Jeep Safari in Pico Areeiro Santana Faial Full Day Tour

Explore Madeira’s Rugged Interior and Scenic Coastline in One Day

The Jeep Safari in Pico Areeiro Santana Faial is a full-day adventure offering a comprehensive look at Madeira’s varied landscapes. Priced at $71.21 per person, this 7-hour 30-minute tour departs from Funchal and is perfect for travelers seeking an active, scenic experience. What sets this tour apart is its focus on high-altitude peaks, lush forests, charming villages, and dramatic viewpoints, all accessible via comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.

With a rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 14 reviews, the tour earns high praise for its knowledgeable guides and breathtaking vistas. While the tour is suited for most travelers, it’s worth noting that pickup in some locations involves an additional fee of +10 per person. This excursion offers a well-curated mix of natural beauty and local culture, making it a compelling choice for those eager to see Madeira’s diverse scenery in a single day.

Key Points

• Full-day Jeep Safari covering scenic peaks, forests, villages, and viewpoints
• Highlights include Pico do Areeiro, Santana’s traditional thatched houses, and Ponta do Rosto
• Tour departs from Funchal at 9:00 am with optional lunch stop in São Jorge
• Includes a visit to a local sugar cane rum factory for tastings and insights into Madeira’s distillation traditions
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance

Starting the Day in Monte’s Picturesque Parish

The tour begins high above Funchal in Monte, a charming parish famed for its lush gardens and scenic views. This early stop offers a gentle introduction to Madeira’s beauty, setting the tone for the day. While the visit to Monte is brief—around 15 minutes—it provides a taste of local architecture and the tranquility found in one of Madeira’s most beloved areas.

This stop also serves as the departure point for the scenic climb to Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third highest peak. The elevated vantage point reveals sweeping views of the island’s rugged terrain, with panoрramic vistas from 1,818 meters offering perfect photo opportunities. The crisp mountain air and towering cliffs make this a highlight of the tour.

Pushing Up to Pico do Areeiro’s Spectacular Views

Pico do Areeiro is undeniably the tour’s star attraction. The stop here lasts about an hour, allowing ample time to take in the breathtaking panoramic views. The terrain is rugged, and the elevation provides a cool atmosphere that contrasts with lower elevations.

Travelers appreciate how the guide explains the significance of the peak and shares insights into Madeira’s geography. The rugged landscape and vast vistas make it a perfect spot for memorable photos. This high-altitude experience is a true highlight, especially for those interested in geological features and mountain scenery.

Walking into Madeira’s Forests at Ribeiro Frio

Next, the tour heads to Ribeiro Frio, set in lush forest surroundings. Here, a short walk leads to the Balcões viewpoint, where views extend over deep valleys and mountainous terrain. The stunning panoramas make Ribeiro Frio a favorite for nature lovers.

The forest environment offers a break from the mountain heights, showcasing Madeira’s vibrant ecosystem. The stop lasts about an hour, giving enough time to appreciate the verdant scenery and take photos. It’s a peaceful moment amid the lush greenery, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor exploration.

Off-Road Adventure in Queimadas Forest

Parque Florestal das Queimadas provides an exciting off-road experience for adventure enthusiasts. This rugged route takes visitors through Madeira’s untouched forests and landscapes, offering a raw, natural perspective of the island’s wilderness.

A quick 15-minute stop here introduces travelers to Madeira’s wild heart. The off-road terrain adds an adrenaline rush and a chance to appreciate the island’s untamed beauty, making it a memorable part of the journey for those craving an active element.

Sampling Traditional Madeiran Cuisine in São Jorge

The tour pauses at São Jorge for a lunch break of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. This charming village provides a serene setting for enjoying local Madeiran dishes, with the option to indulge in a cost of around $20 per person.

Travelers can savor regional flavors amidst scenic vineyards and rolling hills. This stop also offers a cultural glimpse into Madeira’s rural life. The leisurely pace allows for relaxation and local flavor before continuing onward to Santana.

Exploring Santana’s Iconic Thatched-Roof Houses

In Santana, the tour highlights traditional thatched-roof houses—the brightly colored “palheiros” that define Madeira’s architectural heritage. The 45-minute stop offers plenty of opportunities to walk around and photograph these culturally significant structures.

