Full Day Jeep Tour Furnas with lunch (Cozido) and drinks included

Introduction: A Guided Adventure Through São Miguel’s Natural Wonders

If you’re considering a guided day trip around São Miguel, this Full Day Jeep Tour of Furnas promises an engaging way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights. With limited group sizes, expert guides, and a mix of cultural and natural highlights, it’s tailored for travelers seeking an authentic and relaxed experience.

Two things we especially like about this tour are how it seamlessly combines stunning scenery with local culinary delights—namely the famous cozido stew cooked in volcanic soil—and how the small group setting makes the day feel personalized and unhurried.

A possible consideration is that the tour lasts about 8 hours, which might be lengthy for those with tight schedules or limited stamina. Still, for those who want a thorough taste of São Miguel’s best spots, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to explore with knowledgeable guides and enjoy an immersive experience that highlights the island’s volcanic beauty and local culture.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Exploration: Covers top sights in eastern São Miguel, including Furnas Volcano, hot springs, and tea plantations.
• Small Group Advantage: Ensures a relaxed, personalized experience with fewer crowds.
• Culinary Highlight: Includes a hearty traditional cozido stew, cooked underground in volcanic heat.
• Scenic Drive: The Jeep journey offers off-road fun and incredible views along the coast and countryside.
• All-Inclusive Value: Drinks, lunch, and door-to-door pickup make it easy and convenient.
• Expert Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling.

Discovering the Sights: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Caldeira das Furnas: The Heart of Volcanic Activity

Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour whisks you to Furnas, a volcanic caldera famous for its geothermal activity. We loved the way this stop captures the island’s fiery core—hot springs bubbling, fumaroles steaming, and the lush greenery surrounding it. The highlight here is witnessing the famous cozido stew being cooked underground, a culinary tradition unique to São Miguel. While the tour doesn’t include the cooking process, it provides the chance to taste this hearty, slow-cooked meal—an experience many travelers raved about, with one describing it as “fabulous” and the highlight of their day.

Tea Plantation Visit at Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana

Next, the tour takes you to Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of the few tea producers in Europe. Expect to stroll through lush fields and learn about the island’s tea-making process. Sampling the local tea is included, and many reviewers mention how refreshing and flavorful it is—perfect for warming up in the cooler climate of the Azores. This stop also offers a peaceful break from sightseeing, with picturesque views and plenty of photo opportunities.

Scenic Lookouts and Natural Hot Springs

The journey includes stops at scenic look-out points, where panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and lush greenery are breathtaking. Several reviewers highlight how the guides skillfully balance sightseeing with time to explore—giving you space to take photos, breathe in the fresh air, or just soak in the scenery.

For those interested in relaxing in thermal waters, the tour offers an optional visit to Poça da Dona Beija hot springs. While this is an extra expense, travelers frequently mention how soothing the thermal baths are, especially after a day of exploring.

Off-Road Adventure and Cultural Insights

The Jeep itself adds a sense of adventure—off-road sections that allow you to get closer to nature and experience parts of the island less accessible by regular vehicle. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often enrich the trip with stories about the island’s geology, history, and culture.

The Value of the Experience

At a price of around $98.84 per person, this tour offers an impressive package. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full meal of cozido, unlimited drinks, and a knowledgeable guide—all within an 8-hour window. Given the variety of sights, the depth of local insight, and the included culinary experience, many reviews describe it as “excellent value.”

Travelers who appreciate expert guides and want a rundown of São Miguel’s east side** will find this trip well worth the cost. The positive reviews emphasize how the guides make the experience special, often going above and beyond to share stories and answer questions.

What the Reviews Say About the Experience

Multiple reviewers highlight Eddie (Eduardo) and Sergio as standout guides, appreciating their storytelling, knowledge, and friendliness. One called Eddie “very knowledgeable, engaging, and accommodating,” which seems to be a common sentiment. Their ability to blend education with entertainment keeps the group engaged and makes the day feel more like hanging out with a friend rather than just a tour guide.

Viewpoints on the scenery are overwhelmingly positive. Reviews describe the sights as “breathtaking,” “stunning,” and “beautiful,” especially the volcanic landscapes and lush countryside. The cozido stew receives particular praise, often mentioned as a delicious, authentic treat that’s worth the trip alone.

The small group setting (up to 50 travelers, but often smaller) allows for a more intimate experience, giving everyone ample time to explore, take photos, or simply relax and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

Practical Details That Matter

The tour runs around 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am, with pickup from selected hotels in Ponta Delgada. The small group size enhances comfort and flexibility, with most travelers praising the personable guides.

While admission fees for parks are not included, the key sights—hot springs, tea plantations, and Furnas Caldera—are free to view. The optional hot springs visit incurs an additional fee, but many find it worthwhile for the relaxing thermal baths.

Lunch features a generous serving of cozido stew, paired with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, adding to the value and enjoyment. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance, accommodating dietary preferences.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, with most people able to participate. Service animals are allowed, and guides often speak multiple languages. Travelers should bring some cash for optional extras, a bathing suit if they wish to swim, and a camera to capture the incredible views.

The Sum Up: The Best Fit for Curious and Adventure-Seeking Travelers

This Full Day Jeep Tour of Furnas is an excellent choice for those wanting an authentic taste of São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes, cultural traditions, and natural hot springs—all in one relaxed, well-organized package. The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and local culinary experiences makes it a memorable way to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy small-group tours, value local insights, and want a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary ensures you won’t miss out on key sights, and the included meal adds a warm, hearty touch to a day of exploration.

If you’re after a well-priced, engaging, and authentic way to experience São Miguel’s natural beauty and local flavors, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at selected hotels in Ponta Delgada, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?
You get lunch featuring cozido stew, unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks), a driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off if staying in designated hotels.

Are the sights free to visit?
Most sights like Furnas Caldera, tea plantations, and lookouts are free. The hot springs are an optional extra.

Can I request vegetarian food?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking.

What is the group size?
Most tours are small, with a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers of all ages participate, and the off-road Jeep ride can be a fun part of the adventure for kids. Bring swimwear if you plan to enjoy the thermal baths.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

This Jeep tour of Furnas offers a fantastic mix of scenery, culture, and local flavor—perfect for those who want to see the best of São Miguel without feeling rushed. With knowledgeable guides, stunning sights, and a hearty meal included, it’s a solid choice for an enriching and enjoyable day on the Azores.