🏔️ Breathtaking views of the tallest peaks of the island. ☁️ Walk “above the clouds” on the Mountains of Madeira Island. 📸 Panoramic view of the island.
This hike starts at Pico Areeiro (or Arieiro) on the great mountains of Madeira Island, at 1818 meters above sea level. During this walk it is possible to see panoramic landscapes made up of formidable rock formations. On days of good clear weather you might be able to see Curral das Freiras on the valley below, the island Porto Santo, the Desertas to the south or even the Ponta de São Lourenço. There’s nothing like the sensation of walking amongst the clouds! In this mountain range we can find the Freira da Madeira, one of the most endangered bird species in Europe. As we walk along the path we can see centenary endemic heathers. This is a demanding walk and as such it requires some physical preparation and resistance. We’ll face uneven terrain that ascends and descends constantly and in the dry season the sand can be quite slippery. For this reason we recommend shoes with good grip for hikers. This is a trail with very little or no shade or protections from the elements, please bring adequate clothing and sunscreen. To reach Pico Ruivo, the highest point of the Island at 1862 meters, we have to climb quite a bit of steep terrain, but the view is absolutely worth it! You will not regret it.
Difficulty: Difficult Distance: 10 km Duration: 5H Highest Point: 1857 mts Lowest Point: 1491 mts Free cancellation *
Pick up & Drop off Official Mountain Guide Insurance (Required by Portuguese law)
Meals & Drinks Entry Fee 7€ per person (must be paid in cash to the guide)
Meeting point at Hotel Pick up in Funchal and Caniço Areas. Pick up time will be arranged depending on location
Uma caminhada que vale mesmo a pena a fazer, com um guia incrível. 🥰
Foi óptimo muito agradável com a guia muito simpática. Um abraço
This hike was easily one of the most rewarding things we did in Madeira. The route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo is challenging, with plenty of climbs and narrow sections, but the scenery constantly gives you a reason to keep going. The mountain ridges, steep valleys and changing light made the trail feel different at every stage. Reaching Pico Ruivo after the final ascent was a great feeling, especially after taking in so many incredible views along the way. A memorable experience from beginning to end.
Great guide and great path
Absolutely incredible hike! The trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo offers some of the most spectacular scenery we have ever seen. The mountains, clouds and dramatic peaks were breathtaking. It was challenging in places, but completely worth the effort.
I will remember this hike for a long time. The trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo takes you through some incredibly dramatic mountain scenery, with steep paths, rocky ridges and valleys disappearing into the clouds. It is physically demanding, but there is always another viewpoint or section of trail that makes you stop and look around. The sense of achievement at reaching Pico Ruivo was fantastic, and the entire route felt like a real mountain adventure rather than an ordinary walk.
Please ensure you come prepared with suitable walking shoes or boots and a warm coat, especially if temperatures are low in the mountains. For full-day walks, please bring a picnic and water with you as they will not be provided. For your own safety, provider may change, postpone or cancel the walks with short notice. This will only happen due to adverse weather conditions, landsliding or other reasons beyond or control. Important Notice: Route Change Due to recent fires, our usual route is temporarily unavailable. We are using an alternative route (Pico Picarouto-> Achada do Teixeira -> Pico Ruivo -> Achada do Teixeira) to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before booking. Thank you for your understanding.
Confirmation voucher and Operator information. Upon your booking, you will receive a .pdf voucher via email. You just need to show the electronic .pdf to our agent. The complete Operator information including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. Allows a full refund when canceling up to 24 hours before the activity starts. If the start time is not defined, the deadline to change or cancel the reservation will be two days before the date of travel, at 23:59 (local time of the supplier).
Activity dependant on availability confirmation. If it is unavailable, customer will be contacted with an alternative option.
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