Canyoning Experience & Furnas Tour (Azores – São Miguel)

Embark on an exhilarating canyoning adventure through the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, where experienced guides lead the way. Traverse jumps, slides, and abseils up to 15 meters, with alternatives available to suit your pace. After the thrilling challenges, savor the traditional Cozido das Furnas dish, slow-cooked underground in volcanic steam vents. Explore the captivating Caldeiras Vulcânicas and unwind in the serene Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, with its mineral-rich thermal waters. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of adrenaline, culture, and natural wonder. What awaits you next is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Thrilling canyoning adventure through Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, with jumps, natural slides, and abseils up to 15 meters.
• Flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate varying local conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for participants.
• Opportunity to savor the traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas’ dish, a slow-cooked stew from the volcanic steam vents of Furnas.
• Exploration of the Caldeiras Vulcânicas, showcasing the island’s geothermal wonders, including fumarolic fields and hot springs.
• Relaxation in the serene Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, with access to the mineral-rich thermal waters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Canyoning Exploration in Parque Natural

The canyoning exploration takes participants through the stunning Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, presenting a thrilling adventure amidst the region’s natural wonders.

Equipped with top-notch gear, explorers will navigate several jumps ranging from 2-7 meters, experience natural slides, and descend abseils up to 15 meters. The itinerary may vary based on local conditions and seasons, but the experienced guides ensure safe and enjoyable passage through each obstacle.

Even for those new to canyoning, alternatives are available for each challenge, allowing participants to push their boundaries at a comfortable pace.

This immersive experience showcases the beauty and excitement of the Azorean wilderness.

Jumping, Sliding, and Abseiling Challenges

During the canyoning adventure, participants can expect to take on several heart-pounding challenges, including jumps ranging from 2 to 7 meters, thrilling natural slides, and descents down abseils up to 15 meters in length.

The itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and seasons, but the guides are skilled at adapting the route to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

For those who are nervous about a particular obstacle, there are usually alternatives available, allowing participants to progress at their own pace.

The combination of adrenaline-fueled jumps, smooth slides, and controlled abseils makes for an unforgettable canyoning experience in the stunning Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões.

Itinerary Flexibility for Varying Conditions

The tour guides expertly adapt the canyoning itinerary to accommodate varying local conditions and seasonal changes, ensuring participants’ safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure. Depending on the water level, weather, and other factors, the guides may adjust the route, choose alternative jump sites, or modify the abseiling descents. This flexibility allows the tour to be tailored to the group’s abilities and the environment’s current state, providing an unforgettable and customized experience.

Condition	Adaptation
High Water Level	Avoid deep pools, focus on slides and jumps
Low Water Level	Prioritize abseils, bypass shallow areas
Heavy Rain	Consider safer routes, reduce jump heights
Windy Weather	Evaluate jump/abseil locations for safety
Seasonal Changes	Adjust itinerary based on trail conditions

Visiting the Village of Furnas

After the exhilarating canyoning experience, participants venture on to the village of Furnas, where they’ve the chance to savor the traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas‘ dish.

This unique dish is slowly cooked underground in the volcanic steam vents of Furnas, resulting in a delectable blend of meats, vegetables, and spices.

Visitors also explore the Caldeiras Vulcânicas, marveling at the fumarolic fields and hot springs that dot the landscape.

The tour then leads them to the serene Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, where they can unwind in the soothing thermal waters.

This immersive experience allows guests to fully appreciate the natural wonders and rich culinary heritage of Furnas, a true highlight of the Azores adventure.

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Tasting the Cozido Das Furnas Dish

Visitors savor the traditional Cozido das Furnas dish, a unique culinary delight slow-cooked underground in the volcanic steam vents of Furnas. This iconic stew is prepared by layering various meats, vegetables, and spices in a pot, which is then buried in the warm soil of Furnas’ natural furnaces. After several hours, the pot emerges with a meltingly tender and flavorful result.

This hearty and satisfying meal is a true highlight of the Furnas experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The traditional feast includes:

1. Succulent pork, beef, and chicken
2. Potatoes, cabbage, and kale
3. Flavorful chorizo and blood sausage
4. Served with locally-baked bread

Caldeiras Vulcânicas: Fumarolic Fields and Springs

Along With sampling the renowned Cozido das Furnas dish, the Furnas Tour allows visitors to witness the region’s remarkable Caldeiras Vulcânicas – a captivating display of fumarolic fields and hot springs formed by the area’s volcanic activity.

These volcanic calderas release plumes of steam and emit the rotten egg-like odor of sulfur, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can observe the bubbling mud pools and witness the natural power of the earth’s geothermal forces.

The Furnas Tour provides a unique opportunity to take in this geologically dynamic landscape, offering a deeper appreciation for the island’s volcanic origins and the sheer power of nature.

Terra Nostra Botanical Garden and Thermal Waters

The Terra Nostra Botanical Garden provides a tranquil oasis for visitors to the Furnas region. Spanning over 12 hectares, this lush garden boasts an impressive collection of exotic plant life, including rare and endemic species found only in the Azores archipelago.

Tucked away amidst the vibrant greenery are the famous thermal pools, renowned for their soothing, mineral-rich waters that maintain a constant temperature of around 20-40°C (68-104°F).

Some of the key features of the garden include:

1. Meandering walking paths that wind through diverse plant habitats.
2. A large, central thermal pool perfect for soaking and relaxation.
3. Lush, tropical vegetation surrounding the pools, creating a serene atmosphere.
4. Opportunities to spot unique Azorean bird species and other wildlife.

Inclusions, Restrictions, and Fitness Requirements

The tour package includes a range of essential services and equipment, ensuring a comprehensive and well-supported experience for participants. Accredited guides lead the activities, providing both Portuguese and English-language support. Plus, all necessary canyoning gear, such as harnesses and wetsuits, is provided, along with insurances to cover the adventure. Participants can also expect the tour to include photo and video documentation, as well as a traditional ‘Cozido das Furnas’ lunch with beverages and access to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg). A normal fitness level is recommended, though swimming ability isn’t required, but participants should let the provider know if they’re not comfortable in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Activity?

The minimum age requirement is not specified. However, the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the physical nature of the canyoning activity. Participants should check with the provider for age guidelines.

Can I Bring My Own Camera or Gopro for Photos/Videos?

Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras or GoPros for photos and videos during the activity. The provider encourages guests to capture their experience, but won’t be responsible for any lost or damaged personal equipment.

Is There an Option to Do Only the Canyoning or Only the Furnas Tour?

The provider offers the option to do only the canyoning experience or only the Furnas tour. Guests can choose the activity that best suits their interests and abilities. Both options are available for booking separately.

Can I Store My Personal Belongings During the Activity?

Yes, participants can store their personal belongings during the activity. The tour provider offers secure storage for items like backpacks, phones, and valuables so travelers can fully enjoy the canyoning and Furnas tour without worrying about their belongings.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements That Can Be Accommodated?

The tour provider can accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, for the included Cozido lunch. Just let them know about any dietary needs when booking the tour.

Recap

This canyoning and Furnas tour offers an unforgettable experience in the stunning landscapes of Sao Miguel, Azores.

Thrill-seekers can conquer natural obstacles, while those seeking a more relaxed pace can customize their itinerary.

After the adventure, visitors can savor the unique Cozido das Furnas dish and explore the volcanic wonders and botanical gardens, immersed in the region’s geothermal wonders.

It’s an exciting way to discover the Azores’ diverse natural attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here: