East Tour: Open Roof jeep tour to East Madeira – Santana

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $84 per person and lasts 8 hours, including pick-up and drop-off.
• Unique Transportation: Travel on an open roof classic jeep, adding fun and adventure to the exploration.
• Expert Guidance: The tour is led by local guides who offer insights into Madeira’s flora, history, and way of life.
• Highlights: Stops include Lombo da Quinta, Pico do Arieiro, Santana houses, Guindaste’s glass platform, and the North Mills Distillery.
• Off-Road Adventure: Expect narrow and off-road drives through scenic roads, with multiple photo stops and cultural visits.
• Small Groups or Private: The experience is available for small groups or private bookings, ensuring a personalized touch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience the East Madeira Jeep Tour in a Classic Open Roof Vehicle

The East Tour with Ricardo Off Road Madeira offers an engaging way to see Madeira’s eastern landscapes in a 8-hour journey filled with panoramic views, local culture, and fun off-road driving. For $84 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded experience showcasing mountains, valleys, traditional houses, and scenic viewpoints. The tour combines adventure and insight, making it ideal for travelers seeking both exploration and cultural discovery.

Participants are picked up from Funchal or the cruise terminal, and the experience includes guiding, transportation, and stops at key sights. The tour is designed to be flexible, with a short briefing at the start to customize the day based on interests. The driver and guide speak English, French, and Portuguese, and the tour is suitable for those comfortable with narrow and off-road driving.

Highlights of the Madeira East Jeep Tour

The tour’s main attractions are carefully chosen for their stunning views and cultural significance. Starting at Lombo da Quinta, visitors enjoy a spectacular overlook of Funchal harbor, perfect for photos. Then, the journey takes you to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s second highest point at 1818 meters, where the views of valleys, forests, and mountains stretch in every direction.

Next, the Ribeiro Frio Trout Reserve offers a chance to observe local flora and fauna amidst lush surroundings. The adventure continues with a visit to Santana, where traditional Santana houses express Madeira’s architectural charm, accessed via off-road paths that boost the sense of adventure. Afterward, a tasty lunch is served at this location, providing an authentic local meal.

The tour also includes a visit to Guindaste’s glass platform, where a relaxing walk leads to a spectacular ocean view from above. The final stop is at Ponta da Cruz, home to a 1927 North Mills Distillery, adding a cultural and historical layer to the journey.

From Scenic Vistas to Cultural Traditions

The scenic viewpoints are at the heart of this tour, with many stops designed to offer photo opportunities of the lush valleys, ocean, and mountain panoramas. The drive on narrow, winding roads ensures an authentic experience of Madeira’s rugged terrain, all while being led by experienced guides who explain the flora, history, and local life.

The off-road drives are a highlight, taking travelers through parts of the island inaccessible by regular vehicles. These drives are not only fun but also allow guests to see traditional houses and rural landscapes up close. The lunch break at Santana is a relaxed moment to enjoy local flavors, often including a Poncha drink, which is a regional specialty.

Logistics and Practicalities of the Tour

The tour begins with a pickup from designated locations in Funchal or the cruise terminal, making it easy for visitors arriving by ship or staying in town. The 8-hour experience includes driving, guiding, and sightseeing, with small group or private options available for a more tailored experience.

Participants should wear comfortable clothes suited to the weather, as the tour takes place rain or shine. No specific physical requirements are mentioned, but the tour involves some walking at stops like Guindaste’s glass platform. Entry tickets are not included in the price, so travelers should plan separately for any additional admissions.

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The Expertise of Ricardo Off Road Madeira

The local guides are praised in reviews for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness. Ricardo, the operator, is known for making the day both informative and enjoyable. Reviewers highlight how the guides explain the local flora and history in an engaging way, adding depth to the sightseeing.

The driver’s skill on narrow, off-road paths contributes to a safe and comfortable ride, even on the more adventurous routes. The casual and relaxed atmosphere makes the tour suitable for those wanting to avoid high-pressure travel experiences, while still enjoying impressive scenery.

Why the Open Roof Jeep Adds to the Experience

Traveling in an open roof classic Jeep transforms the sightseeing into an interactive and fun adventure. The fresh air and unobstructed views allow for better photos and a more immersive feeling of the landscape. This vehicle choice also enhances the sense of exploration, especially when driving through narrow mountain roads and off-road tracks.

The fun factor is high, as the open-air format creates a casual, friendly environment. It’s a perfect way to connect with Madeira’s natural beauty while keeping the journey lively and memorable.

Who Should Consider This Madeira East Tour

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers. It’s particularly suited for those comfortable with off-road driving and seeking up-close views of Madeira’s rugged terrain. The small group or private setting appeals to travelers wanting a more personalized experience.

Since the tour is rain or shine, it’s a good choice for visitors who don’t mind moderate outdoor activity regardless of weather. It’s less suitable for pregnant women or children under 2 years, as no specific accommodations are mentioned for very young or pregnant travelers.

The Value and Overall Impression of the Tour

At $84 for 8 hours, this experience offers great value, combining scenic drives, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure. The professional guidance and quality of the stops make it worth the price for many travelers.

The positive reviews underscore the expertise and friendliness of the guides, especially Ricardo himself, who is praised for making the day relaxed and fun. The scenic beauty along with the cultural visits like the Santana houses and the distillery provide a well-rounded view of Madeira’s east side.

The Sum Up: A Fun and Scenic Way to Discover Madeira’s East Side

The East Tour in a classic open roof Jeep captures the essence of Madeira’s natural beauty, rural charm, and scenic vistas. The combination of off-road adventures, expert guiding, and stunning viewpoints ensures an engaging experience.

While it involves some narrow and off-road driving, this is part of what makes the trip memorable and fun. The local guides’ knowledge and the enjoyable vehicle make this an excellent choice for travelers wanting a personalized, scenic, and active day in Madeira.

This tour offers fantastic value for those interested in exploring Madeira’s east side with a comfortable, fun, and informative approach. Perfect for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike, it provides a balanced taste of natural beauty and local traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 2 years, and physical activity, such as walking at Guindaste’s platform, may not be suitable for very young children.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for outdoor weather, as the tour takes place rain or shine.

Are entry tickets to attractions included?
No, entry tickets are not included. Visitors should plan separately if they wish to visit specific locations requiring admission.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, a short briefing at the start allows the guide to tailor the experience to your interests.

How long does the tour last?
The 8-hour tour includes pick-up and drop-off, sightseeing, and stops at multiple scenic and cultural sites.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English, French, and Portuguese, making the tour accessible to international visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby