Sao Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Caldeirões River Tour

This full-day tour of Sao Miguel, Portugal, offers an immersive exploration of the island’s volcanic wonders. With a small group size, travelers get personalized attention from a knowledgeable local guide as they visit highlights like Furnas Volcano, the Caldeirões River, and a historic tea plantation. The tour includes stunning viewpoints, opportunities to witness geothermal activity, and the chance to try traditional Furnas stew cooked in volcanic soil. At just $77.55 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Sao Miguel’s natural beauty. To learn more about the tour’s itinerary, admission fees, and accessibility, keep reading.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Sao Miguel.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the natural wonders of Sao Miguel, Portugal, including the Furnas Volcano and Caldeirões River.
• Highlights include visiting the Miradouro de Santa Iria, Gorreana Tea Factory, and Vau da Noiva waterfall.
• Guests will have the opportunity to observe volcanic activity in Furnas and enjoy an optional traditional Furnas stew cooked in volcanic soil.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who provides in-depth information on the history, ecology, and geology of the region.
• The small group size of up to 8 participants ensures a personalized and budget-friendly exploration of Sao Miguel’s natural beauty.

Tour Overview

The Sao Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Caldeirões River Tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes of Sao Miguel, Portugal.

With a maximum group size of 8 people, this personalized experience offers an opportunity to explore the island’s natural wonders, including the iconic Furnas Volcano and the Caldeirões River.

The tour includes stops at the Miradouro de Santa Iria for breathtaking coastal views, the Gorreana Tea Factory for a tasting, and the Vau da Noiva waterfall.

Priced from $77.55, this highly-rated tour is an excellent way to discover Sao Miguel’s highlights with the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert.

Itinerary Highlights

Stops on the Sao Miguel: Furnas Volcano & Caldeirões River Tour include the Miradouro de Santa Iria, offering stunning views of the north coast.

Visitors then explore the Gorreana Tea Factory, the last 100% natural tea plantation, where they can enjoy a tasting and browse the shop.

The tour also stops at the Vau da Noiva waterfall, located in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.

Plus, travelers have opportunities to observe volcanic activity in Furnas and can opt for an authentic Furnas stew, cooked in volcanic soil, for lunch.

Guided Experience

Throughout the tour, a local guide who’s 100% knowledgeable about the history, ecology, and geology accompanies visitors.

The personalized experience in small groups ensures maximum attention from the guide. Pickup is available within 5km of Ponta Delgada center, starting at 9:00 AM, making it convenient for travelers.

The guide’s expertise enhances the overall experience, providing in-depth information about the sites and helping visitors appreciate the natural wonders of Sao Miguel.

This guided tour offers a budget-friendly way to explore the island’s highlights, with a focus on efficiency and personalized attention for a memorable journey.

Admission Fees

Admission fees for the tour include €16 for entry to Terra Nostra Park, which visitors can purchase at the park gate. Plus, there’s a €3 fee per person to visit the Boiled Park (Caldeiras da Lagoa).

These admission costs provide access to:

1. Terra Nostra Park, a stunning botanical garden with natural hot springs.
2. Caldeiras da Lagoa, an area showcasing the volcanic activity in the Furnas region.
3. The guided tour itself, which includes transportation and a knowledgeable local guide to enhance the experience.

Travelers can expect these reasonable admission fees to be part of the overall cost-effective Furnas Volcano Tour, allowing them to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Sao Miguel.

Accessibility

The Furnas Volcano Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the tour operator provides infant seats for those traveling with young children.

While the tour involves some walking, the guide is happy to accommodate guests with limited mobility to the best of their ability.

However, certain sites like the Terra Nostra Park and Boiled Park may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Travelers are advised to discuss their needs with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour is a good fit.

Traveler Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants underscores the quality of the Furnas Volcano Tour. The tour boasts an impressive 5.0 rating based on 30 reviews, with 96% of travelers highly recommending the experience.

Highlights noted by visitors include:

1. The knowledgeable, engaging guides who enhance the overall experience.
2. The breathtaking views, especially from the Miradouro de Santa Iria overlook.
3. The memorable stops at the tea plantation and volcanic sites.

Solo travelers particularly appreciate the small group sizes, which allow for a personalized, relaxing exploration of Sao Miguel’s natural wonders.

Stunning Views

One of the tour’s highlights is the breathtaking views from the Miradouro de Santa Iria overlook.

Perched atop a cliff, this scenic viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the north coast of Sao Miguel. Visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of the rugged shoreline, lush vegetation, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

The 5-minute stop at this overlook is a photographer’s dream, with ample opportunities to capture the island’s natural beauty.

Coupled with the knowledgeable local guide’s commentary, the Miradouro de Santa Iria provides an unforgettable introduction to Sao Miguel’s scenic wonders, setting the tone for the rest of the immersive Furnas Volcano tour.

Volcanic Activity

Volcanic activity takes center stage as the tour ventures into the Furnas region, a verdant valley shaped by centuries of geothermal forces.

Visitors will have opportunities to observe volcanic activity up close, witnessing:

1. Steaming fumaroles – powerful vents releasing sulfurous gases from the earth’s interior.
2. Bubbling mud pools – simmering cauldrons of mineral-rich mud, a testament to the region’s volcanic origins.
3. Thermal springs – natural hot water sources heated by the underlying magma, used for cooking the traditional Furnas stew.

This intimate exploration of Furnas’ volcanic wonders provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic forces that have sculpted Sao Miguel’s dramatic landscape over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Policy for Solo Travelers?

Ideal for solo travelers, this small-group tour allows them to meet others and explore Sao Miguel’s highlights with personalized attention from the knowledgeable local guide.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Furnas Stew?

The tour doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the Furnas stew. However, travelers with specific dietary needs should inform the tour operator in advance to ensure the meal can accommodate their requirements.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows travelers to make last-minute changes without penalty, providing flexibility and budget-friendly options.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there’s an optional opportunity to enjoy an authentic Furnas stew cooked in volcanic soil during the lunch stop.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sun protection are all that’s recommended. The tour provides transportation and any necessary admission fees, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Sum Up

Explore the volcanic wonders of Sao Miguel on this immersive full-day tour. Journey through the lush Furnas region, witness the Furnas Volcano’s geothermal activity, and marvel at the stunning Vêu da Noiva waterfall. With a small group size, this personalized tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the Azores. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a small group, this budget-friendly tour is an ideal way to experience the volcanic heart of Sao Miguel.