Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided
Overview
Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight.
We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.
What's Included
- Driver
- Briefing before the hike
- Pickup and Drop off on your accommodation
- Meals
- Bottled water
- You can book at Simpifica Portal (official website)/ We can book it for you ( you can pay on the day)
- Guide ( it is a Self-Guide Walk but we´ll provide all the instructions you need
Meeting and Pickup
We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel or accommodation — just let us know your location. Don’t forget: comfortable hiking shoes, warm and rain gear, plus enough water and snacks for the hike.
What To Expect
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro - Watch the first light of day break above the clouds, painting the horizon in golden and pink tones – a breathtaking start to your adventure.
PR1: Ninho da Manta & Stairway to Heaven - Walk a scenic section of the famous PR1 trail. Admire sweeping views from Ninho da Manta viewpoint and experience the dramatic Stairway to Heaven.
PR3: Vereda do Burro - Continue your journey along PR3, a gentler trail through mountain ridges, pine forests, and high-altitude landscapes — perfect for a balanced hike.
Return in Comfort - After the walk, relax as we drive you back to your hotel. A smooth and comfortable ride to end a day full of unforgettable memories.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with vertigo
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5597876P8
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 47 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).
- Driver.
- Briefing before the hike.
- Pickup and Drop off on your accommodation.
- Meals.
- Bottled water.
- You can book at Simpifica Portal (official website)/ We can book it for you ( you can pay on the day).
- Guide ( it is a Self-Guide Walk but we´ll provide all the instructions you need.
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 Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with vertigo
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided 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
- Driver
- Briefing before the hike
- Pickup and Drop off on your accommodation
- Meals
- Bottled water
- You can book at Simpifica Portal (official website)/ We can book it for you ( you can pay on the day)
- Guide ( it is a Self-Guide Walk but we´ll provide all the instructions you need
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with vertigo
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
