Geography School Trip To The Azores

Descend into the Caldera and visit the Lake and Interpretation Centre. The interpretation Centre explains the work completed over recent years to clean the lake and re-establish and sustain the ecosystem of this special natural environment. Close to the lake see the hot springs and fumaroles, the visible signs of volcanic activity in this area. See the cooking holes used by local restaurants and residents to cook the island’s speciality Cozido stew using geothermal heat.

At Furnas village consider how people choose to live in inside a dormant volcano. See the bubbling hot springs and fumaroles in the town centre. Take on the optional study of microbes in the hot springs and visit the small microbiology museum (paid locally). At the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens admire the beautiful plants and trees that grow in this micro-climate and fertile volcanic soil, irrigated by iron bearing hot springs.

The Gorreana tea factory and plantation has been in operation since 1883, and is the only tea plantation in Europe producing almost 40 tonnes of tea per year. Learn how the tea plant has adapted to the conditions on the Island and gain an understanding of the tea making process at the factory. There is an opportunity to taste the different types of tea produced here.

Take a view of this Caldera Lake from the view point, 900 metres above sea-level. The area is now a nature reserve in the volcanic complex called Fogo. The last eruption here was in 1553.

This geothermally heated iron bearing waterfall of on the north slope of the Fogo volcano has created an area of lush rainforest. Small thermal wading pools enable visitors to take an optional dip in the warm waters. Visit the Interpretation Centre which explains the local volcanism, geology, flora and fauna.

An explanation will be given about the process of producing geothermal power. The island is keen to use as much sustainable energy as possible and the plant now provides 42% of the island’s energy needs. Geothermally heated steam is used to heat pentane gas which creates electrical energy. The heated steam is then returned underground at a lower temperature. It is not possible to enter inside the power plant.

Ribeira Grande is a historic town located on a volcanic plateau on the the north shore of São Miguel island. See the town’s unique architecture and 17^th century baroque churches and buildings, including one of the oldest churches in the Azores. Visit the town square, the Town Hall and an eight arched bridge from the 18th century.

This beautiful volcanic landscape with its green and blue Caldera lakes is considered one the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. Take a guided 1 hour and a half  moderate walk around the rim of the crater starting at the highest point of the Caldera. From this view point you will see the lakes on one side and the western coast of the island on the other, while five small volcanoes complete the landscape.

Ponta Delgada is the vibrant capital city of São Miguel Island which has developed around a natural bay. The city is also a tourist centre with sea-front hotels and leisure activities. The old town has historic Portuguese architecture with buildings constructed from volcanic stone including the 16th century church of San Sebastien. The 18th century city gates in the historical centre have become the symbol of the city.

Located north-west of Ponta Delgada this is the longest lava tube on São Miguel, extending 2,500 metres in three sections, two of which can be visited. The tube was created when the surface and lateral areas of a basaltic lava flow were cooled creating a crust. The hot lava continued to flow underneath the surface, eventually reducing, lowering and stopping creating a cavity. This special geological volcanic feature contains lava stalactites, stalagmites and flow marks.

Students can see whales, dolphins and other cetaceans. The location of the island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean means the surrounding sea is rich with 24 cetacean species. The Azores is considered one of the best locations in the world for whale watching. Historically the islanders hunted whales until 1987 and the activity was important to the islands’ economy.