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Planning your visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about booking, pick-up and preparing for your tour with Pure Azores.

Good to know

Plan with a little more confidence.

Practical details can vary by tour and date. Final inclusions, availability and terms are always confirmed in writing before payment.

    How do I book and pay for a tour?

    You can book and pay securely online through our website by choosing your preferred tour, date and number of participants. Once your booking is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

    For a Custom Tour, contact us to discuss your plans and receive a personalised proposal.

    Are prices shown per person or per group?

    Shared Tours are priced per person. Private and Custom Tours are priced per group, depending on the number of participants and the season.

    Can I join a tour as a solo traveller?

    Yes! Solo travellers are welcome on our shared tours. It’s a great way to explore São Miguel and meet other travellers along the way.

    Do shared tours require a minimum number of participants?

    Our shared tours require a minimum of two participants to operate. If you’re the only guest booked, we’ll contact you to discuss alternatives, such as another date, a different tour or a private experience.

    If none of these options work for you, we’ll provide a full refund.

    Can you accommodate larger groups?

    Yes! We can accommodate larger groups using multiple vehicles, each with its own local guide. Contact us with your group size and preferred dates so we can help organise your experience.

    Where do tours start and finish, and at what times?

    Your exact pick-up point or meeting location will be included in the confirmation. Arrangements can depend on your accommodation, the route and the type of tour selected.

    Pick-ups generally begin at 9:00 AM, and the pick-up round may take around 20 minutes. We’ll confirm your exact pick-up point and time before the tour.

    Our full-day tours usually finish between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on the itinerary and daily conditions.

    Can you pick me up outside Ponta Delgada and Lagoa?

    Additional pick-up areas depend on the tour. If your accommodation is outside the areas listed on your tour page, please contact us before booking.

    We may be able to suggest a meeting point or help arrange a taxi transfer for an additional fee.

    Can you collect guests arriving by cruise ship?

    Yes! We offer pick-up directly from the cruise terminal in Ponta Delgada.

    Please share your ship’s name and scheduled arrival and departure times before booking so we can confirm whether the tour fits your schedule.

    Do you offer airport pick-ups?

    Yes! Airport pick-ups are available at 8:50 AM, provided your flight arrives in time. Please share your flight details when booking so we can confirm the arrangements.

    Can I bring luggage and arrange an airport drop-off?

    Yes, subject to available space and your flight schedule. Please tell us how much luggage you’ll have and your flight departure time when booking so we can confirm the arrangements.

    What should I do if I am running late?

    Please contact us as soon as possible. Our shared tours follow a schedule and include other guests, so we may not be able to wait beyond the agreed pick-up time.

    What is included in the tour price?

    Our standard tours include transportation in a modern 100% electric van, a local guide and pick-up and drop-off within the areas covered by your tour.

    Lunch is not included. Any entrance fees or additional inclusions are explained on the individual tour page.

    How many guests travel in each vehicle?

    Our shared tours have a maximum of eight guests per vehicle, allowing for a relaxed and personal experience with your local guide.

    What languages are the tours offered in?

    Our tours are offered in English and Portuguese.

    How much walking is involved?

    The amount of walking varies by tour. São Miguel West and East mainly involve short walks, although the West Tour includes an optional walk to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint.

    Hidden Gems and Chasing Waterfalls include walks on natural trails and are recommended for guests with a moderate level of fitness. Please check the individual tour page for more details.

    What should I bring?

    Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof layer, water and sun protection. For Hidden Gems and Chasing Waterfalls, walking or hiking shoes with good grip are recommended.

    If you plan to visit the thermal pool on the São Miguel East Tour, bring a swimsuit and towel. Check your tour page for any additional recommendations.

    Is lunch included, and what are my options?

    Lunch is not included in our standard Shared or Private Tours. You’re welcome to bring your own food or request one of our optional lunch arrangements for an additional fee.

    Restaurant lunches are available on São Miguel West, São Miguel East and Hidden Gems. Chasing Waterfalls offers an optional picnic. Please check your tour page for the details and prices.

    Food options along some routes are limited, so we recommend planning your lunch in advance.

    Do I need to book an optional lunch in advance?

    Yes. Please request your optional lunch at least 24 hours before the tour so we can make the necessary arrangements. Optional lunches are paid separately on the day.

    Can you accommodate dietary requirements or food allergies?

    We can accommodate certain dietary requirements, including vegetarian options. Please mention any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the “Special Requirements” field when booking so we can check the available options.

    Do tours run in the rain or bad weather?

    Yes! Our tours operate in most weather conditions, including rain. Your guide may adjust the route or order of stops according to the conditions.

    If conditions make the tour unsafe, we may need to cancel. In that case, we’ll offer an alternative date or a full refund.

    Can you guarantee clear views at the viewpoints?

    No. Some viewpoints may be covered by clouds or fog. Our guides do their best to adapt the itinerary to the conditions, but clear views cannot be guaranteed.

    What is the difference between a Shared, Private and Custom Tour?

    On a Shared Tour, you join other travellers on one of our established itineraries, with a maximum of eight guests per vehicle.

    A Private Tour follows the same itinerary, with a vehicle and local guide exclusively for your group.

    A Custom Tour has a personalised itinerary designed around your interests and preferences.

    Can we adjust the pace or request extra stops on a Private Tour?

    Yes. Private Tours offer greater flexibility within the planned itinerary and tour duration. Additional stops may be possible depending on their location and the available time.

    Let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences.

    How do I arrange a Custom Tour?

    Contact us with your preferred dates, group size and the places or experiences that interest you. We’ll help create a personalised itinerary and provide a proposal.

    We recommend getting in touch as early as possible, especially for busy periods. Last-minute requests are also welcome, subject to availability.

    Can children join the tours, and are child seats available?

    Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Some tours involve walks on uneven terrain, so please check the tour details or contact us to discuss the most suitable experience for your family.

    Age-appropriate child seats are available free of charge upon request. Please share your child’s age when booking so we can arrange a suitable seat.

    Are the tours suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users?

    Some stops involve walking, steps or uneven terrain, and accessibility varies by tour. Please contact us before booking to discuss your mobility needs, access to the vehicle and any equipment you’ll be bringing.

    We’ll explain what is possible and help you choose the most suitable experience.

    What happens if I get injured during a tour?

    All our tours are covered by insurance. If you’re injured and need medical assistance, our team will help you access the necessary care.

    Insurance coverage is limited to treatment at the designated local hospital.

    Can I change or cancel my booking?

    You can change or cancel your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Changes are subject to availability.

    Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are non-refundable, except in the circumstances explained below. Please contact us as early as possible if your plans change.

    What happens if Pure Azores needs to cancel my tour?

    If we need to cancel your tour, we’ll contact you and offer an alternative date or a full refund.

    What happens if my cruise ship is unable to dock?

    If your cruise ship is unable to dock in Ponta Delgada, we’ll provide a full refund. Please let us know as soon as possible.

    What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

    Please contact us as soon as possible. If your flight is delayed, we’ll do our best to reschedule your tour, subject to availability.

    If your flight is cancelled and you’re unable to reach São Miguel, we’ll provide a full refund.

Still have questions?

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