{"id":109,"date":"2013-08-11T20:13:42","date_gmt":"2013-08-11T20:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8888\/test\/?page_id=545"},"modified":"2026-03-20T10:31:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T10:31:46","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"alt-font\"><span style=\"font-size: 300%; color: #000000;\">Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp; &nbsp;<br \/><\/span><em><strong><br \/><\/strong><\/em><em><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><br \/><\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"text-center\"><div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" style=\"max-width:300px;\"><\/div><\/div> <div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1436855610\"> \n\t<div id=\"col-1069567413\" class=\"col medium-11 small-12 large-11\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 150%; color: #282828;\"><strong>VISITS TO ALGAR DO CARV\u00c3O AND GRUTA DO NATAL&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #800000;\"><strong>Where are the caves located?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"141\"><strong data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"139\">Both caves are located in the central part of Terceira Island:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"390\">\r\n<li data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"286\">\r\n<p data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"286\"><strong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"165\">Algar do Carv\u00e3o:<\/strong> on the border of the Porto Judeu parish, in the municipality of Angra do Hero\u00edsmo, about 12 km from the city of Angra.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"390\">\r\n<p data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"390\"><strong data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"308\">Gruta do Natal:<\/strong> on the border of the Biscoitos parish, in the municipality of Praia da Vit\u00f3ria.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"474\"><strong data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"472\">The distance between the caves is approximately 6 km (10\u201315 minutes by car).<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #282828;\"><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p class=\"moz-quote-pre\"><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Is it possible to visit the caves all year round?<\/span> <em><br \/><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"76\" data-end=\"120\"><strong data-start=\"76\" data-end=\"118\">Yes. Visits take place in two seasons:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"383\">\r\n<li data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"191\">\r\n<p data-start=\"124\" data-end=\"191\"><strong data-start=\"124\" data-end=\"157\">High season (daily openings):<\/strong> April to September \u2013 every day.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"192\" data-end=\"294\">\r\n<p data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"294\"><strong data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"227\">Low season (weekly openings):<\/strong> October to March \u2013 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"295\" data-end=\"383\">\r\n<p data-start=\"297\" data-end=\"383\"><strong data-start=\"297\" data-end=\"322\">Exceptional openings:<\/strong> Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays (see specific conditions).<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"385\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"385\" data-end=\"470\">The caves are closed on local or national holidays, or on special tolerance days.<\/strong><br data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"473\" \/>For updated information:<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #282828;\"><a style=\"color: #282828;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/algarCarvao\/\">http:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/algarCarvao\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #282828;\"><a style=\"color: #282828;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/gruta-do-natal\/\">http:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/gruta-do-natal\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #800000;\"><strong>Is there any public transportation to the caves?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>No.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #800000;\"><strong>Does Montanheiros Association organize transfers to the caves?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>No. However, there are local tourist companies that organize visits to the caves.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #800000;\"><strong>Why does Algar do Carvao and Natal Cave have such a short visitation schedule?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"267\">The&nbsp; caves management is the exclusive responsibility of the&nbsp; Montanheiros Association, an environmental NGO, which implements reduced visiting hours to minimize ecological impact:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"269\" data-end=\"569\">\r\n<li data-start=\"269\" data-end=\"376\">\r\n<p data-start=\"271\" data-end=\"376\">It limits exposure to artificial light, protecting cave-dwelling species and geological formations.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"464\">\r\n<p data-start=\"379\" data-end=\"464\">Prolonged artificial light can promote the growth of algae and unwanted plants.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"569\">\r\n<p data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"569\">The goal is to preserve the natural integrity of the caves, even if this limits visitor comfort.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Are reservations required?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"74\" data-end=\"132\">For individual visitors, no reservation is required.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"215\">For organized groups (e.g., travel agencies), prior contact is recommended.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"309\">Advance reservations are mandatory only for exceptional openings (see specific section).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Where are tickets purchased?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>Tickets and Combo tickets are sold exclusively at the caves.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>What is Combo Ticket?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"74\" data-end=\"192\">A single ticket that allows visiting both caves with a lower fee, either on the same day or on different days.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"194\" data-end=\"290\">Validity: throughout the season (January 1 to December 31), except for exceptional openings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Do children pay tickets?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>Free entry for children under 12 years old, when accompanied by a paying adult.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 120%; color: #282828;\"><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Which payment methods are there?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted (except American Express).<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>How long does the visit last?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"84\">Each cave: approximately 30 minutes.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"207\">In Natal Cave may take longer due to the introductory explanation at the reception and the provision of helmets.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"125\"><strong data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"123\"><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\">Is the cave accessible to everyone?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"213\">No. There are no elevators or access ramps for visitors with reduced mobility.<strong data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"211\"><br \/><br \/><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong>What are the caves visitation dificulties?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"226\"><strong data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"98\">Algar do Carv\u00e3o:<\/strong> access via a narrow tunnel with 36 steps; a total of 338. Cemented floor, constantly wet.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"527\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"247\">Gruta do Natal:<\/strong> access via two short staircases, uneven floor; the more adventurous path is recommended only for visitors without physical limitations.<br data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"393\" \/><strong data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"417\">Not recommended for:<\/strong> people with mobility difficulties, balance issues, claustrophobia, infants, or women in late-stage pregnanc<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Are visits guided?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"180\"><strong data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"93\">Algar do Carv\u00e3o:<\/strong> staff provides explanations about the volcanic pit genesis&nbsp; (no additional cost).<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"263\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"201\">Gruta do Natal:<\/strong> brief explanation at the reception and provision of a helmet.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800000;\">Is proper clothing and footwear required?<\/span><em><br \/><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>Non-slip footwear and a waterproof jacket are recommended, as the floor is constantly wet and the temperature is lower.<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #282828; font-size: 120%;\"><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Photographs and videos are permitted?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"140\">Photography and video recording are allowed without a tripod.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"142\" data-end=\"253\">Tripods: only with prior authorization from the Association\u2019s management (<a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"249\">montanheiros@montanheiros.com<\/a>).<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"312\">Staff may only be photographed with their permission.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>What\u2019s an extra opening and how it works?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"185\">An extra opening is the opening of one of the caves exclusively for a group at a pre-scheduled time.<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"518\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\r\n<li data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"320\">\r\n<p data-start=\"189\" data-end=\"320\">They take place between October 1 and March 31, only for organized groups that are unavailable during regular visiting hours.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"466\">\r\n<p data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"466\">Scheduling: Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, except on holidays such as January 1, Carnival, Easter, December 1, December 24, 25, and 31.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"518\" data-is-last-node=\"\">\r\n<p data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"518\" data-is-last-node=\"\">The Association does not organize the groups<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: 120%;\"><strong>Why are extra openings expensive?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li data-start=\"74\" data-end=\"151\">Designed for large groups (\u226530 people) with limited time on the island.<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"153\" data-end=\"268\">Higher cost is due to the use of fuel-powered generators to provide lighting for the caves and visitor centers.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp; &nbsp; VISITS TO ALGAR DO CARV\u00c3O AND GRUTA DO NATAL&nbsp; &nbsp; Where are the caves located? Both caves are located in the central part of Terceira Island: Algar do Carv\u00e3o: on the border of the Porto Judeu parish, in the municipality of Angra do Hero\u00edsmo, about 12 km from the city of [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-109","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PaT0CI-1L","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":81,"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18211,"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions\/18211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montanheiros.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}