Sanguinho Hike & Furnas Hot Springs Experience

If you’re eyeing a day full of natural beauty, soothing thermal baths, and a bit of gentle adventure on São Miguel Island, the Sanguinho Hike & Furnas Hot Springs tour might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve gone through the details of this tour to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your travel plans.

What really draws us to this experience are the scenic forest trails with waterfall views and the opportunity to unwind in the famous Terra Nostra thermal pools. It’s a well-rounded day that combines light physical activity with relaxing downtime. But, a word of caution—this isn’t a tour for those with mobility issues or anyone looking for an ultra-easy, purely leisure day.

This tour suits those who love a bit of nature, enjoy moderate hikes, and want to add a touch of volcanic thermal magic to their trip. If that’s you, read on for all the ins and outs, and honest insights to help you make the most of it.

Key Points

• Balanced Day: Combines scenic hiking with relaxing thermal baths in one trip.
• Moderate Difficulty: The hike is medium, so good footwear and some fitness are helpful.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, which means more personalized attention.
• Cultural & Natural Highlights: From pirate refuge history to bubbling fumaroles and waterfalls.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours ahead with full refund, and book with pay later options.
• Family-Friendly? Not ideal for mobility-impaired travelers but suitable for those comfortable with walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Experience

The Sanguinho Hike & Furnas Hot Springs tour offers a compelling mix of nature, history, and relaxation, making it a solid choice for those wanting a full day immersed in São Miguel’s volcanic landscape. We love how it provides a good balance—hiking in lush forests with waterfall sights, then unwinding in thermal pools, all in one day.

Another aspect that catches our eye is the small-group setting, which tends to make the experience more engaging and less rushed. Plus, the scenic drive along the coast into the heart of the island sets a tranquil tone for what’s ahead.

A small consideration is that this tour involves a moderate hike of about 2.33 hours. While it’s not overly strenuous, it does require comfortable shoes and a bit of stamina. If you’re someone who struggles with walking or has mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. Still, if you’re generally active and enjoy nature walks, you’ll probably find it just right.

This experience suits travelers who want to see the island’s natural beauty without committing to a full day of intense activity or multiple stops. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a mix of outdoors and relaxation, and who like small-group tours for a more personal touch.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Scenic Forest Trails and Waterfalls

From the start, we love the highlight of the hike: Salto do Prego waterfall and the lush, green trails that lead through the forest. The trail begins in the charming village of Faial da Terra, a peaceful spot that feels like stepping back in time. The walk itself offers plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the greenery and listen to the sounds of nature.

The hike is described as medium difficulty—it’s not a strenuous trek but involves some inclines and uneven terrain. The reward? Gorgeous waterfall views and a sense of connection with the island’s volcanic landscape. One reviewer mentioned, “The hike was just the right level for us, with enough scenery to keep us captivated.”

The Historical Charm of Sanguinho

The trail leads to the historic village of Sanguinho, once used as a refuge from pirates. Walking through Sanguinho, you get a sense of its past as a safe haven, and the preserved buildings add a quaint, almost cinematic backdrop. It’s a small detail, but one that enriches the experience, connecting you to the island’s story.

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Geothermal Wonders in Furnas

After the hike, the tour moves to Furnas, renowned for its volcanic activity. You’ll see steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs—an impressive display of the island’s geothermal energy. The photo stop in Furnas offers a chance to snap some striking pictures of the landscape’s unique activity.

One guest pointed out, “Watching the fumaroles steaming away was surreal—like being on another planet,” which highlights how otherworldly this part of the tour feels.

Relaxing in Terra Nostra Hot Springs

The highlight for many is the chance to soak in the Terra Nostra Park’s thermal pool. The warm, mineral-rich water is perfect after a hike, and the lush surroundings make it more than just a dip; it’s an experience. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours here, giving you plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the calming properties of the hot springs.

