Full Day Jeep Tour Furnas with lunch (Cozido) and drinks included

Overview of the Full Day Jeep Tour Furnas

This full-day Jeep tour of Furnas on São Miguel Island offers an engaging, well-rounded look at some of the Azores’ most captivating sights. For around $98.84 per person, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring volcanic craters, lush green landscapes, and bubbling hot springs, all with the comfort of a small group and a knowledgeable guide. The tour includes hotel pickup, lunch featuring the famous cozido stew, and unlimited drinks, making it an easy, hassle-free way to see the highlights of eastern São Miguel.

What stands out most is the tour’s immersive approach — you’ll get to visit iconic sites like Caldeira das Furnas and a tea plantation, with plenty of time for photos, exploration, and enjoying local flavors. The small-group format creates a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for personal interaction and plenty of space to soak in the scenery. Notably, this tour maintains a perfect 5.0 rating from 172 reviews, with 99% recommending it — a good sign that most visitors find it worthwhile.

A few points to consider: the hot springs are an optional expense, and entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Still, the overall experience offers great value for anyone eager to combine adventure, culture, and natural beauty in one day.

What I Love About This Tour

One of the biggest draws is the expert guidance provided by guides like Eduardo (“Eddie”) and Sergio, whose enthusiasm and knowledge make each stop both educational and fun. Their personable approach, as several reviews note, turns a sightseeing trip into a genuine encounter with the island’s character. For example, Raul_M emphasizes how Eddie’s “personable nature” helps the group come together, making the entire day brighter.

Another standout feature is the variety of sights packed into one day. From the volcanic caldera to the tea plantations of Gorreana, you get a taste of São Miguel’s diverse landscapes. The visit to the Furnas Volcano and the chance to sample cozido, a stew slow-cooked in geothermal steam, adds a delicious local flavor that you won’t forget. Plus, the optional hot spring baths at Poça da Dona Beija let you unwind after a busy morning, which many reviewers say is an absolute highlight.

The scenic drives along the northern coast and through lush farmland are another highlight. One reviewer describes the drive as a “drive through the countryside” with “lush greenery and active farms,” which really captures the essence of the island’s untouched charm. The off-road jaunts and look-out points let you get a little adventurous, making the entire experience feel authentic and engaging.

A minor drawback might be the length of the lunch break, which some might find a bit long, but many agree it’s worth it because of the quality and local authenticity of the cozido. Also, entrance fees for parks or hot springs are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to indulge fully.

Key Points

• Expert guides make the experience engaging and informative: Guides like Eduardo and Sergio are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude.
• A well-paced, comprehensive itinerary: You’ll visit Furnas Volcano, a tea plantation, hot springs, and scenic look-outs without feeling rushed.
• Includes a traditional Azorean meal: The cozido stew is flavorful and an authentic taste of local culture.
• Small-group setting: Keeps the trip intimate, relaxed, and adaptable to your interests.
• Great value for the price: All-inclusive drinks, hotel pickup, and a full day of sightseeing make it a solid deal.
• Optional hot springs visit: A chance to relax, though it’s an extra expense.
• Preparation tip: Bring a bathing suit and change of clothes if you want to enjoy the thermal pools.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Pickup and First Impressions

Starting around 9:00 AM from your Ponta Delgada hotel, the pickup process is smooth, especially if you book with hotel transportation included. Being in a Jeep means you get to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views from the start, with a small group ensuring plenty of space and flexibility. You’ll notice that the tour keeps a good balance between guided commentary and free exploration; reviews frequently mention guides like Mariano and Francisco as knowledgeable and personable, providing interesting insights about the island’s volcanic activity and local life.

Caldeira das Furnas

Your first major stop is the Furnas Volcano, a massive crater filled with geothermal activity. The area is like stepping into another world, with steaming vents and bubbling thermal pools. Most visitors find this stop unforgettable—just imagining the steam rising from the ground is mesmerizing. According to reviewers, guides like Sergio are skilled at sharing stories about the volcano’s history and geology, making it more than just a scenic viewpoint.

Tea Plantations of Gorreana

Next, you’ll visit the Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of the few tea producers in Europe. Here, you’ll get to walk among the lush bushes and sample fresh, locally grown tea. One visitor describes this as a delightful 45-minute visit, perfect to appreciate the Azores’ agricultural side. It’s a nice change of pace from the volcanic landscapes and offers a glimpse into the island’s farming traditions.

Furnas Hot Springs and Lunch

The highlight for many is the lunch of cozido stew, cooked in geothermal steam, which the tour includes. Several reviews highlight the meal’s authenticity and deliciousness, with some noting that the length of the lunch break might feel long but well worth it. Afterward, you have the option to bathe at Poça da Dona Beija, known for its warm thermal pools — a wonderful way to relax after a busy morning. Just be aware that entrance fees are extra, so plan accordingly.

Scenic Drives and Look-Outs

The drive along São Miguel’s northern coast reveals breathtaking views of the Atlantic and verdant farmland. Guides like Mariana and Eddie are praised for sharing stories about the island’s natural and cultural history, making the journey more meaningful. Some stops, like Vila Franco do Campo and Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, offer quiet spots for reflection and photos.

Wrapping Up with Local Flavors

Despite the busy schedule, the tour ends around late afternoon at your hotel or the starting point. Many reviews mention the warm rapport with guides and the enjoyable, personalized experience. The unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks) complement the meal and add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, good storytelling, and local cuisine. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive look at São Miguel without the hassle of organizing individual visits. If you enjoy small groups and personalized attention, you’ll particularly appreciate the guides’ friendly and engaging style.

It also suits active travelers comfortable with some walking and thermal pools, and those eager to learn about the island’s volcanic history and agricultural traditions. Given the inclusion of lunch with local flavors and unlimited drinks, it offers excellent value for a full day of adventure.

However, if you prefer a very leisurely pace or have mobility concerns, check with the tour provider about the specific terrain and walking involved. Also, be prepared to pay extra for hot springs entry, and plan your day around the timing of the stops.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from selected hotels in Ponta Delgada is included in the tour price. Be sure to provide your hotel details when booking.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting around 9:00 AM and returning in the late afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers all transportation via Jeep, a traditional cozido meal, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, and guided commentary. Entrance fees for parks and hot springs are not included.

Can I choose vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available if you advise at the time of booking.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers, including families, seem to enjoy it. The off-road driving and scenic stops are generally engaging for all ages, but bring a change of clothes if your kids want to swim in the thermal pools.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, a bathing suit, a towel if you plan to swim, and some cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs.

How many people usually book?
Most bookings are made about 49 days in advance, and the tour operates with up to 50 travelers, but typical groups are smaller, creating an intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

This Furnas Jeep tour is a winning choice for travelers wanting an authentic, in-depth look at São Miguel’s volcanic and cultural treasures. It combines scenic drives, engaging storytelling, and local flavors—delivered by guides who genuinely seem to love sharing their island. Good value, small groups, and the chance to relax in thermal waters make it a memorable part of any Azores itinerary.

If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized adventure that balances sightseeing with personal interaction, this tour is hard to beat. It brings the island’s natural beauty and local character to life in a way that’s both fun and educational. Perfect for explorers eager to see and taste the best of São Miguel without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.