Full-Day Jeep Tour: Sete Cidades and Ferraria

An Honest Look at the Full-Day Jeep Tour of Sete Cidades and Ferraria

If you’re planning to explore São Miguel Island and want a way to see some of its most breathtaking sights without the hassle of planning every detail, this full-day Jeep tour might be just what you need. Designed for small groups, it promises a personal experience that takes you off the beaten path, closer to nature and local charm. From volcano craters to geothermal pools, it covers a lot of ground—literally.

What we really like about this tour is its combination of convenience and adventure. First, the hotel pickup and drop-off make for a stress-free start and end to your day. Second, traveling in a comfortable 4×4 Jeep with a small group (max 12) means you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide and more flexibility at viewpoints—no long bus rides or crowded spots. The downside? The price of about $87 per person is fair, but it does exclude entrance fees to the pools and parks, so budget accordingly if you plan to swim.

This experience is ideal if you’re after a well-rounded day of sightseeing, nature, and local culture. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic drives, outdoor exploration, and delicious, authentic cuisine. Keep in mind, there’s some walking involved at viewpoints, so comfortable shoes are recommended, but overall, it’s accessible for most.

Key Points

• Small-group experience for more personalized attention
• All-inclusive pickup, guide, and lunch make it convenient
• Dramatic viewpoints of volcanic craters and coastline
• Off-road adventure in a capable 4×4 Jeep
• Learn about São Miguel’s volcanic and cultural history
• Flexible stop duration, generally around 10 minutes per viewpoint

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

This tour is a full day of exploring São Miguel’s natural beauty with a focus on the volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and scenic viewpoints. The journey begins with a hotel pickup around 9 AM. From there, your ride in a sturdy, fully equipped Jeep takes you into some of the island’s most iconic spots.

You’ll first visit Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater filled with two lakes and lush vegetation. The forest-blanketed slopes and valley are truly spectacular and perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the view. The guide will share insights about the crater’s volcanic history, which happened over 1500 years ago, and point out interesting features like the twin lakes and the canyon-like margins.

Next, you’ll stop at several scenic viewpoints, including Pico do Carvão and Santiago Viewpoint, where you’ll get sweeping vistas over the lakes and surrounding landscape. These stops are relatively brief, usually about 10 minutes, but they’re enough to allow you to appreciate the scenery and take some photos.

One of the highlights is a visit to Ponta da Ferraria. Here, you’ll find thermal pools where hot geothermal waters bubble up inside tide pools. This part of the tour offers a chance to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the dramatic coastline and the crashing waves. Keep in mind, entry fees are separate—roughly 6 euros—and the pools are open to the public, so you might find it crowded or more of a photo op than a long soak.

The tour includes a traditional Azorean lunch at a local restaurant, which features a menu with fish or meat options, often with a Mediterranean flair. This break is a chance to unwind and savor regional flavors.

Throughout the day, your guide will point out other interesting spots like Empadadas Lakes, peninsula areas, Cumeiras, and the tunnel and twin lakes margins. Each stop offers a snapshot of the island’s diverse volcanic terrain and coastline.

The tour wraps up around 4 PM, with a return to your hotel, giving you ample time to relax or explore more on your own.

Practical Details: Transport, Timing, and What’s Included

Traveling in a Land Cruiser 4×4 Jeep, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride over dusty, scenic roads that lead to viewpoints not always accessible by regular vehicles. This off-road capability really enhances the experience, especially when venturing into more rugged parts of the island.

The duration is approximately 7 hours, with most of that time spent outdoors at viewpoints or in the pools. The small group size (max 12 people) means you get more attention from your guide and the flexibility to make quick stops or linger longer at places you love—within reason.

The price of $87.13 per person covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the driver-guide service, and lunch. However, entrance fees for pools and parks are optional and separate (around 6 euros). If you’re interested in swimming, bringing some cash or a card is a good idea.

Since the tour is capped at 12 travelers, it feels intimate without being crowded. The pickup time at 9 AM is convenient, and the end time around 4 PM allows for a relaxed day without feeling rushed.

What Past Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially highlighting their ability to share stories about the island’s volcanic past and local culture. One reviewer mentioned, “We had a phenomenal day with tour guide Talmo starting with a hotel pickup,” emphasizing how engaging and informative the guide was.

The views at Sete Cidades, along with the scenic viewpoints, receive high marks. Travelers mention the off-road experience as a highlight, allowing access to viewpoints that might be difficult to reach otherwise. Several reviews highlight the “fantastic” nature of the trip, describing it as “an absolute gem,” reinforcing how well the tour captures the island’s natural beauty.

Some travelers note the brief stops, but generally find that they provide just enough time for photos and quick chats. The lunch receives good feedback as well, with many appreciating the chance to try local dishes in a cozy setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and cultural insights all rolled into one. It’s especially good for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable day of exploration without the hassle of planning individual excursions. If you’re traveling with a small group or prefer a more personal experience, the limited group size will be a bonus.

It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a swimming-focused day—though you can opt to pay for entry to the pools—or if you prefer a more relaxed, less active style of sightseeing. Also, those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at viewpoints.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Jeep tour offers a practical way to see São Miguel’s most dramatic landscapes with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Its combination of scenic viewpoints, volcanic craters, geothermal pools, and authentic local food makes it a well-rounded experience for anyone eager to get a true taste of the island.

The small-group format means you’ll get personalized attention, and the off-road capability allows access to hidden spots that larger buses might miss. While the price doesn’t include entrance fees to the pools or parks, the overall value is solid considering the comprehensive itinerary, transportation, and lunch included.

If you’re after an immersive, adventure-filled day that covers the island’s highlights without sacrificing comfort, this tour is a great choice. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who love nature, stunning scenery, and local stories, all wrapped into one memorable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Ponta Delgada hotel, making for a seamless start and end to your day.

What’s the typical group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, which helps keep things personal and flexible.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A fully equipped Land Cruiser 4×4 Jeep, ideal for off-road adventures and accessing viewpoints less reachable by regular vehicles.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, from around 9 AM to 4 PM, including stops and lunch.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to pools and parks like Ponta da Ferraria are separate (~6 euros). You should plan to bring some cash if you want to swim.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking at viewpoints and layers, as weather can change quickly on the coast and high viewpoints.

Is food included?
Yes, a traditional Azorean lunch is part of the tour, featuring options with fish or meat.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the walking involved. No specific restrictions are noted, but check with the provider if you have concerns.

What’s the best time to book?
Booking about 63 days in advance is common, but the tour is popular, so plan early if you want to secure a spot.

If you’re looking for a day packed with scenic beauty, local flavor, and a bit of adventure, this Jeep tour genuinely hits the mark. It offers a balanced mix of relaxing viewpoints, engaging stories, and active exploration that’s hard to beat.