Santana’s scenery—set against lush landscapes—provides a perfect backdrop for exploring the village. Visitors gain insight into Madeira’s building traditions and cultural identity, making this site a favorite for history and architecture buffs.

Panoramic Views from Miradouro do Guindaste in Faial

The journey continues to Faial, culminating in the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint. Overlooking the rugged northern coastline, this 45-minute stop rewards visitors with stunning panoramic vistas of cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

The viewpoint’s dramatic scenery makes it ideal for photographs and quiet reflection. Its location provides a striking contrast to the forested areas and mountain peaks visited earlier, emphasizing Madeira’s diverse landscapes.

Visiting the Porto da Cruz Rum Factory

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Sugar Cane Rum Factory in Porto da Cruz. This 1-hour stop offers a rare glimpse into Madeira’s traditional rum-making process, with the chance to smell fermenting sugar cane and sample locally distilled rum.

The factory visit combines aroma, flavor, and craftsmanship, adding a delicious and cultural element to the day. It’s a perfect way to connect with Madeira’s local heritage through its iconic spirit.

Ending with the Spectacular Ponta do Rosto Viewpoint

The tour concludes at Ponta do Rosto, a 1-hour scenic viewpoint in Caniçal. Here, visitors enjoy sweeping coastal views of Madeira’s easternmost cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

This spot offers a peaceful setting for witnessing dramatic sunsets or sunrises and capturing the natural beauty of Madeira’s rugged coast. It’s a fitting finale to a day full of diverse landscapes and memorable sights.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The Jeep Safari includes a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup can be arranged in major locations for an extra +10 per person. The tour starts at 9:00 am and typically attracts a maximum of 40 participants, ensuring a lively yet intimate group.

Booking is recommended about 19 days in advance on average, reflecting its popularity. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most activities accessible and no specific physical requirements noted. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for spontaneous plans or weather concerns.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This adventure appeals most to those who want a rundown of Madeira’s landscapes without the need for strenuous hikes. The mix of mountain peaks, forests, villages, viewpoints, and cultural sites makes it ideal for families, couples, and friends seeking a scenic, informative, and active day.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the experience with interesting stories and practical tips. The optional lunch in São Jorge allows for a relaxed break, perfect for those interested in local cuisine.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Jeep Safari

The Jeep Safari in Pico Areeiro Santana Faial offers a well-rounded exploration of Madeira’s mountainous terrain, lush forests, charming villages, and dramatic coastlines. Its carefully curated stops ensure travelers get a taste of Madeira’s natural and cultural treasures in one day.

While some might find the additional pickup fee in certain locations less convenient, the overall value, complemented by stunning views and expert guides, makes this tour a standout choice. It’s especially suitable for those eager for an off-road adventure combined with scenic highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is optional and costs around $20 per person. It is served in São Jorge, offering traditional Madeiran cuisine.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed fully if canceled within this window.

Are pickup options available?
Yes, pickup is available in various locations, but it incurs an additional fee of +10 per person.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for travelers wanting a scenic, varied day tour with mountain peaks, forests, cultural stops, and viewpoints. Moderate physical activity involved, but most activities are accessible.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Yes, most participants find it comfortable, given the air-conditioned vehicle and accessible stops. However, those with mobility issues should check specific conditions of the terrain and stops.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of Pico do Areeiro’s panoramic vistas, Santana’s traditional houses, and the local rum factory provides a diverse, engaging experience of Madeira’s landscape and culture.

How many people usually book this tour?
Most bookings are made about 19 days in advance, and groups can have up to 40 travelers, ensuring a lively atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Is the tour conducted in multiple languages?
Most reviews suggest the tour is conducted in English; some guests noted that an Italian-language option was initially booked but was not available during their trip.

Are weather conditions a concern?
Yes, the tour relies on good weather; in case of poor weather, it may be canceled or rescheduled, with the option of a full refund or alternative date.

This full-day Jeep Safari in Madeira offers a memorable journey through the island’s most impressive sights, balanced between scenic beauty, cultural insights, and outdoor adventure.