Exploring the east side of São Miguel with a dedicated guide offers a wonderfully immersive way to experience the island’s natural beauty and local culture. This private tour, priced at $170 per person, promises an intimate journey through some of the island’s most iconic sights, from bubbling volcanic lakes to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the flexibility and personalized approach ensure a tailored day that suits your pace and interests. Second, the opportunity to see Furnas Lagoon up close, with its steaming fumaroles and geothermal activity, promises an otherworldly feel. And third, the chance to relax in thermal hot springs like Terra Nostra Park’s famous iron-rich pool adds a restorative touch.
One thing to consider is that some attractions, like Terra Nostra Park and Poça da Dona Beija, are optional extras with entry fees payable on site. This means the overall experience balances a comprehensive guided tour with some optional, pay-as-you-go activities.
This tour best suits travelers eager to explore São Miguel’s scenic east side in a relaxed, personalized manner—perfect for those who appreciate nature’s raw power, breathtaking coastal views, and authentic local flavors.
Key Points
- Private, customizable experience tailored to your interests and pace
- Stunning landscapes including Furnas Lagoon, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs
- Thermal baths and hot springs for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Cultural insights with visits to local villages and culinary experiences
- Flexibility to include optional activities like hiking and thermal pools
- Comfortable transport in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle
An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
This tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your accommodation, providing a seamless start to your day. The vehicle, accommodating up to four adults comfortably (plus small seats for children or petite travelers), ensures a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The guide, well-versed in Azorean nature and culture, offers engaging commentary and answers your questions along the way.
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Scenic Drive Through Lush Forests
As you head eastward, the roads wind through verdant landscapes, giving you a taste of São Miguel’s famously lush environment. Expect to see dense forests, volcanic terrain, and fields dotted with dairy farms—the kind of scenery that makes you want to stop every few minutes for photos. The small group size means you’ll have ample opportunity to chat with your guide and customize your day.
Furnas Lagoon and Geothermal Wonders
The first major stop is Furnas Lagoon, an area alive with steam and bubbling fumaroles. Here, you’ll witness the earth’s power up close—smoke rises from volcanic holes, and the air smells faintly of sulfur. This site is famous for the cozido, a hearty stew slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat, and if you’re keen, you can observe the traditional pits and even taste the freshly cooked dish.
Beyond the cooking sites, the landscape feels almost cinematic—earthy, vibrant, and alive. After walking along the lakeside, many visitors enjoy a drink at a small tea house amid the trees, sipping green tea or biting into a bolo lêvedo, a fluffy, slightly sweet bread typical of the islands.
Optional Hike in a Hidden Forest
For those craving more adventure, an optional hike through a nearby Natural Park (costs an extra €10) is available. This moderate trail takes you through dense woodland, past cascading waterfalls, and offers sweeping viewpoints. Several reviews describe this as a “scene from Avatar”, emphasizing the magical, untouched feel of the forest. It’s a quiet, immersive experience away from crowds, perfect for nature lovers.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Furnas Village and Local Cuisine
Next, your guide will take you into the village of Furnas, where everyday life continues amidst volcanic steam vents. Here, you’ll enjoy a regional lunch—possibly featuring the signature cozido—designed to showcase the island’s culinary traditions. If you’re interested, there’s also an optional visit to Terra Nostra Park (entry €17), a botanical garden famous for its thermal iron-rich pool. The water’s warm, earthy hue and mineral content make it both a visual treat and a soothing experience.
Coastal Cliffs and Spectacular Viewpoints
After lunch and relaxation, the journey continues along São Miguel’s northeast coast. You’ll stop at Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego, where towering cliffs meet the roaring Atlantic below. These viewpoints offer some of the best scenery on the island—craggy, dramatic, and utterly breathtaking. You’ll likely hear more than one traveler remark on how the raw power of the sea and the jagged coastline create an “epic landscape” that’s hard to forget.
