Ponta Delgada, the vibrant capital of São Miguel Island, serves as the perfect launching pad for an immersive exploration of the Azores’ volcanic wonders. This two-day tour whisks travellers through the island’s captivating west and east sides, unveiling a tapestry of natural landscapes that truly captivates the senses. From the breathtaking Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo calderas to the therapeutic waters of the Terra Nostra botanical garden, the journey promises an unparalleled glimpse into the geological and cultural riches that define this enchanting archipelago. But the true highlight lies in the Furnas volcano, where visitors can explore the region’s culinary traditions and uncover the secrets that simmer beneath the surface.
Key Points
- This 2-day tour showcases the captivating volcanic landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural highlights of both the West and East sides of São Miguel Island in the Azores.
- Highlights include the Sete Cidades volcano with its twin lakes, the Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve, and the Furnas volcano with its steaming fumaroles and traditional Cozido das Furnas stew.
- Visitors can soak in the therapeutic waters of the Terra Nostra botanical garden, explore Europe’s last 100% natural tea plantation, and enjoy the island’s unique culinary and cultural traditions.
- The tour includes guided explorations of the volcanic wonders and geologic past, as well as opportunities to hike through the picturesque landscapes and spot diverse flora and fauna.
- The tour is priced at $140.59 per person, with a maximum of 16 participants for an intimate and personalized experience, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This 2-day tour of São Miguel Island in the Azores offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s captivating West and East sides, each brimming with volcanic landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural highlights.
Over the course of two full days, guests will discover the mesmerizing Sete Cidades volcano, the serene Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve, and the geothermal marvels of Furnas.
Along the way, they’ll savor traditional Azorean cuisine, including a delectable Furnas stew, and have the opportunity to soak in the therapeutic waters of the Terra Nostra botanical garden.
With transportation, local storytelling, and all activities included, this tour provides an unforgettable window into the volcanic beauty and rich heritage of São Miguel.
West Side Highlights
On the western side of São Miguel, travelers uncover the captivating Sete Cidades volcano, whose twin lakes reflect the sky’s ever-changing hues and paint a breathtaking portrait of the island’s volcanic origins.
Beyond the caldera, the serene Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve invites visitors to enjoy a lush, verdant world of towering cliffs, cascading streams, and endemic flora that whispers of the Azores’ untamed splendor.
Guided tours offer in-depth exploration of these volcanic wonders, allowing travelers to explore the island’s geologic past and witness the power of nature’s enduring creativity.
Sete Cidades Volcano
Nestled within the caldera of the Sete Cidades volcano, the twin lakes captivate visitors with their ever-changing reflections of the sky’s hues, painting a breathtaking portrait of the island’s volcanic past.
Hiking trails weave through the lush landscapes, offering panoramic vistas of the shimmering green and blue waters below.
Geologists delight in the region’s geothermal activity, where bubbling hot springs and fumaroles showcase the island’s dynamic geology.
For those seeking a more serene experience, the tranquil Lagoa do Canario provides a peaceful respite, its calm waters mirroring the surrounding verdant hills.
Whether exploring by foot, bike, or boat, the Sete Cidades volcano promises an unforgettable glimpse into São Miguel’s captivating natural wonders.
Lagoa Do Fogo Volcano
The Lagoa do Fogo volcano, a mesmerizing natural wonder on São Miguel Island, beckons visitors with its dramatic landscapes and serene settings.
As part of the West Side tour, travelers can explore the volcanic crater lake, surrounded by lush green slopes and towering cliffs.
The breathtaking scenery is a feast for the senses, with the vivid blue waters of the lake contrasting beautifully against the verdant foliage.
Visitors can hike along picturesque trails, taking in the fresh, crisp air and the sounds of cascading waterfalls.
The Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve also offers opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts exploring the Azores.
East Side Highlights
Travelers on the East Side tour of São Miguel Island will first encounter the captivating Furnas volcano, where they’ll witness the dynamic volcanic activity that has shaped the region’s dramatic landscapes. From bubbling mud pools to steaming fumaroles, the Furnas area showcases the raw power of the earth’s geothermal forces.
After exploring the volcanic wonders, visitors can opt to soak in the therapeutic waters of the Terra Nostra botanical garden.
Further east, the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park enchants with its cascading waterfalls and lush, verdant scenery.
The tour’s final highlight is a visit to Europe’s last 100% natural tea plantation, offering a glimpse into a centuries-old tradition and a chance to savor the island’s unique flavors.
Furnas Volcano Activity
As visitors set foot in the Furnas region, they can’t help but be captivated by the dynamic volcanic activity that dominates the landscape. Steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the pungent scent of sulfur create an otherworldly atmosphere, reminding them of the raw, primal forces that have sculpted this remarkable destination. The Furnas volcano’s caldera offers a front-row seat to these geothermal wonders, with hiking trails leading visitors through a lunar-like terrain. Beyond the natural spectacle, the region is renowned for its culinary delights, where the unique volcanic heat is harnessed to slow-cook traditional stews buried in the earth.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Fumaroles | Steaming vents that release volcanic gases |
| Mud Pools | Bubbling, clay-rich pools heated by geothermal activity |
| Cozido das Furnas | A hearty stew cooked underground using volcanic heat |
Botanical Garden Visit
After exploring the volcanic wonders of Furnas, visitors can opt to enjoy the botanical oasis of the Terra Nostra Garden, a verdant haven nestled within the caldera.
This lush, 18th-century park boasts over 2,500 plant species from around the world, creating a serene and diverse landscape.
Meandering through the garden’s winding paths, travelers can admire the vibrant blooms, towering trees, and tranquil ponds.
The garden’s centerpiece is its thermal pool, where visitors can indulge in a relaxing soak in the iron-rich, ochre-colored waters.
The garden’s peaceful ambiance and unique geological features offer a delightful contrast to the dramatic volcanic landscapes just explored, providing a well-rounded Azorean experience.
Pricing and Availability
The 2-day West & East Volcanoes Tour of São Miguel Island in the Azores can be booked for $140.59 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Travelers have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance without any fees, and the tour is limited to a maximum of 16 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
This pricing makes the tour accessible, while the free cancellation policy provides peace of mind.
The small group size allows for a more tailored journey, enabling travelers to fully enjoy the volcanic landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural insights that define this remarkable destination.
With convenient pickup and drop-off, all-inclusive amenities, and a seamless itinerary, this tour offers an exceptional value proposition.
Recap
This 2-day São Miguel tour immerses travelers in the Azores’ volcanic wonders.
From the mesmerizing Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo craters to the therapeutic Furnas hot springs, it’s a captivating journey through the island’s geological treasures.
Visitors will savor the unique flavors of regional cuisine and connect with the archipelago’s rich natural and cultural heritage, leaving with a deeper appreciation for this enchanting volcanic paradise.
