includes a visit to a local tea plantation for a sampling.

With transportation, lunch, and entrance fees included, this 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience of Sao Miguel’s natural highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour overview does not specify a minimum group size. It appears the tour can accommodate individual travelers as well as small groups. The price is listed per person, suggesting no minimum group requirement.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour generally includes lunch, so bringing your own food and drinks isn’t necessary. However, you’re welcome to bring snacks or water if you’d prefer. The tour provides a full-day experience with meals and transportation included.

Is the Jeep Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The jeep tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, as it involves navigating rough terrain in a 4WD vehicle. Those with accessibility needs should check with the tour operator to determine if accommodations can be made.

Can I Book the Tour for a Specific Time Slot?

Customers can book a specific time slot for the tour. The tour operator offers flexible scheduling options, allowing guests to select their preferred departure time to best fit their itinerary and preferences.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For the tour, you don’t need any special equipment. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, as the tour involves outdoor activities in natural settings. Bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket is also advisable.

Recap

This 4WD Jeep tour in Sao Miguel offers an unforgettable adventure, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s stunning volcanic landscapes. The tour’s highlights include visiting picturesque landmarks, exploring geothermal features, and indulging in a unique traditional lunch cooked in natural pits. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, this full-day excursion promises an enriching and memorable experience for those seeking to discover the natural wonders of the Azores.

You can check if your dates are available here: