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

Exploring the stunning landscapes of São Miguel Island in the Azores is a must-do adventure. This full-day 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas offers an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s natural wonders and culinary heritage. From a scenic chapel stop to a rejuvenating swim in thermal waters, this tour packs in highlights that’ll leave you captivated. But the real showstopper? The traditional underground-cooked lunch that’ll transport your tastebuds straight to the heart of the Azores.

Key Points

• A full-day 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas on São Miguel Island, lasting 8 hours and costing $92.69 per person.
• Tour includes exploration of hot springs, fumaroles, and a traditional cozido lunch cooked in volcanic steam vents.
• Scenic stop at the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel provides panoramic views over Vila Franca do Campo.
• Opportunity to swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, with an average temperature of 102°F.
• The tour features a live English and Portuguese-speaking guide and includes hotel pickup in Ponta Delgada.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The full-day 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas costs from $92.69 per person and lasts 8 hours.

Explore the Furnas region on a full-day 4WD Jeep tour, priced from $92.69 per person and lasting 8 hours.

A live tour guide provides commentary in English and Portuguese. Pickup is included from any hotel in Ponta Delgada, with alternative meeting places available if you’re staying outside the city.

The tour explores São Miguel Island, visiting hot springs, fumaroles, and a traditional cozido lunch cooked in the Furnas hot springs.

Other highlights include a scenic chapel stop, swimming in thermal waters, and touring a tea plantation.

Highlights and Itinerary

This full-day 4WD Jeep tour takes visitors on an exploration of São Miguel Island, visiting the hot springs and fumaroles in the Furnas region.

The tour includes a scenic stop at the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, offering views over Vila Franca do Campo. Guests can swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, with an average temperature of 102°F.

A traditional cozido lunch, cooked in the hot springs for 6-8 hours, is served. The tour also visits Pico do Ferro for a panoramic view of the Furnas Crater and a tea plantation for a factory tour and tasting.

Scenic Stop at Nossa Senhora Da Paz Chapel

After exploring the hot springs and fumaroles in Furnas, the tour makes a scenic stop at the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel.

The chapel offers breathtaking views over the charming town of Vila Franca do Campo. Visitors can take in the stunning panorama and snap photos of the picturesque setting.

The chapel’s white facade and red roof contrast beautifully against the surrounding green hills and blue skies.

This scenic viewpoint provides a tranquil moment to take in the natural beauty of São Miguel before continuing the journey through the island’s volcanic landscapes.

Thermal Waters of Poça Da Dona Beija

Visitors can take a refreshing swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, which maintains an average water temperature of 102°F.

This natural spa is fed by hot springs and surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a serene and rejuvenating experience.

The bathing pools are divided into four sections, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot.

After exploring the volcanic landscape of Furnas, guests can unwind and soak in the mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.

The thermal experience is a highlight of the full-day 4WD Jeep tour, providing a chance to relax and recharge.

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Traditional Cozido Lunch

One of the highlights of the 4WD Jeep tour is the traditional cozido lunch.

Cozido is a Portuguese stew that’s slowly cooked underground using the geothermal heat from the Furnas hot springs. The tour group’s cozido is prepared in the natural volcanic steam vents, simmering for 6-8 hours.

Guests enjoy this hearty, flavor-packed dish, which typically includes various meats, sausages, and root vegetables. The slow-cooking process infuses the ingredients with the unique earthy, mineral-rich flavors of the volcanic soil.

This traditional lunch is a delicious and authentic way to experience the culinary traditions of São Miguel Island.

Pico Do Ferro and the Furnas Crater

The tour continues with a visit to Pico do Ferro, which offers a panoramic overview of the Furnas Crater.

From this vantage point, guests can admire the steaming caldeira and surrounding lush landscape. The crater, formed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago, is now a picturesque setting with fumaroles, hot springs, and lush vegetation.

After taking in the views, the tour moves on to a nearby tea plantation. Visitors can explore the tea-making process and sample the local varieties, gaining insight into this important industry on São Miguel.

Exploring the Tea Plantation

After exploring the scenic viewpoint of Pico do Ferro, the tour takes visitors to a nearby tea plantation.

Guests are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the tea production process:

• A guided tour of the plantation, showcasing the different tea varieties grown on the island.

• A visit to the on-site factory, where they can observe the intricate steps of harvesting, drying, and processing the tea leaves.

• A tasting session, allowing visitors to sample the distinct flavors of the locally produced teas.

This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the island’s thriving tea industry and the dedication required to craft high-quality tea.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Travelers can take advantage of the tour operator’s flexible booking and cancellation policy. With no upfront payment required, visitors can reserve their spot and pay later. This allows for greater flexibility in planning.

On top of that, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind should plans change. This cancellation policy ensures travelers can receive a full refund if unable to attend.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. However, a traditional cozido lunch is included, and the tour includes stops at a tea plantation and thermal waters, so you may want to enjoy the experiences provided.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the duration and activities involved.

Is the Tour Wheelchair or Stroller Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible as it involves exploring rugged terrain in a 4WD vehicle. Participants should be able to get in and out of the Jeep and navigate uneven ground at the various stops.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for private groups. Travelers can contact the tour operator to arrange a private 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas with a live guide for their group. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized experiences.

What Should I Bring in Terms of Clothing and Footwear?

For this tour, visitors should wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes and bring a swimsuit for the thermal pools. It’s also recommended to bring a light jacket or sweater, as the weather can be cool, especially at higher elevations.

The Sum Up

The São Miguel Island 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas offers a unique opportunity to take in the island’s natural wonders. From the scenic chapel to the rejuvenating thermal waters and the traditional cozido lunch, this full-day adventure showcases the diverse beauty and cultural heritage of this enchanting destination. Travelers can expect a comprehensive and unforgettable experience on this well-curated tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: