Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour W/ Hotsprings

Exploring the natural wonders of Furnas and Terra Nostra Botanical Park is a must-do experience for visitors to the Azores. This guided tour offers an immersive journey, revealing the stunning crater lake and the lush, therapeutic gardens. Travelers can savor local cuisine, indulge in revitalizing thermal baths, and gain insights from knowledgeable guides. With an affordable price tag and a personalized small-group setting, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Azorean archipelago.

Key Points

• This 6.5-hour guided tour explores the Furnas crater lake, Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, and offers a soak in the thermal baths.
• The tour is priced at $81.78 per person and is limited to a small group of 7 participants.
• Participants can enjoy the local cozido stew and have the option for pickup from their location.
• The tour offers scenic van transportation and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the day.
• The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour offers an immersive 6.5-hour experience, priced at $81.78 per person.

Enjoy a 6.5-hour guided tour of Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park for $81.78 per person.

It’s a small-group tour limited to 7 participants, catering to various languages.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The tour explores Furnas crater lake and village, including a taste of the local cozido stew.

It also includes a guided visit to the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens and an hour in the thermal baths surrounded by nature.

The tour provides stunning scenery and wildlife viewing.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring the Furnas crater lake and village is a highlight of the tour, where visitors can taste the local slow-cooked cozido meat stew. The tour also offers scenic van views and wildlife watching opportunities. The highlight of the day is the guided tour of the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, which lasts for 3 hours. Afterward, guests can spend an hour relaxing in the thermal baths surrounded by nature.

| Itinerary Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Explore Furnas crater lake and village | Taste local cozido stew | Scenic van tour and wildlife viewing |

| 3-hour guided tour of Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens | 1 hour in thermal baths | |

Meeting Point and Transportation

The Marina of Vila Franca do Campo serves as the meeting location for this tour.

From Ponta Delgada city center, head east along the coast to reach the Marina. Free parking is available onsite.

Participants can choose to meet at the Marina or arrange pickup with the tour provider. If opting for pickup, be sure to confirm the time and location with the provider prior to the tour.

The tour van will transport guests throughout the day, enabling exploration of Furnas crater lake, Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, and other key sites on the itinerary.

What to Bring and Important Information

Essentials to bring on this tour include swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Essentials to bring on this tour include swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

It’s important to notify the provider of any dietary restrictions at the time of reservation.

The hot springs water is untreated, so it’s unsuitable for pregnant individuals or those with certain health conditions. Visitors should exercise caution when entering the thermal baths.

The tour covers scenic locations, so be prepared for various weather conditions.

Following these packing tips will help ensure a comfortable and worry-free experience on the Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers who’ve experienced the Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour overwhelmingly praise the tour, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 15 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, well-paced itinerary, and stunning scenery. Many had positive experiences even in poor weather, praising the excellent food quality and engaging guides.

One reviewer, Andrew, said, "Wonderful. MaryLou and Martin were knowledgeable and fun."

Another, Jane, noted, "Great tour! Perfectly paced and stunning views."

Danielle commented, "Sandra was amazing, and the meal was delicious."

Exploring Furnas Crater Lake and Village

Where does the Furnas Crater Lake come from?

It’s the remnant of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred over 5,000 years ago.

Visitors can explore this geothermal wonder and the quaint village of Furnas.

The tour highlights include:

Admiring the bright blue-green waters of the Furnas Crater Lake, the result of volcanic activity.

1. Admiring the bright blue-green waters of the Furnas Crater Lake, the result of volcanic activity.

2. Witnessing the fumaroles – steaming vents that release gases from the underlying volcanic system.

3. Sampling the local cozido, a slow-cooked meat stew buried in the volcanic soil.

4. Strolling through the charming streets of Furnas village, known for its natural hot springs.

Savoring Local Cuisine and Slow-Cooked Cozido

After exploring the stunning Furnas Crater Lake, the tour takes visitors on a culinary journey to savor the local cuisine.

The highlight is the opportunity to taste the traditional cozido, a slow-cooked meat stew that’s prepared underground using the geothermal heat of the volcanic landscape. Guests learn about the unique cooking method and get to sample this flavorful, hearty dish.

The tour also provides a chance to try other regional specialties, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the Azores.

This gastronomic experience complements the natural wonders explored earlier in the day.

Taking in Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens and Thermal Baths

After exploring the picturesque Furnas Crater Lake, the tour continues to the serene Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens.

This 3-hour guided visit allows guests to enjoy the lush, 12-hectare garden oasis.

The tour highlights include:

1. Wandering the winding paths past ancient trees, colorful flowers, and tranquil ponds.

2. Learning about the diverse plant species and their origins from the knowledgeable guide.

3. Enjoying a peaceful soak in the garden’s thermal pools, heated by the region’s volcanic activity.

4. Relaxing amidst the stunning natural scenery for up to an hour.

Since You Asked

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour provides wheelchair-accessible transportation and a guided visit to the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens. However, accessing the thermal baths may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Visitors should confirm their needs with the tour provider prior to booking.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements to Participate?

There are no specific age or fitness requirements for the tour. However, participants should be able to walk for extended periods and navigate uneven terrain. The provider recommends checking with them if there are any mobility concerns.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary Based on Our Interests?

While the tour provider offers a standard itinerary, they may be able to accommodate customization requests. Guests should inquire about modifying the schedule to focus on their specific interests when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time Spent in the Thermal Baths?

Yes, the tour allows visitors to extend their time in the thermal baths. They can opt to spend more than the standard one hour in the natural hot springs surrounded by the beautiful botanical gardens.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is limited to 7 participants. The tour is offered as a small group experience, allowing for an intimate and personalized exploration of the sights.

The Sum Up

The Furnas & Terra Nostra Botanic Park Guided Tour with Hotsprings offers an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Azores. Guests can explore the stunning Furnas crater lake, savor local cuisine, and unwind in the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens and thermal baths. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, this small-group tour provides a personalized and rejuvenating adventure for just $81.78 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: