Full Day Lagoons and Volcanoes Tour in Terceira Island

This full-day tour through Terceira Island offers an engaging mix of hiking, volcanic exploration, and scenic stops, perfect for those eager to experience the natural beauty of the Azores. With an emphasis on volcanology and stunning landscapes, it promises a day full of surprises and unforgettable views. While it covers quite a bit in 8 hours, it’s a great way to get a deep, authentic feel for the island’s volcanic soul.

What we love: the expert guidance, the diverse sights from lava tunnels to lagoons, and the value-packed itinerary including a hearty lunch. A possible consideration: some attractions like Algar do Carvão are closed for renovations, so it’s good to stay flexible. This tour tends to suit curious travelers who love outdoor adventures, geological marvels, and scenic drives—perfect for those who want a comprehensive, active day without feeling rushed.

Good To Know

• Rich volcanic experiences with visits to lava tunnels, fumarolic fields, and an interior volcano.
• Hiking trail through Mistérios Negros offers a glimpse of Azores’ unique landscape.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Great value, combining multiple attractions with lunch and transportation in one package.
• Moderate physical activity required — suitable for active travelers.
• Note: Algar do Carvão is temporarily closed due to construction, but the tour compensates with other spectacular sites.

An Overview of the Full-Day Adventure

This tour is designed to pack a lot into one day, blending physical activity with fascinating volcanic sights. It’s ideal if you want a well-rounded, immersive experience that highlights the island’s volcanic origins and natural beauty. For just over $134, you get a full day of exploration, including transportation, guide service, and a hearty lunch with drinks—offering solid value for an 8-hour tour.

The Itinerary: A Breakdown of What to Expect

Morning: Hiking the Mistérios Negros Trail

The day kicks off at 9:00 am with the Mistérios Negros Hiking Trail, located inland on Terceira. Covering approximately 5 kilometers, the hike is rated as medium-difficult, with some uneven terrain and a maximum altitude of about 100 meters. While the terrain can be irregular, the trail offers spectacular sights—lagoons, cryptomeria forests, endemic Azorean plants, and volcanic landscapes.

Hikers often describe this as a “beautiful natural walk”—a chance to witness the island’s volcanic past up close. One reviewer highlighted that the trail includes surprises they didn’t expect, making it more than just a walk but an adventure. Expect some challenging sections but plenty of flat parts to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. The walk takes about 4 hours, giving enough time to soak in the views and take photos.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Algar do Carvão (Closed Temporarily)

Next, you’ll visit the Algar do Carvão, a stunning volcanic cone that offers a chance to venture inside a volcanic cavity. Although it’s currently closed for construction until mid-2025, under normal circumstances, this would be a highlight—walking inside a volcano with breathtaking stalactites and volcanic formations.

Since the visitors’ center is closed, this part may be replaced or skipped, but it remains a noteworthy mention for future visits. The admission is included, so you get to experience this natural monument when available.

Late Morning: Fumarolic Fields at Furnas do Enxofre

After the volcano, the tour continues to Furnas do Enxofre, a fumarolic field within the island. It’s a fascinating site where volcanic gases escape from the earth, creating a surreal landscape of steam and sulfur deposits. Visitors often comment on the “interesting and otherworldly” atmosphere—an excellent spot for photos and understanding volcanic activity’s surface expressions.

The visit lasts around 40 minutes and is free of charge, giving a quick but insightful glimpse into the island’s geothermal activity.

Early Afternoon: Lava Tunnels at Gruta do Natal

Next up are the lava tunnels at Gruta do Natal, volcanic tubes formed by flowing lava. The circular tunnels are about 55 minutes of exploration, offering an underground adventure without the need for specialized caving gear. The tunnels showcase the volcanic history of Terceira in a hands-on manner—standing inside tunnels that cooled millions of years ago.

Reviewers mention the “amazing experience” of walking through these tunnels, with one noting the “circular lava tunnels of volcanic origin” as a unique highlight. The tunnels are well-preserved and accessible, making for a memorable underground stroll.

Afternoon: Relaxing in Biscoitos’ Natural Pools

The day wraps up with a visit to Biscoitos, on the northern coast, famous for its natural volcanic rock pools. These pools offer a relaxing end to a busy day, where you can dip into crystal-clear waters framed by black volcanic rock. It’s a serene spot to unwind, take photos, or simply enjoy the rugged coast.

The stop here lasts about 40 minutes, and many travelers find it a perfect way to cool down and reflect on the day’s adventures. Multiple reviews praise the “beautiful natural pools” and recommend a quick swim if time allows.

The Transportation & Group Size

The tour is conducted in a comfortable minivan, with pickup available from Angra do Heroísmo. Group sizes are capped at 99 travelers, but typical tours tend to be more intimate, allowing for personal interaction with the guide. The driver and guide are the same person, ensuring smooth transitions between sites and expert commentary.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level—the hiking trail is doable for most but requires some stamina and agility due to uneven terrain. The van transfers are comfortable and efficient, maximizing sightseeing without long bus rides.

The Value Proposition

For $134.15, this tour offers a substantial blend of outdoor activities, geological wonders, and scenic stops. Considering it includes a full day of guided exploration, transportation, and lunch with drinks, it provides good value, especially for travelers wanting an in-depth, active experience.

The inclusion of multiple site visits—both underground and above ground—adds educational value. The guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, turning a sightseeing trip into a storytelling journey. Based on reviews, guests appreciated how well-informed and friendly the guides are, making the day not just educational but also highly enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers curious about volcanoes and natural landscapes, and those who enjoy a mix of hiking, underground exploration, and scenic relaxations. It’s perfect if you want to see multiple sites in one day without the hassle of planning logistics. Be prepared for some physical activity, and remember that certain attractions like Algar do Carvão are temporarily unavailable, but the tour’s other sites compensate well.

For families, active couples, or solo travelers with a good fitness level, this experience offers a meaningful way to connect with Terceira’s volcanic roots. Lovers of geology, nature photographers, and curious explorers will find plenty to love here.

FAQs

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in a comfortable minivan with pickup from Angra do Heroísmo, making it easy to focus on the sights rather than driving.

How long is the hiking trail?
The Mistérios Negros trail is approximately 5 kilometers long and takes about 4 hours to complete, with some medium difficulty terrain.

Are all attractions open during the tour?
Most sites are open, but Algar do Carvão is currently closed for an 18-month renovation, which may lead to alternate sites being visited.

What should I wear for the hike?
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain, and bring layers in case of changing weather conditions.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a full lunch with drinks is provided, which adds great value and energy for the day’s activities.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 99 travelers, but most groups tend to be smaller, allowing for personalized attention from the guide.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, the Full Day Lagoons and Volcanoes Tour in Terceira combines active outdoor fun with breathtaking volcanic sights, guided by knowledgeable experts. It’s particularly suited for those eager to explore the island’s geology in depth, enjoy scenic hikes, and learn from local guides. With excellent reviews reflecting memorable experiences, this tour offers a well-rounded, value-for-money way to discover the volcanic heart of Terceira.