One reviewer shared, “The hot springs were the perfect ending to a busy day—warm, soothing, and surrounded by beautiful gardens.” Just remember to bring your swimwear and towel.

What’s the Itinerary Really Like?

Pickup & Drive

The tour starts with a pickup in Ponta Delgada, which is convenient for most travelers based there. For those staying outside the main area, there is an extra fee—€20 if you are more than 15 km out, or €40 if over 40 km. The drive along the coast to Faial da Terra is scenic, setting the tone for the day ahead.

The Hike

The walk takes about 2.33 hours and is described as scenic with forest and waterfall views. It’s a manageable duration for most hikers but does involve some moderate physical effort. The trail is well-loved for its lush scenery and the chance to see a waterfall up close.

Lunch & Photo Stop

After the hike, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute lunch break in Furnas. The tour doesn’t specify if the meal is included, so it’s worth checking, but it’s a good chance to fuel up before the thermal baths. Then, a quick 15-minute photo stop allows capturing the geothermal activity.

The Relaxation

The 1.5-hour visit to Terra Nostra Park is perfect for unwinding. The thermal pools are the centerpiece here, and you’ll have time to soak and relax amidst beautiful botanical gardens. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as this is a highlight for many.

Return

The day ends with the drive back to Ponta Delgada, wrapping up an experience that’s both active and restorative.

What’s the Value of This Tour?

Considering the full-day itinerary, the tour offers a lot for its price. You get a guided hike, a chance to see volcanic activity up close, and a relaxing soak—all in one package. The small group size (limited to 8) means you don’t feel lost in a crowd, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy a more personalized experience.

The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before and the option to reserve now and pay later make it accessible for travelers who like to keep options open.

If you compare this to other similar experiences, it’s a well-balanced way to explore some of São Miguel’s most iconic natural sites while also enjoying the calming effects of the geothermal baths.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, those who enjoy gentle hikes and scenic views, and travelers who want a good mix of activity and relaxation. It’s suitable for anyone comfortable with moderate walking—those who don’t mind a bit of uneven terrain.

It’s especially rewarding for those interested in volcanic activity and history, given the stops at the fumaroles and Sanguinho village. If you like small-group tours where you can ask questions and get personalized attention, this one fits the bill.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a completely leisurely day without walking, you might want to look for something more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

The Sanguinho Hike & Furnas Hot Springs experience offers a meaningful way to enjoy São Miguel’s lush landscapes and geothermal wonders. It balances moderate physical activity with the chance to unwind in thermal pools, making it a well-rounded day out.

The scenic trail, waterfall views, and bubbling fumaroles are all highlights that stay with you long after the day ends. The small-group setting ensures a more intimate connection with the island’s natural beauty, and the flexibility in booking makes it accessible for last-minute planners.

If you’re after a day that combines adventure with relaxation in a setting that feels both alive and tranquil, this tour deserves a spot on your list. It’s especially suited for active travelers who enjoy exploring at a gentle pace and appreciate natural scenery and thermal baths.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour involves a moderate hike and some uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with walking. It’s not specifically designed for young children or those with mobility challenges.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?
The tour includes a designated time for lunch, but it’s not explicitly stated whether it’s included. Bringing snacks or a small meal might be a good idea just in case.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, along with clothing that can handle some outdoor elements, including rain gear if needed.

Is the hot spring visit included in the price?
Yes, the thermal bath at Terra Nostra Park is part of the experience, and you’ll have about 1.5 hours to enjoy it.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, making for a more personal and less crowded experience.

Do I need to pay extra for pickups outside Ponta Delgada?
Yes, if you are more than 15 km away, there’s an additional fee of €20; over 40 km, €40, payable directly to the guide.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is conducted in Portuguese and English, accommodating diverse travelers.

This tour is a genuine gem for those wanting to experience some of São Miguel’s most picturesque landscapes and volcanic marvels without overdoing it. It’s a day that combines the best of outdoor adventure and restful indulgence—perfect for a well-rounded Azores trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: