Fodor's Expert Review Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs

These rustic mineral hot springs surrounded by greenery make for a relaxing stop when in Furnas—though they’re extremely popular with locals and tourists alike, so it’s best to come in the morning to avoid the evening rush and to more easily snag one of the limited parking spots. There are four stone pools with water at 39ºC, some with waterfall features, and one cooler pool with 28ºC water; all are orange-colored because of the high iron content, so leave light-colored swimsuits and any jewelry back at your hotel to avoid discoloration. Towels are available for an extra fee, as are lockers, for which you’ll need to leave a deposit. You’ll definitely want to rinse off after bathing in the pools, and while cold showers are free, you’ll need to purchase a token to have a hot shower.