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

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

If you’re looking to explore São Miguel Island beyond the usual tourist spots, a guided Jeep tour of Furnas offers an immersive day packed with breathtaking scenery, local flavors, and insider knowledge. This tour, praised for its knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, promises a relaxed way to see the island’s volcanic wonders, lush landscapes, and hot springs—all with the convenience of hotel pickup and a delicious local meal included.

What we love most? The opportunity to enjoy scenic look-out points and the chance to sample traditional cozido stew cooked underground using volcanic heat. However, a consideration might be that some stops, like the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs, are optional extra expenses, so it’s worth planning ahead if you want to indulge there. This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, small-group experience that combines nature, culture, and fantastic food, all with expert guidance.

Key Points

• Small Group Setting: Offers a relaxed, personalized experience with a maximum of 50 travelers.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, engaging guides like Eduardo and Sergio make the day informative and fun.
• Breathtaking Scenery: From volcanic craters to lush plantations, every stop is picture-worthy.
• Authentic Food: Included lunch features the local cozido stew, a must-try Azorean dish.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels streamline the day.
• Value for Money: At just under $100, it’s a comprehensive experience packed with highlights.

Introduction: A Day of Volcanic Wonders and Local Flavors

This full-day Jeep tour of Furnas, offered by Greenzone, is a fantastic way to see the eastern part of São Miguel Island without the hassle of planning multiple excursions or navigating unfamiliar roads. With about eight hours of adventure, you’ll journey through some of the most scenic landscapes the Azores have to offer—all from the comfort of a sturdy Jeep that can handle off-road terrain. The reviews consistently highlight how the guides bring the island’s stories to life, making the experience both informative and engaging.

One of the standout features of this tour is its small-group format. With just 50 travelers max, you’ll never feel rushed or lost in the crowd. Instead, you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions or take photos without feeling hurried. Plus, the included lunch, featuring the iconic cozido stew cooked underground, is a culinary highlight that offers a true taste of local tradition.

That said, some attractions such as the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs are optional extras, which means you might want to budget a little extra if thermal baths are your thing. The tour is ideal for those who love nature, culture, and good food, and who prefer a relaxed, guided experience over self-driving.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Furnas Volcano and Caldeira das Furnas

Your day begins with a pickup from your Ponta Delgada hotel, after which you’ll head straight for Furnas. This volcanic area is a highlight for its steaming fumaroles, bubbling hot springs, and the iconic Lagoa das Furnas. The guides are often praised for their deep knowledge—one reviewer called Sergio a “super guide who knows the story of the island,” adding richness to each location.

You’ll spend about five hours exploring here, with stops at various viewpoints and hot springs. The landscape is otherworldly, with geothermal activity shaping the scenery, and you might catch the smell of sulfur lingering in the air. If you’re into geology or photography, this area offers plenty of dramatic scenery.

Tea Plantation at Plantacoes de Cha Gorreana

Next, the tour takes you to the Gorreana tea plantation, where you’ll have about 45 minutes for a stroll through the lush fields and a tasting of the famous Azorean tea. Visitors often comment on how charming this spot is, and how the guide’s insights make the visit even more interesting. It’s a perfect pause to enjoy some local flavor and learn about the island’s tea-growing heritage.

Lunch: The Classic Cozido Stew

The meal is a true highlight—a generous serving of traditional cozido, cooked underground with volcanic heat. Multiple reviews mention how delicious and filling it is, with some guests noting the stew’s unique, smoky flavor as a real highlight. The meal is accompanied by unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, making it a relaxed, social experience.

Optional Thermal Bath at Poça da Dona Beija

After lunch, many opt to visit the nearby Poça da Dona Beija hot springs, where thermal pools allow for a soothing soak. While this isn’t included in the tour price, reviews emphasize how relaxing the experience is, especially after a day of exploring. Be aware that there’s an admission fee if you choose to go.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The real charm of this experience lies in its combination of scenery, culture, and comfort. The guides, such as Eduardo, Sergio, and Luisa, are repeatedly praised for their friendliness, deep knowledge, and ability to make each stop meaningful. For example, one reviewer highlighted how Luisa’s lifelong connection to São Miguel made her commentary particularly authentic and engaging.

