Private Tour Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park

Exploring the Volcanic Wonder of Furnas: A Detailed Review of the Private Tour Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park

If you’re planning a trip to São Miguel Island in the Azores, a private tour like Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park promises a thoughtfully curated experience blending nature, history, and local culture. Our review is based on the glowing feedback from travelers who have experienced this journey firsthand, highlighting what makes it stand out, as well as some points to consider.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach, the opportunity to enjoy authentic natural sights, and the chance to relax in geothermal waters. The guides, especially Deborah, are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, adding a genuine touch that feels more like exploring with a local friend than part of a large group. The scenery, from volcanic craters to lush gardens, is stunning and well-paced for most fitness levels.

One potential drawback is the moderate difficulty of the 2-hour nature walk, which requires a reasonable level of fitness, especially if the weather turns wet or windy. The tour is also quite full, covering multiple highlights in an 8-hour window, so those seeking a more relaxed, unhurried pace might find it a bit packed.

However, if you’re after a comprehensive, authentic experience of Furnas with a flexible, private guide, this tour is ideal. It suits curious travelers eager to learn about the island’s geology, enjoy scenic walks, and unwind in thermal waters — all with the comfort of private transportation and personalized attention.

Good To Know

• Personalized Experience: A private tour means more flexibility and tailored attention from your guide, Deborah, who is commended for her enthusiasm and local knowledge.
• Stunning Views & Nature: From Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to Lagoa das Furnas, you’ll enjoy panoramic volcanic landscapes and peaceful lakeside scenery.
• Active yet Manageable: The guided walk around Furnas Lake and the visit to a hidden waterfall are moderate in difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Tasting mineral waters and exploring the geothermal cooking vents give a taste of Furnas’ unique geothermal culture.
• Relaxation in Terra Nostra: The thermal pool experience at Terra Nostra Park offers a perfect way to unwind after walking.
• Value for Money: For $317 for two people, this tailored day out covers several major sights, entrance fees, and transport, offering good value considering its personalized nature.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour is designed to hit a mix of scenic, cultural, and relaxing highlights in about 8 hours, starting with pick-up from your accommodation in Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, or Lagoa. The first stop is Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the volcanic crater of Furnas and the shimmering Lagoa das Furnas. These vistas are truly memorable and set the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Next, your guide leads you on a guided walk around Lagoa das Furnas, a crater lake famed for its bubbling fumaroles and lush surroundings. You’ll get up close to steam vents and learn how the geothermal activity influences the landscape—and even the local cuisine, as the famous Cozido das Furnas is slow-cooked underground here. The guide, Deborah, is praised for her detailed explanations, making every fumarole-burning vent and bubbling mud pot feel like part of a science lesson—only way more fun.

After this, you’ll visit Mata-Jardim José do Canto, one of São Miguel’s most beautiful and historic gardens. Here, you’ll enjoy walking along tranquil paths, discovering exotic trees, and finding a hidden waterfall—a peaceful surprise away from the crowds. Most reviewers mention how this quiet corner of the garden is a highlight, especially when combined with Deborah’s tales of the island’s flora.

Following the walk, you’ll have a lunch break in Furnas, exploring local flavors and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of this charming town. The tour doesn’t specify what’s included for lunch, but considering the focus on local culture, you might find traditional fare or at least time to enjoy the quiet streets lined with flowers and hot springs.

Then, it’s time to experience Terra Nostra Park, a tropical botanical garden renowned for its geothermal hot springs. Here, you’re encouraged to take a dip in the warm thermal waters, which many reviews describe as a highlight—especially after a morning of walking. The park’s lush gardens provide a tranquil setting to unwind, and your guide will likely share tips on the best spots for relaxing and photo-taking.

Finally, the Pico do Ferro Lookout offers a quick 15-minute stop for photos of the volcanic landscape, rounding out the day with another spectacular viewpoint before your return to your accommodation.

What You Get: The Practicalities

This is a fully private experience, with transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, so you won’t be sharing your experience with strangers. The tour includes all entrance fees — Furnas Lake, Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, and Mata-Jardim José do Canto — which helps keep costs transparent and straightforward. Bottled water is also provided, ensuring hydration during the day.

The tour lasts around 8 hours, with starting times flexible to fit your schedule. It’s designed for those with moderate fitness, given the walking involved, especially at Lagoa das Furnas and Mata-Jardim José do Canto. The guide’s ability to adapt the pace and focus on your interests is highlighted as one of the tour’s strengths.

It’s worth noting that lunch is not included, giving you the option to choose a local restaurant or bring your own snacks, which is perfect for travelers who want to control their diet or try specific dishes.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise Deborah, the guide, for her depth of knowledge and friendly demeanor. One said, “She knows so much about the island,” and another described her as “enthusiastic and attentive,” emphasizing how her explanations made the sights come alive. Many mention her flexibility in adjusting the schedule to suit their wishes or pace.

The scenery also draws high marks: “The walk around the lake is really easy, even if you’re not very fit,” according to one review, highlighting the accessibility of the main walk. The hidden waterfall and geothermal steam vents are frequently cited as unexpected highlights, offering something beyond the typical tourist spots.

Several travelers commented on how the tour offers a balance of active exploration and relaxation—perfect for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed. The opportunity to bathe in the Terra Nostra hot springs is consistently mentioned as a favorite part, with visitors describing it as a “wonderful way to unwind.”

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a personalized, well-rounded day that combines scenic views, gentle walks, and relaxing thermal baths.

Because of the moderate physical activity involved, it suits most fitness levels but is not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues. The private nature of the tour makes it especially suited for couples, friends, or small families seeking an intimate, flexible exploration.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $317 for two people, this private tour offers a substantial amount of value, especially considering the personalized guide service, entrance fees, and tailored itinerary. It’s a convenient way for travelers to get a deep dive into Furnas’ volcanic landscapes and geothermal culture without the stress of planning and logistics.

The combination of stunning views, cultural insights, and relaxing thermal pools makes this an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced mix of adventure and leisure. The fact that guides like Deborah are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness adds a genuine touch that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

If you’re the type who loves discovering hidden spots, learning about local geology, and enjoying natural hot springs, then this tour is a strong contender for your São Miguel itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 years due to the physical activity involved and the nature of the sites visited.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts around 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off, with a flexible starting time depending on availability.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, snacks, water, a jacket, and a reusable water bottle are recommended to enjoy the day comfortably.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, allowing you to choose your preferred spot or bring your own food.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, tailored to your group, with personalized attention and flexible scheduling.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for your plans.

To sum it up, the Private Tour Furnas: Furnas Lake Hike & Terra Nostra Park offers a versatile, engaging way to experience São Miguel’s volcanic beauty, natural hot springs, and lush gardens. It’s a perfect fit for travelers who value personalized attention, scenic hikes, and culture—all wrapped into a comfortable, well-organized day. Whether you’re keen on geology, photography, or simply relaxing in thermal waters, this tour ticks many boxes and leaves room for natural discovery at every turn.

You can check if your dates are available here: