Exploring the captivating landscapes of São Miguel Island is a must-do for any adventurous traveler. The full-day 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas promises an exhilarating journey, unveiling the island’s thermal wonders and immersing visitors in its rich geothermal heritage. From the charming village of Furnas to the rejuvenating thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that delights the senses. But the true highlight may just lie in the opportunity to savor the renowned ‘cozido’ stew, cooked underground and steeped in the island’s unique culinary traditions.
Key Points
- Immersive full-day 4WD Jeep tour exploring the stunning landscapes and thermal wonders of Furnas on Sao Miguel Island.
- Opportunity to swim in the mineral-rich thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija and try the local ‘cozido’ stew.
- Discover the charming village of Furnas, home to geothermal features like hot springs and fumaroles.
- Visit a tea plantation for a guided tour and tasting of the island’s renowned Azorean tea.
- Convenient hotel pickup and hassle-free booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The full-day 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas on Sao Miguel Island takes travelers on an 8-hour adventure through the island’s stunning landscapes and thermal wonders.
Visitors will explore the village of Furnas, home to a variety of geothermal features like hot springs and fumaroles. The tour includes a refreshing swim in the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija.
Foodies will delight in the opportunity to try the famous ‘cozido‘, a local stew cooked using the island’s natural heat sources. The excursion also features a stop at a tea plantation, where guests can tour the factory and sample the island’s unique teas.
With a full day of incredible sights and experiences, this tour offers an immersive look at Sao Miguel’s natural beauty.
Exploring Furnas Village
After exploring the island’s stunning landscapes, visitors embark on the next leg of the tour – a deep dive into the captivating village of Furnas.
Nestled amidst the island’s geothermal wonders, this charming town offers a unique glimpse into Sao Miguel’s rich cultural heritage and natural marvels. Visitors can’t help but be mesmerized by the village’s highlights, which include:
- The steaming fumaroles and hot springs that dot the landscape, giving Furnas its distinct geothermal character.
- The Poça da Dona Beija, a series of thermal pools where visitors can enjoy a soothing soak.
- The renowned ‘cozido’, a savory stew cooked underground using the island’s natural heat sources.
Thermal Wonders of Furnas
Steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs dot the landscape of Furnas, captivating visitors with their remarkable geothermal wonders.
Amidst this natural spectacle, the famous Poça da Dona Beija invites travelers to indulge in a soothing soak, seeing the island’s thermal waters. The warm, mineral-rich pools are said to have therapeutic properties, offering a rejuvenating experience.
Nearby, the village’s volcanic craters and fumaroles release plumes of steam, showcasing the powerful forces that shaped this enchanting landscape. Visitors can also explore the geothermal valley and witness the cooking of the famous ‘cozido’, a traditional stew prepared underground using the natural heat of the earth.
Furnas’ thermal wonders captivate and delight all who venture to this enchanting corner of São Miguel.
Swimming in Poça Da Dona Beija
Nestled amidst the lush landscape of Furnas, the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija beckon visitors to indulge in a soothing soak, its mineral-rich pools promising a rejuvenating experience.
This natural wonder boasts:
- Temperatures ranging from 28°C to 40°C, ensuring a comfortable dip year-round
- Five interconnected pools, each offering a unique atmosphere and ambiance
- The opportunity to take in the island’s volcanic heritage, as the water bubbles up from the earth’s core
After an exhilarating day exploring Furnas, a leisurely swim in the therapeutic waters of Poça da Dona Beija provides the perfect respite, leaving visitors refreshed and revitalized.
Tasting the Local ‘Cozido’
What better way to experience the essence of Furnas than to savor the famous ‘cozido‘, a local stew cooked in the very thermal springs that give this village its unique character? This hearty dish, simmered underground for hours, emerges bursting with the flavors of the island’s volcanic terroir, a true delicacy that visitors simply must try during their visit.
The slow-cooking process infuses the cozido with the earthy, mineral-rich notes of the geothermal heat, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and distinctly Azorean.
As you indulge in this traditional culinary treasure, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable natural wonders that make Furnas such a captivating destination.
Visit to a Tea Plantation
The tour also includes a stop at a local tea plantation, where visitors can enjoy the island’s thriving tea culture. Guests will tour the factory, learning about the intricate process of cultivating and processing the Azorean tea leaves, and then have the opportunity to sample the aromatic, full-bodied teas that define this unique regional specialty.
The plantation’s knowledgeable staff will guide visitors through:
- The meticulously maintained tea gardens, showcasing the lush, verdant bushes that produce the island’s prized leaves.
- The state-of-the-art processing facility, where the leaves are expertly withered, rolled, and dried to bring out their distinctive flavors.
- A tasting session highlighting the nuanced and complex profiles of the plantation’s signature teas.
Included in the Tour
Along With the comprehensive 4WD jeep tour of Sao Miguel Island, the experience includes a delectable lunch and full access to the area’s captivating thermal wonders. During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Furnas, exploring its steaming fumaroles, bubbling hot springs, and the famous ‘cozido’ stew cooked in the volcanic heat. The tour also includes a visit to the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools, where visitors can indulge in a relaxing swim. To further enhance the experience, the tour package provides the following inclusions:
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Full-day 4WD Tour | Comprehensive exploration of Sao Miguel’s Furnas region |
| Lunch | Savory local cuisine to refuel during the adventure |
| Entrance Fees | Hassle-free access to the area’s thermal attractions |
| Hotel Pickup | Convenient transportation from your Ponta Delgada hotel |
Booking and Pickup Details
With convenient hotel pickup and flexible booking options, arranging this captivating Sao Miguel Island adventure couldn’t be easier. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, while free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures peace of mind.
Pickup is provided from any hotel in Ponta Delgada, allowing travelers to embark on this immersive 4WD Jeep tour with seamless convenience.
The booking process is straightforward and hassle-free:
- Reserve now and pay later for added flexibility
- Take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
- Enjoy seamless pickup from your Ponta Delgada hotel
This user-friendly approach ensures a stress-free start to a day filled with thermal wonders, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences.
Recap
Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour adventure through Sao Miguel Island’s stunning landscapes and thermal wonders on this comprehensive 4WD Jeep tour.
Discover the charming village of Furnas, marvel at the steaming fumaroles and hot springs, and indulge in the renowned ‘cozido’ stew cooked underground.
Enjoy the island’s captivating geothermal heritage and explore its thriving tea culture, creating a truly memorable experience.