The scenic look-out points provide sweeping views over volcanic craters, lush valleys, and farmland—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the landscape. The off-road Jeep allows access to areas that might be inaccessible by regular vehicles, adding an adventurous touch to the day.

The value for money is notable, considering the inclusions: a full-day guided tour, hotel pickup and drop-off, a substantial local meal, and unlimited drinks. At $98.84 per person, it’s an efficient way to experience the island’s highlights without the stress of planning multiple activities or transportation.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses comfortable Jeep vehicles, suitable for navigating rougher terrains and offering panoramic views from the open-air top. The group size is capped at 50, which strikes a good balance—small enough for intimacy but large enough to ensure a lively atmosphere. Some reviews mention that the guides are flexible and willing to adapt the itinerary slightly based on the group’s interests, which adds a personal touch.

Pickup is available from selected hotels in Ponta Delgada, simplifying logistics, especially for travelers arriving by cruise or staying close to the city. The tour starts at 9:00 am, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

The Guides: Knowledge, Humor, and Local Tips

Tour guides like Mariano, Ricardo, and Eddie consistently win praise for their warm, friendly attitude and wealth of knowledge. One reviewer described Ricardo as “one of the best tour guides I have ever had,” highlighting his professionalism and willingness to answer questions.

Guides are often multilingual, which helps make the experience accessible to international travelers. Their stories and local insights enrich the scenery, making each stop more meaningful than just a sightseeing point. For example, knowing that the cozido is cooked with volcanic heat adds a new layer of appreciation to the meal.

The Overall Experience and Value

This tour is exceptionally well-rated, with a perfect 5.0 from 172 reviews. Travelers often cite the breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and knowledgeable guides as its biggest strengths. The moderate price point, combined with many inclusive features, makes it a good value—especially considering the variety of sights and experiences packed into just one day.

The small-group format ensures a more intimate experience, often leading to friendly interactions and personalized attention. The mix of nature, culture, and culinary highlights means there’s something for all, whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed sightseeing day with minimal planning. It’s ideal for those interested in geology, local cuisine, and scenic landscapes. The inclusion of local guides makes it especially appealing for visitors who want to learn about the island’s volcanic activity and cultural heritage directly from residents.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, the small-group setting fosters camaraderie and informal conversations. The tour’s pace allows for plenty of photo stops and time to enjoy each place, making it perfect for those who dislike rushed excursions.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Jeep tour of Furnas offers a well-rounded taste of São Miguel’s volcanic beauty, warm springs, and heartfelt local cuisine—all wrapped up in a friendly, informative package. The guides’ expertise and the carefully curated stops mean you get maximum value, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more deeply. It’s a rewarding way to experience the Azores without the stress of self-driving or missing out on key sights.

For travelers wanting a combination of scenic views, authentic food, and expert storytelling, this tour checks all the boxes. Plus, the flexible, small-group approach guarantees a more personalized, memorable day that captures the essence of São Miguel’s volcanic soul.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at selected hotels in Ponta Delgada, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation in a Jeep, a guided experience, a traditional cozido lunch with unlimited drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Entrance fees to parks are not included.

Are there any optional extras?
Yes, you can choose to visit the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs after lunch, but there is an additional admission fee.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving ample time to explore each stop without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the off-road Jeep adventure tends to be enjoyable for kids, especially if they enjoy scenery and outdoor activities.

What about dietary options?
A vegetarian meal option is available; just inform the provider at booking. The meal includes the famous cozido stew, which is quite hearty and flavorful.

This detailed review highlights what makes this Furnas Jeep tour a standout option on São Miguel, blending natural beauty, local culture, and expert guidance into a memorable day.