Caldeirões Park and Waterfalls
Another highlight is Caldeirões Park, home to a beautiful waterfall framed by old stone mills and lush greenery. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for a short walk and photo opportunities. Many guests appreciate the tranquility here after more energetic activities, plus the chance to see how traditional water mills operated.
Relaxing End at Poça da Dona Beija
To close out the day, the tour invites you to unwind at Poça da Dona Beija, a series of natural thermal pools amid volcanic rocks and ferns. The warm waters, heated deep within the earth, offer a soothing finale. Several reviews mention how rejuvenating it is to soak in these mineral-rich pools—“a perfect way to relax and reflect on the day”—and it’s an experience you’ll likely remember long after returning home. Entry here costs €16, payable on site.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The price of $170 covers the private guided tour, transportation, and all visits, including the geothermal area at Furnas and guided village walk. You also receive bottled water and digital photos of your day.
However, some attractions like Terra Nostra Park, Poça da Dona Beija, and the Parque da Grená hiking trail are optional with entry fees payable on-site (€17, €16, and additional, respectively). Lunch is also not included, giving you flexibility to choose what and where to eat.
Transportation and Group Size
The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, making the long drives between sights pleasant. The small group size (up to 4 adults plus small seats for children) ensures a more personalized experience, allowing your guide to tailor the day to your interests.
Flexibility and Personalization
One of the key benefits of this private tour is its customizable nature. If you want to spend more time at certain spots or skip others, your guide can accommodate. The operator, Roots Tracking, emphasizes flexibility, so if you’re eager to explore specific areas or focus on photos, just let them know.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking and light hiking.
- A windbreaker or light rain jacket is advisable, as weather can change quickly in the Azores.
- Remember that some attractions are pay-on-site, so have some cash or a card ready.
- This tour isn’t suitable for those in wheelchairs due to terrain and walking requirements.
- Booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, adding peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?
This private tour provides a well-rounded introduction to São Miguel’s most iconic natural sites. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an active, scenic day with the flexibility to customize and indulge in local flavors and thermal experiences. The combination of dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and healing springs makes it a comprehensive way to connect with the island’s essence.
If you’re interested in natural beauty, authentic local cuisine, and peaceful moments soaking in thermal pools, this tour offers exceptional value and a highly personalized experience. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer a flexible, private outing rather than group excursions.
For travelers with a curious mind and a love for breathtaking scenery, this tour delivers a beautiful snapshot of São Miguel’s east side, leaving you with memories of volcanic power, lush landscapes, and the soothing warmth of the island’s thermal waters.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the vehicle has smaller seats for children, and the tour’s flexible pace makes it suitable for families, though some activities like hiking or thermal pools may require supervision.
How long is the driving time on this tour?
While the exact time isn’t specified, the drive includes several scenic stops, so expect a good portion of the day to be in transit, with plenty of breaks for sightseeing.
Can I personalize the itinerary?
Yes, as a private tour, it’s designed to be flexible. You can discuss your interests with your guide and tailor the stops accordingly.
Are meals included?
No, meals are optional. You can choose to enjoy local cuisine during the tour or bring your own snacks.
What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, and perhaps a camera to capture the stunning views. If swimming, bring a towel and swimsuit.
Is the tour operated rain or shine?
Yes, unless there’s extreme weather, the tour runs in all conditions, with the possibility to adjust the itinerary if needed.
How many people will be on the tour?
Up to 4 adults plus small seats for children, ensuring a private, intimate experience.
What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on the east side’s scenic highlights, combined with the private, customizable approach and inclusion of optional activities, makes it highly adaptable.
Are there any hidden costs?
Optional attractions like Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija have entry fees payable on-site. The tour price covers most guiding and transportation costs.
How do I book the tour?
You can reserve through the provided platform with flexibility to pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This São Miguel east-side tour offers a rich blend of natural wonder and local charm, perfect for those wanting a deep, personal connection with the island’s most stunning sights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another taste of the Azores, it’s a memorable way to see the island’s volcanic heart and rugged coastline.
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