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

Experience the Best of São Miguel on a Full-Day Jeep Tour of Furnas

If you’re looking for an immersive way to see some of the most stunning scenery on São Miguel Island, this full-day Jeep tour is an excellent choice. For around $98.84, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring volcanic landscapes, relaxing in thermal hot springs, and sampling local cuisine—most notably, the iconic cozido stew cooked underground in geothermal heat. The tour includes hotel pickups, a knowledgeable guide, and drinks, making it a seamless and enjoyable experience.

What we particularly like about this tour is its combination of natural beauty and cultural authenticity. Visiting the Furnas Volcano, with its steaming fumaroles and lush surroundings, offers a true sense of the island’s volcanic activity. Plus, stopping at the Gorreana Tea Plantation provides a taste of Azores’ local agriculture along with some of the best tea you’ll ever sip. The small-group atmosphere fosters a relaxed vibe, perfect for asking questions and snapping photos.

One aspect to consider is that park entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need a bit of extra cash if you want to visit certain attractions like the thermal springs. This isn’t a major drawback, but it’s worth planning ahead. This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, off-road adventures, and authentic local experiences, especially those who appreciate the insights from guides like Eduardo and Sergio, who make the day both educational and fun.

Key Points

• All-inclusive Experience: Lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup make this tour very convenient.
• Diverse Sights: From volcanic landscapes and hot springs to tea plantations and local cuisine.
• Small Group: Ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling.
• Flexible for All: Most travelers can participate, and vegetarian options are available.
• Extra Expenses: Entrance fees for parks or hot springs are not included.

A Closer Look at the São Miguel Jeep Tour

When we think about what makes this tour stand out, it’s the way it balances natural wonders with local culture. We start at a convenient pickup point in Ponta Delgada, where a jeep ride immediately sets the tone—offering a comfortable yet adventurous way to traverse the island’s rugged terrain.

Exploring Furnas and Caldeira das Furnas

The first major highlight is Furnas, a volcanic valley bursting with geothermal activity. As you approach the Caldeira das Furnas, you’ll be greeted by an otherworldly landscape of steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pits, and lush greenery. It’s a place that seems to breathe with the earth’s energy.

We loved how guides like Eduardo and Sergio share stories about the island’s volcanic past, adding layers of context to the scenery. According to reviews, Sergio “knows the story of the island,” which makes each stop more meaningful. This stop lasts around five hours, giving you ample time to explore, take photos, and absorb the scenery.

The Iconic Cozido Lunch

No visit to Furnas would be complete without trying the cozido, a stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat. The tour includes this hearty, traditional dish, which is a real treat, especially if you’ve never tasted it before. Several travelers mention that the lunch is delicious, and the variety of drinks—beer, wine, soft drinks—is all unlimited, making it a relaxed, convivial experience.

One reviewer noted that “lunch was a bit long, but it was delicious,” which suggests you might want to bring patience along, but the quality of the food makes it worthwhile. If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry—it’s available, just let the guide know in advance.

Tea Plantation Stop at Gorreana

After lunch, the journey continues to Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. Here, you’ll get a chance to sample some of the island’s finest tea, often described as a highlight. The plantation’s lush setting and quality tea make for a refreshing break from the volcanic landscape.

Optional Thermal Spring Bathing

While bathing in the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs costs extra, many reviews mention it as a worthwhile addition for relaxation after a day of exploration. The springs are set in a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the volcanic warmth.

Off-Road Adventure and Scenic Views

What truly sets this tour apart is the off-road driving in a small group, which means you can access hidden spots and enjoy panoramic views that large buses simply can’t reach. You’ll love the way guides like Mariano, Mario, and Eddie make the drive engaging with their storytelling and local insights.

Expect breathtaking views throughout the day, with many travelers remarking on how photogenic and unforgettable the scenery is. As one reviewer famously said, “The sights and views on this tour are breathtaking.”

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The price point of nearly $100 per person reflects good value, given the inclusions and the personalized attention. The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9 am, with pickup from selected hotels in Ponta Delgada. If you’re on a cruise, just provide your ship details, and the team will coordinate your pickup.

Group size is capped at 50, but most reviews point to a small-group feel, often with fewer travelers, which makes for a more relaxed experience. The guide’s expertise shines, especially when sharing stories about the island’s volcanic activity and local customs.

While the entrance fees to parks or hot springs are not included, these are small expenses compared to the overall value. Several travelers mention bringing extra cash for these optional activities, especially the thermal baths.

Authentic Experiences and Visitor Feedback

The overwhelming majority of reviews rate this tour a perfect 5 out of 5. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Eduardo, Sergio, and Mariano, for their friendliness, humor, and storytelling skills. Many mention that the guides’ local insights add a lot to the experience.

Travelers also highlight the stunning scenery—from lush valleys and volcanic craters to bubbling mud pools—and the authenticity of the cozido lunch, which is unlike any typical tourist meal. One reviewer sums it up well: “An absolutely amazing day full of adventure and great food.”

The flexibility of the tour, including vegetarian options and the ability to customize the experience, makes it suitable for a wide range of travelers—whether you’re after adventure, culture, or relaxation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those who want a rundown of eastern São Miguel without the hassle of planning logistics. If you enjoy off-road travel, stunning volcanic landscapes, and local cuisine, you’ll find this a rewarding experience. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate small-group settings and personalized commentary.

If you’re on a tight schedule but want a meaningful day exploring the island’s highlights, this tour offers great value. It’s also popular among cruise ship passengers, thanks to flexible pickup and drop-off options.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting São Miguel and eager to see the island’s volcanic wonders, lush landscapes, and taste authentic Azorean cuisine, this full-day Jeep tour hits the mark. It combines adventure, cultural insight, and natural beauty in one well-organized package. The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and inclusion of a traditional cozido lunch make it a fantastic value for the price.

While you’ll need to budget extra for certain attractions like hot springs or park fees, the overall experience offers a well-rounded taste of what makes the Azores so special. It’s ideal for travelers who like to explore with a small group, enjoy storytelling, and aren’t afraid of a little off-road fun. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a memorable day out, this tour will leave you with plenty of stories—and plenty of photos—to take home.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided Jeep journey, lunch with unlimited drinks, and visits to Furnas, Gorreana Tea Plantation, and other scenic spots.

• How long does the tour last?
  Approximately 8 hours, starting at 9 am.

• Are there vegetarian options for lunch?
  Yes, vegetarian options are available; just advise at the time of booking.

• Is it suitable for children or all travelers?
  Most travelers can participate, including families. The off-road driving and walking stops are manageable for most.

• Do I need to pay entrance fees?
  Park entrance fees are not included and should be paid separately if you choose to visit certain attractions like thermal springs.

• Can I customize the experience?
  While the itinerary is fixed, guides often adapt slightly, especially for small groups like yours.

• Is alcohol included?
  Yes, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during the day.

• What should I bring?
  Bring cash for optional park fees or souvenirs, a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to visit the thermal springs.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  It’s recommended—most trips are booked about 49 days ahead. This tour is popular, so early booking helps.

• What if I’m on a cruise?
  Just provide your ship details, and the tour providers will arrange your pickup and return.

For anyone eager to experience São Miguel’s volcanic character, lush landscapes, and authentic culture, this Jeep tour offers a memorable adventure that balances comfort, excitement, and discovery.