São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour With Lunch

The São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch is an excellent opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the island’s eastern region. Visitors can expect to discover captivating landscapes, from the active geothermal park in Furnas to the picturesque Santa Iria Lookout and the mesmerizing Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall. With a traditional local lunch, drinks, and dessert included, as well as the option to explore the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field and thermal pools, this tour promises a well-rounded and engaging experience. The small group size ensures a personalized journey, leaving one eager to uncover even more of São Miguel’s enchanting treasures.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration of the eastern half of São Miguel Island, including natural wonders and cultural highlights.
• Visits key destinations like the geothermal park in Furnas, Santa Iria Lookout, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Waterfall, and the rural eastern coast.
• Includes a traditional local lunch, drinks, and dessert, as well as an optional paid entrance to the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field and thermal pools.
• Small group size limited to 8 participants for a personalized and immersive experience.
• Convenient transportation with pickups from various towns, ensuring a hassle-free exploration of the island’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour provides a full-day exploration of the eastern half of Sao Miguel Island, allowing visitors to discover the region’s natural wonders and cultural highlights.

Over the course of 8 hours, the tour visits key destinations like the active geothermal park in Furnas, the panoramic Santa Iria Lookout, the charming Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Waterfall, and the rural eastern coast.

A traditional lunch, drinks, and dessert are included, and there’s an optional paid entrance to the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field and thermal pools.

With a small group size limited to 8 participants, this tour offers a personalized and immersive experience exploring the highlights of Sao Miguel’s eastern half.

Included Features

Included in the tour price is a traditional local lunch, as well as drinks, dessert, and coffee. Participants also receive a water bottle to stay hydrated during the day.

For an additional fee, visitors can choose to enter the Furnas Lake Geothermal Field (€3) and enjoy the relaxing thermal pools (€6). These optional activities provide an opportunity to take in the island’s volcanic wonders.

Whether you opt for the included features or add the extra experiences, the tour ensures you’ll sample the best of São Miguel’s culinary and natural delights.

Key Stops: Furnas

One of the tour’s key stops is the Furnas region, an active geothermal park where visitors can explore the steaming fumaroles and taste the famous cozido stew cooked underground.

Furnas is known for its volcanic activity, with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents dotting the landscape. Visitors can witness the cozido being prepared, a hearty stew of meat and vegetables slow-cooked for several hours in the natural steam vents.

After exploring the geothermal wonders, guests have the option to pay a small fee to access the relaxing thermal pools, where they can soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters.

The Furnas stop offers a unique glimpse into the island’s volcanic origins and culinary traditions.

Key Stops: Santa Iria Lookout

After exploring the geothermal wonders of Furnas, the tour takes visitors to the Santa Iria Lookout, where they can enjoy a panoramic view of the northern coast of Sao Miguel Island.

This scenic viewpoint offers a chance to admire the rugged cliffs, azure waters, and lush greenery that characterize the island’s dramatic northeastern landscapes.

The Santa Iria Lookout provides:

• Breathtaking vistas of the island’s northern shoreline
• Opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the natural scenery
• A peaceful respite to take in the beauty of Sao Miguel’s untamed beauty

This stop on the tour allows visitors to appreciate the island’s diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes from an elevated perspective, setting the stage for the next exciting destination on the itinerary.

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Key Stops: Ribeira Dos Caldeiroes Waterfall

Next, the tour takes visitors to the charming Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Waterfall, where they can admire the cascading waters flowing through a lush, verdant landscape. This picturesque natural wonder offers a peaceful respite and the opportunity to appreciate the island’s untamed beauty up close.

Feature	Details
Height	40 meters
Width	20 meters
Best Viewing	From the viewing platform

The waterfall is a hidden gem on the island, tucked away in a lush, green valley. Visitors can explore the surrounding trails, take in the sights and sounds of the flowing water, and enjoy the tranquility of this natural oasis before continuing on to the next destination on the tour.

Key Stops: Nordeste

The tour then ventures out to the rural eastern part of the island, where visitors can explore the rugged Nordeste region and its dramatic high coastal cliffs.

This remote area offers a glimpse into the island’s more untamed natural beauty, with:

• Towering sea cliffs that plunge into the churning Atlantic Ocean
• Narrow winding roads that provide stunning coastal vistas
• Traditional rural villages that showcase Azorean culture and way of life

Guests will have the chance to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery of this eastern corner of Sao Miguel, rounding out a comprehensive exploration of the island’s diverse landscapes and attractions.

Transportation

The tour offers convenient pickup locations from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa towns to ensure a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Participants are transported in a small van, keeping the group size limited to 8 people. This intimate setting allows for a more personalized experience as you explore the eastern half of Sao Miguel Island.

The reliable transportation provided throughout the day ensures you can fully learn about the stunning landscapes without the hassle of navigating on your own.

With hassle-free pickups and drop-offs, you can sit back, relax, and let the experienced driver handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Booking Details

Securing your spot on this captivating full-day tour is straightforward, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their place now and pay later, providing the flexibility to plan ahead without the immediate financial commitment.

This convenient booking process ensures you can easily secure your participation in the exploration of Sao Miguel Island’s eastern wonders.

The booking details offer several advantages:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Reserve now, pay later option to lock in your spot
• Hassle-free planning with the ability to secure your tour in advance

This streamlined booking experience makes it simple to embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of eastern Sao Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is 8 participants. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and allows the tour to navigate the island’s highlights comfortably.

Do We Have Any Free Time During the Tour to Explore on Our Own?

The tour provides limited free time, as it focuses on a structured itinerary. However, participants can explore the Furnas volcanic area and thermal pools independently during an optional paid activity included in the tour.

What Type of Van Will Be Used for Transportation?

The tour utilizes a small van to transport guests, with a maximum group size of 8 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience as you explore the highlights of São Miguel Island’s eastern region.

Are Any Stops Made for Bathroom Breaks or Photo Opportunities?

The tour includes several stops for bathroom breaks and photo opportunities. Visitors can take in panoramic views, explore waterfalls, and visit geothermal parks, allowing ample time for photography and comfort breaks throughout the 8-hour excursion.

Can We Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal for the Lunch?

Yes, the tour operator can accommodate vegetarian or other dietary requests for the included lunch. Travelers should notify the operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure the appropriate meal is provided.

Recap

The São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch provides a comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural wonders.

Visitors can enjoy the region’s geothermal landscapes, scenic lookouts, and waterfalls, complemented by a traditional local lunch.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, making this tour an ideal way to discover the eastern side of São Miguel.

You can check availability for your dates here: