Octant Furnas Hotel: Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores and want a taste of local life, this Cozido das Furnas cooking class is a fantastic way to do it. Offered by ASTA ATLANTIDA and based at the Octant Furnas Hotel, this experience promises more than just learning a recipe — it’s a full immersion into one of the islands’ most iconic culinary traditions.

What immediately catches your eye is how the process involves more than just chopping and simmering; it’s about witnessing a centuries-old geothermal cooking technique. We also love that it’s a small-group experience, making it intimate and more engaging.

But, be aware that this isn’t a quick, flashy tour — it’s about understanding and appreciating a slow, traditional process. It’s best suited for curious food lovers or anyone interested in the unique volcanic landscape of Furnas. If you’re after a deeper cultural connection and a hearty meal, this might be just right.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Learn how Cozido das Furnas is prepared using volcanic heat, a true Azorean tradition.
• Hands-on involvement: You’ll witness the entire process, from ingredients to burial in the ground.
• Tasting the result: The meal is served steaming from the earth, offering an intense flavor profile.
• Small group size: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Multilingual guides: Conducted in several languages, including English, Portuguese, French, and more.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point and Location

The adventure begins right at the Octant Furnas Hotel, a comfortable base in Furnas. The meeting point is conveniently located with clear coordinates (37.7709808, -25.3044471), making it easy to find. From there, you’ll set out on a guided tour of Furnas, with scenic views along the way, lasting about 45 minutes. This part of the tour is a gentle warm-up, giving you a chance to soak in the landscape and get excited about what’s coming.

Guided Tour and Scenic Views

During this drive, your guide will share insights into the volcanic landscape, geothermal activity, and local culture. As you travel, you’ll see the geysers and fumarolas, which are key to understanding how this stew is cooked. The landscape itself is part of the charm, with misty hills, steaming vents, and lush greenery making it visually captivating.

The Cooking Process: Art and Tradition

The core of the experience happens at the Fumarolas Lagoa das Furnas, where you’ll observe the actual preparation of the Cozido. The chef, often multilingual, will demonstrate how ingredients are layered into a large pot. You’ll learn that the best local ingredients are carefully selected — think fresh meats, vegetables, and hearty roots.

What makes this truly special is the geothermal cooking method. The pot is buried in the ground where natural geysers and volcanic heat do the work over several hours. It’s a technique that’s been used here for generations, and the sight of the steaming pot emerging from the earth is a visual and sensory highlight. The vapors and aromas wafting up are impossible to ignore, and it’s a visceral reminder of how nature and tradition intertwine in Furnas.

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The Final Reveal and Tasting

After waiting for the almost magical process to conclude, the chef will carefully unearth the Cozido, still piping hot and infused with volcanic flavors. The sight of the steaming pot coming out of the ground is both primitive and awe-inspiring. Many reviews mention how aromatic and intense the smell is — a true indication of the geothermal cooking process.

The last part, of course, is the tasting. Served at the À TERRA restaurant, the stew offers a robust flavor profile that’s hard to replicate in a standard kitchen. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that embodies the essence of Furnas. As one reviewer noted, “the flavors, intensified by geothermal cooking, come to life in a true celebration of the palate.”

Practical Details and Value

The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it perfect for those with limited time but who want something meaningful. The small group size ensures you get personal attention, and the multilingual guides help bridge any language gaps. Plus, the booking options are flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund if plans change.

What’s Included and What to Expect

• Guided tour of Furnas, with scenic views
• Observation of the geothermal cooking process
• Opportunity to learn the traditional method of making Cozido
• Tasting of the stew, still steaming from the ground
• Conducted at a small, intimate group setting

This experience is a fantastic way to combine cultural insight and culinary delight. It’s especially appealing if you’re curious about local traditions rooted in the landscape itself. The price reflects not only the meal but the unique cultural and natural experience.

Pros and Cons

On the upside, this class offers a genuine connection to local culture and a chance to see how nature directly influences cuisine. Many past participants mention how informative and fun the guide was, and how the flavor of the Cozido was much richer than they expected.

A downside could be the timing; depending on the day, waiting for the stew to cook might feel a bit long if you’re in a hurry. Also, if you’re not comfortable with outdoor or variable weather conditions, be prepared — parts of the experience are outdoors.

Who Should Consider This?

This tour is best suited for foodies, culture enthusiasts, or anyone interested in seeing a truly local method of cooking. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy learning through experience rather than just sightseeing. The small group setting makes it perfect for those who want personal attention and to ask questions directly.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Cozido das Furnas Cooking Class is a beautifully authentic experience that offers more than just a meal. It’s an opportunity to connect with how the Azores’ landscape shapes local traditions. You leave with a deeper appreciation for Furnas’ volcanic environment and a hearty stew to remind you of this special place.

If you’re visiting São Miguel and want to taste something truly unique, this class is well worth considering. It’s especially fun for those who enjoy hands-on, cultural experiences and are open to a bit of outdoor adventure in the process.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on outdoor activity and the traditional process may appeal to older children, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor conditions and waiting during the cooking process.

How long does the entire experience last?
The class itself is about 2.5 hours, including the guided tour, the cooking observation, and tasting.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the experience is conducted in several languages, including English, so language barriers shouldn’t be a big concern.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The most memorable part is watching the pot being unearthed from the ground, still steaming, and then enjoying the authentic flavor of the geothermal-cooked stew.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for different needs.

What kind of ingredients are used in the Cozido?
The chef uses local, high-quality ingredients, including various meats and vegetables, layered carefully into the pot before burying it in the geothermal ground.

If you’re after a genuine, sensory-rich taste of Furnas and a peek into Azorean culinary traditions, this class is a solid pick. Just be ready for a little outdoor adventure and come prepared to indulge in a hearty, flavorful stew with a story.

You can check availability for your dates here: