Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1) - Hiking Tour in Madeira
Overview
Walk from Pico do Areeiro to the top of Madeira Island in a hiking tour full of emotion and marvellous landscapes.
What's Included
- Professional staff
- Transportation (Center of Funchal and Caniço)
- Insurance (According with portuguese law)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Official mountain guide
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Trail fee set by local authorities, applied to visitors accessing official routes to support conservation, maintenance, safety measures, and the sustainable management of Madeira’s natural trails
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup is included for guests staying at the designated hotels. We advise you to be ready and waiting in the hotel reception area 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Our guides will wait approximately 5 minutes for each guest. Look out for our vans, which can be either white (smaller) or grey (larger). We strive to ensure a smooth and timely start to your adventure, though external delays can occur. If that happens, you will be updated on the day. One day before the activity, we may adjust the pickup time for your convenience.
What To Expect
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation. Upon arriving at Pico do Areeiro, you can take a refreshment break at the local bar before starting the hike (if opened).
The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is a thrilling mountain walk in Madeira, connecting the island’s three highest peaks. Starting at Pico do Areeiro (1818m), the trail takes you to Madeira’s highest point, Pico Ruivo (1861m).
This 10km route offers stunning views of Madeira’s central mountain range. After enjoying the beauty of Pico do Areeiro, the path leads to “Ninho da Manta,” providing views over Fajã da Nogueira Valley, Nun’s Valley, and Paul da Serra.
As part of the Natura 2000 Network, this area is crucial for nature conservation, home to the endangered Freira da Madeira bird species. The high-altitude vegetation features ancient endemic trees like the centenary Urzes.
The trail becomes steeper as you approach Pico Ruivo, with tunnels, bridges, and narrow paths. Reaching Pico Ruivo rewards hikers with a 360° panoramic view. The descent to Achadas do Teixeira (1592m) concludes this challenging yet rewarding hike, a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting Madeira.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Health and Fitness: This tour involves a 4 hour challenging hike with numerous ups, downs, and stairs. It requires a high level of fitness and is not suitable for individuals with severe health issues or limited mobility.
- Rain or Shine: This tour is subject to the unpredictable weather conditions typical at high altitudes. We will proceed as long as it's safe to do so. However, due to rapidly changing weather, we may need to cancel or make an alternative hike if conditions become too hazardous. Your safety is our priority.
- Cancellation Policy: No refunds are provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the activity's start time
- Breakfast: Ensure you have a hearty breakfast before embarking on the activity to keep your energy levels high throughout the hike.
- It might be possible to buy food and drinks before the hike, but this is not guaranteed. Please bring your own refreshments and do not count on purchasing them along the way
- Multilingual Guide: Your tour may be led by a guide fluent in multiple languages. While we do our best to provide a guide who speaks your preferred language, this is not always guaranteed. In such cases, the tour will be conducted in English.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1) – Hiking Tour in Madeira?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-12964P16
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 32 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Professional staff.
- Transportation (Center of Funchal and Caniço).
- Insurance (According with portuguese law).
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Official mountain guide.
- Snacks.
- Bottled water.
- Trail fee set by local authorities, applied to visitors accessing official routes to support conservation, maintenance, safety measures, and the sustainable management of Madeira’s natural trails.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 12..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1) - Hiking Tour in Madeira is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1) – Hiking Tour in Madeira will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Professional staff
- Transportation (Center of Funchal and Caniço)
- Insurance (According with portuguese law)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Official mountain guide
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Trail fee set by local authorities, applied to visitors accessing official routes to support conservation, maintenance, safety measures, and the sustainable management of Madeira’s natural trails
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Health and Fitness: This tour involves a 4 hour challenging hike with numerous ups, downs, and stairs. It requires a high level of fitness and is not suitable for individuals with severe health issues or limited mobility.
- Rain or Shine: This tour is subject to the unpredictable weather conditions typical at high altitudes. We will proceed as long as it's safe to do so. However, due to rapidly changing weather, we may need to cancel or make an alternative hike if conditions become too hazardous. Your safety is our priority.
- Cancellation Policy: No refunds are provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the activity's start time
- Breakfast: Ensure you have a hearty breakfast before embarking on the activity to keep your energy levels high throughout the hike.
- It might be possible to buy food and drinks before the hike, but this is not guaranteed. Please bring your own refreshments and do not count on purchasing them along the way
- Multilingual Guide: Your tour may be led by a guide fluent in multiple languages. While we do our best to provide a guide who speaks your preferred language, this is not always guaranteed. In such cases, the tour will be conducted in English.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
