São Miguel: Full-Day 4WD Jeep Tour to Furnas with Lunch

If you’re planning a day on São Miguel Island and want to see some of its most unique natural wonders, a full-day 4WD Jeep tour to Furnas might just be the perfect choice. This guided excursion combines the island’s geothermal marvels, lush scenery, and local culture into an immersive experience that’s both fun and informative. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll get to explore places most visitors don’t reach on their own.

What really sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic, off-the-beaten-path sights — from thermal hot springs to a traditional tea plantation. Plus, the included lunch featuring cozido, cooked in volcanic steam, offers a taste of local life you won’t forget. On the flip side, the tour doesn’t include entrance fees, so budget accordingly if you want access to some sites.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love exploring diverse landscapes, are keen on learning about volcanic activity, and enjoy sampling local cuisine. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the mix of nature, culture, and comfort makes it a well-rounded way to spend a day on São Miguel.

Key Points

• Authentic Exploration: The tour offers a hands-on experience of São Miguel’s geothermal wonders and scenic vistas.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Romeo and Ricardo receive high praise for their expertise and friendliness.
• Cultural Highlights: Sampling cozido and visiting a tea plantation provides insight into local traditions.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Pickup from Ponta Delgada and a flexible cancellation policy add ease to your plans.
• Value for the Price: At $97, the tour offers a comprehensive day with lunch and diverse sights.
• Limited Access to Entrance Fees: Keep in mind site entrance costs aren’t included, so budget for those separately.

This tour stretches over roughly eight hours, offering a well-paced itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and culture. The journey begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Ponta Delgada, where your guide — often praised for being extremely knowledgeable — will brief you on what’s ahead.

Exploring São Miguel by 4WD

Unlike typical bus tours, this experience uses a robust 4WD vehicle. This isn’t just a ride — it’s an adventure through the island’s less accessible, scenic secondary roads. You’ll pass charming small villages along the southern coast, each with a distinct vibe, giving you a taste of authentic island life.

Having a vehicle that can handle rougher terrain means you’ll reach spots that larger tours might skip, especially in the volcanic landscape of Furnas. The route offers sweeping views, and your guide will share stories about the island’s volcanic activity that have shaped its stunning geography.

Stop at Nossa Senhora da Paz Chapel

One of the first scenic highlights is a stop at the Nossa Senhora da Paz chapel, perched on a hill with panoramic views over Vila Franca do Campo, the island’s first capital. Reviewers note that Romeo, the guide, was great at sharing insider details about the area, making this stop both picturesque and educational.

Thermal Springs & Poça da Dona Beija

Next, you’ll head to the thermal waters of Poça da Dona Beija, a series of iron-rich hot springs in Furnas Valley. Remember to bring a swimsuit — this is the perfect spot to relax in warm, mineral-rich waters that average around 102°F (39°C). Many visitors, like Koen, appreciated the guide’s tips on the springs’ volcanic origins, which added a layer of understanding to this soothing experience.

The springs are part of the region’s volcanic activity, heated underground by the island’s volcanoes. The water’s mineral content is believed to have therapeutic properties, making this a popular spot for unwinding after a morning of exploration.

Discovering Furnas’ Fumaroles and Hot Springs

Walking through Furnas Valley, you’ll encounter fumaroles and steaming vents, testaments to the island’s active volcanic heart. These natural phenomena are fascinating, and your guide will explain how they’re connected to the island’s geology.

The tour’s highlight is enjoying cozido, a stew slow-cooked for 6–8 hours in the hot springs. It’s a true taste of local life — hearty, flavorful, and cooked using only volcanic heat. Reviewers mention that the lunch was delicious and an authentic experience, with one noting it as a “dish cooked in volcanic steam,” giving it an extra special touch.

Pico do Ferro Overlook

After lunch, you’ll visit Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint overlooking the Furnas crater. The scenery here is stunning — a volcanic caldera surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a favorite for many travelers who want a striking photo and a chance to appreciate the island’s volcanic origins.

Visiting a Tea Plantation

On the return leg, the tour includes a stop at a tea plantation on the northern shore. You’ll get a short tour of the tea factory, where the lush green plantations contrast beautifully with the volcanic landscape. Sampling fresh local tea is a delightful way to finish the day, with reviewers often mentioning how enlightening and enjoyable this part of the trip was.

At $97 per person, this tour offers substantial value considering it covers a broad range of sights, includes lunch, and features the expertise of guides like Romeo and Ricardo. The reviews highlight that guides are extremely knowledgeable, going beyond just pointing out sights to sharing stories and geological insights that deepen your understanding of the island.

The use of a 4WD vehicle means you get to see parts of São Miguel that larger buses might avoid, making the experience more intimate and tailored. The flexibility of pick-up from Ponta Delgada, plus the full-day format, allows you to soak in the scenery at a relaxed pace.

However, keep in mind that entrance fees to some sites are not included. If you’re eager to explore each hot spring or fumarole thoroughly, you might want to budget extra. Also, be prepared for some bumpy roads, especially for those sensitive to rougher rides.

This excursion suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and natural wonders. If you’re curious about geology, volcanic activity, and local traditions like cozido, this tour hits all those marks. It’s particularly ideal for those who want a guided experience with insightful commentary, rather than self-driving or exploring alone.

Families with children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-rounded day will find this tour comprehensive and engaging. The mix of scenic stops, thermal baths, and cultural insights provides enough variety to keep everyone interested.

This São Miguel full-day 4WD tour to Furnas offers a compelling mix of geothermal wonders, scenic vistas, and cultural experiences. The guides’ reputation for being knowledgeable and friendly elevates the experience, making complex volcanic phenomena accessible and interesting.

The carefully curated stops — from the fumaroles to the tea plantations — give you a genuine taste of what makes São Miguel special. While you’ll need to budget separately for entrance fees, the value you get from the guided commentary, local lunch, and diverse landscapes more than justifies the price.

If you’re after an authentic glimpse into the island’s volcanic heart and want to learn from guides passionate about the area, this tour is a superb choice. It’s a day that combines adventure, education, and relaxation, perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful experience beyond the usual sightseeing.

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes a full-day 4WD excursion, guided in English and Portuguese, and a traditional lunch featuring cozido cooked in volcanic steam. Pickup from any hotel in Ponta Delgada is also provided.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to sites like hot springs or the tea plantation are not included, so you should budget extra if you wish to access specific attractions.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. Exact times can be checked at booking.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit for the thermal springs, comfortable shoes for walking, and layers suitable for changing weather conditions. A camera and water are also recommended.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, several reviews mention that guides are great with families of all ages, making it a good choice for travelers with children or those seeking a family-friendly experience.

Do I need to prepare for rough roads?
Since the tour uses a 4WD vehicle, you can expect some bumpy or uneven roads, which enhances access to more remote sights but might not be suitable for those sensitive to rough rides.

Embark on this adventure if you’re eager to witness São Miguel’s volcanic charm, enjoy local flavors, and learn from guides who truly know their island. It’s a day packed with natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and memorable moments.