The Azores’ São Miguel island offers an unparalleled adventure for the bold and the daring. Daring visitors can embark on an 8-hour canyoning experience that takes them through the breathtaking Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, where they’ll navigate thrilling jumps, slides, and abseils. But the excitement doesn’t end there – after the canyoning, they’ll explore the unique volcanic landscapes of Furnas, indulge in the traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas’ dish, and unwind in the soothing thermal waters of the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. This well-rounded tour promises to immerse adventurers in the Azores’ diverse natural wonders, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- This 8-hour excursion combines a canyoning adventure in Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões with a tour of the Furnas village and its volcanic landscapes.
- The canyoning experience involves navigating jumps, natural slides, and abseils up to 15 meters, suitable for adventure and nature lovers with normal fitness levels.
- Visitors can savor the traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas’ dish in Furnas village and explore the fumarolic fields, hot springs, and botanical gardens.
- The activity includes the provision of all necessary canyoning equipment, insurances, photo/video documentation, and pick-up/drop-off services.
- Certain restrictions apply, such as no participation for pregnant women, individuals with mobility/heart problems, or those over 264 lbs.
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Activity Overview
This canyoning experience and Furnas tour in Sao Miguel, Azores caters to adventure and nature lovers of nearly all ages, offering a challenging yet rewarding day-long excursion.
The 8-hour activity comprises an adrenaline-pumping canyoning adventure and a relaxing exploration of the volcanic landscapes of Furnas.
Participants will navigate through the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, taking on jumps, natural slides, and abseils ranging from 5 to 15 meters.
After the canyoning, the tour moves on to the village of Furnas, where visitors can savor the traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas‘ dish and enjoy the region’s fumarolic fields, hot springs, and botanical gardens.
Canyoning Experience
The canyoning experience takes place within the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a picturesque natural setting that you will navigate through during this thrilling adventure.
Throughout the journey, adventurers will encounter a variety of obstacles, including jumps ranging from 2 to 7 meters (optional), natural slides, and abseils up to 15 meters. The itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and seasons, but alternatives are always available for each obstacle.
This challenging experience is suitable for adventure and nature lovers, with a normal fitness level recommended. Participants will be equipped with all the necessary gear, including harnesses, wetsuits, socks, helmets, and boots, ensuring a safe and enjoyable canyoning excursion.
Furnas Tour
Participants will visit the village of Furnas, where they can taste the traditional dish ‘Cozido das Furnas’ – a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew. This unique dish is prepared by lowering pots into the naturally heated fumarolic fields and hot springs around Furnas.
Next, they’ll explore the Caldeiras Vulcânicas, the fumarolic fields and hot springs that are a result of the area’s volcanic activity.
The tour also includes a visit to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, where travelers can relax in the thermal waters of the famous swimming pool.
With its diverse volcanic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Furnas tour offers a well-rounded experience for visitors to the Azores.
Inclusions
The tour package includes accredited guides to lead the canyoning experience and Furnas exploration. It also provides all necessary canyoning equipment, such as harnesses, wetsuits, socks, helmets, and boots. Plus, the price covers insurances, as well as photo and video documentation of the adventure. Travelers can also enjoy a traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas’ lunch with wine, beer, or water, followed by dessert and coffee. Entrance to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden is also included. Lastly, pick-up and drop-off services are provided for participants.
| Inclusions |
|---|
| Accredited guides |
| Canyoning equipment |
| Insurances |
| Photos/videos |
| Cozido lunch and dessert |
| Terra Nostra Botanical Garden |
| Pick-up and drop-off |
Restrictions
While the tour caters to adventure and nature enthusiasts, there are a few restrictions to consider. Pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems, and those over 264 lbs (120 kg) can’t participate. A normal fitness level is recommended, and though swimming ability isn’t necessary, comfort in the water is advised. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems.
Despite these limitations, the canyoning experience and Furnas tour offer an exciting and immersive way to explore the natural wonders of São Miguel, Azores. The knowledgeable guides and well-equipped safety gear ensure a thrilling yet safe adventure for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Challenging Obstacles
The canyoning experience challenges participants with a variety of obstacles, including heart-pounding jumps ranging from 2 to 7 meters, thrilling natural slides, and abseils as high as 15 meters. The itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and seasons, but guests can expect a mix of adrenaline-fueled challenges and stunning natural scenery.
| Obstacle | Description |
|---|---|
| Jumps | 2-7 meters, optional |
| Natural Slides | Smooth, natural rock formations |
| Abseils | 5-15 meters, requiring specialized equipment |
| Alternatives | Available for each obstacle based on skill level |
Regardless of skill level, the canyoning experience in the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões promises an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Tranquil Botanical Garden
After the thrilling canyoning experience, guests can unwind and rejuvenate at the lush Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.
Covering over 12 acres, this tranquil oasis features a stunning array of flora from around the world. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, admiring the vibrant colors and unique plant species.
The highlight is the large thermal pool, fed by the natural hot springs of Furnas. Surrounded by towering trees and emerald-hued foliage, guests can soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters, letting the stress of the day melt away.
With its serene ambiance and rejuvenating properties, the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden provides the perfect counterpoint to the thrilling canyoning adventure.
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Savory Volcanic Lunch
Following a thrilling canyoning adventure, guests savor the traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas‘ – a slow-cooked feast of meat and vegetables steamed in the volcanic hot springs of Furnas.
This local delicacy is a true taste of the Azores, with beef, pork, chicken, and an assortment of root vegetables and cabbage simmered to perfection in the geothermal heat.
Accompanied by a glass of local wine or beer, this hearty lunch provides a welcome respite after the morning’s adrenaline-fueled activities.
Dessert and coffee round out the meal, leaving visitors fully satiated and ready to explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Furnas region further.
This savory volcanic feast is a quintessential part of the Azorean adventure.
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Recap
The canyoning experience and Furnas tour in the Azores’ São Miguel island offers an exhilarating and well-rounded adventure.
Participants can navigate through rugged canyons, explore unique volcanic landscapes, and indulge in local cuisine and thermal waters, providing a comprehensive introduction to the island’s diverse wonders.
This excursion caters to adventure and nature enthusiasts, offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
