The rolling hills and lush vegetation of São Miguel’s eastern region beckon visitors to uncover its natural wonders and cultural heritage. On this full-day van tour, travelers will explore the active geothermal park of Furnas, savor the traditional cozido stew, and witness the island’s dramatic landscapes. From panoramic viewpoints to thundering waterfalls, this small-group experience promises an immersive exploration of São Miguel’s northeast coast. With a seamless itinerary, including a traditional lunch and access to thermal pools, the tour invites travelers to forge a tranquil connection with nature’s grand spectacle.
Key Points
- Comprehensive full-day van tour exploring the eastern side of São Miguel Island in the Azores, showcasing its natural wonders and cultural heritage.
- Visit the active geothermal park of Furnas, where participants can indulge in the traditional cozido stew cooked in volcanic soil.
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Santa Iria lookout and witness the impressive Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, a highlight of the tour.
- Explore the island’s dramatic northeast coast, with its towering cliffs and lush, verdant landscapes.
- Includes a traditional local lunch, drinks, dessert, and coffee, as well as the option to access thermal pools for an additional fee.
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Tour Overview
This full-day van tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the eastern half of São Miguel Island, showcasing its natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Over the course of 8 hours, a small group of no more than 8 you will venture through the island’s diverse landscapes.
Highlights include visiting the active geothermal park of Furnas, where they’ll have the chance to taste the famous cozido, a stew cooked in volcanic soil.
They’ll also enjoy panoramic vistas from the Santa Iria lookout, witness the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, and discover the island’s dramatic northeast coast.
With a traditional lunch, drinks, and dessert included, as well as entrance to the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field, this guided tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Highlights of the Tour
The tour’s highlights include visiting the active geothermal park of Furnas, where participants can savor the famous cozido, a stew cooked in the volcanic soil.
Breathtaking views from the Santa Iria lookout, offering panoramic vistas of the island’s dramatic landscape.
A visit to the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, where the thundering cascade cascades down a lush, verdant cliff face.
Exploring the northeast coast’s towering cliffs, which rise majestically from the churning Atlantic Ocean.
Discovering the unique geothermal features and hot springs that dot the island, a testament to the region’s volcanic heritage.
Inclusion and Extras
Alongside the captivating natural sights, the tour includes a traditional lunch, refreshing drinks, a decadent dessert, and aromatic coffee, providing a well-rounded culinary experience for participants. Plus, the tour covers the entrance fee to the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s volcanic wonders. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the optional thermal pools are available at an additional cost. The tour’s logistics ensure a seamless adventure, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient pick-up locations.
| Included | Extras |
|---|---|
| Traditional Lunch | Thermal Pools (€6) |
| Drinks | – |
| Dessert | – |
| Coffee | – |
| Furnas Lake Geothermal Field (€3) | – |
Furnas Geothermal Park
Nestled within the lush, verdant landscape of São Miguel Island, the Furnas Geothermal Park showcases the island’s volcanic origins, where bubbling fumaroles, steaming hot springs, and boiling mud pools offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the earth’s inner workings.
Visitors can witness the dramatic sight of mineral-rich waters bubbling up from the ground, their vibrant hues ranging from deep ochre to brilliant azure.
Visitors can stroll along the park’s network of boardwalks and trails, exploring the diverse geothermal features that dot the landscape.
Visitors can learn about the unique ecosystem that thrives in this hostile, geothermally-active environment, home to a variety of adapted plant and microbial life.
Visitors can indulge in the famous cozido, a traditional stew cooked underground using the park’s natural heat.
Cozido Tasting Experience
At the heart of the Furnas Geothermatic Park, visitors can enjoy the time-honored tradition of savoring cozido, a hearty stew slow-cooked to perfection within the park’s steaming volcanic soil.
This beloved local dish, a testament to the island’s geothermal bounty, simmers underground for several hours, imbuing the tender meats and vegetables with the earthy, mineral-rich flavors of the earth itself.
The tour participants eagerly await the unearthing of the cozido, watching as the steaming pot is carefully extracted from the ground, releasing an aroma that whets the appetite.
Savoring each bite, they’re transported by the unique, deep-rooted flavors that capture the essence of São Miguel’s volcanic landscape.
Scenic Viewpoints
The tour showcases some of the island’s most breathtaking scenic viewpoints, offering visitors panoramic vistas that capture the dramatic interplay of land and sea.
From the Santa Iria lookout, they gaze out over the northeast coast’s towering cliffs, their jagged profiles plunging steeply into the churning Atlantic waters below.
Marveling at the thundering Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall, whose cascading waters tumble over rocky outcroppings.
Admiring the lush, verdant landscapes that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
Savoring the crisp, salt-tinged air and feeling the invigorating ocean breezes caress their skin.
Experiencing a profound sense of tranquility and connection with nature’s grand spectacle.
Waterfall Discovery
Cascading over rocky precipices, the Ribeira dos Caldeir??es waterfall announces its presence with a powerful, thunderous roar. Plummeting from a height of over 100 feet, the water crashes against the rugged basalt cliffs, sending up a constant spray that glistens in the sunlight. Visitors are captivated by the sheer force and raw beauty of this natural wonder, as it carves a dramatic path through the verdant, lush landscape.
| Waterfall Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | Over 100 feet |
| Location | Northeast coast of S??o Miguel |
| Surrounding Landscape | Lush, verdant |
| Sound | Powerful, thunderous roar |
The Ribeira dos Caldeir??es waterfall is a highlight of the eastern S??o Miguel tour, offering a breathtaking display of nature’s raw power and beauty.
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Logistics and Pickup
This full-day tour kicks off with a convenient pickup service, whisking participants away from their accommodations in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or Lagoa. The small group, limited to just 8 people, ensures a more personalized and intimate experience throughout the day’s adventures.
With flexible cancellation policies, you can book with confidence, knowing you can make changes up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes:
- Traditional local lunch, drinks, dessert, and coffee
- Entrance to the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field
- A complimentary water bottle
- Optional access to thermal pools for an additional fee
This seamless, worry-free experience allows you to immerse yourself fully in the natural wonders of São Miguel’s eastern region.
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Recap
This immersive tour showcases the captivating natural wonders and cultural heritage of São Miguel’s eastern region.
Visitors will be awestruck by the active geothermal landscapes of Furnas, indulge in the traditional cozido stew, and witness the thundering Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall.
With a seamless experience, including a local lunch and thermal pool access, this small-group tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the island’s dramatic northeast coast.
