Levada Walk East Santana Full-Day Jeep Tour, Pico do Arieiro

Explore Madeira’s East Coast on a Full-Day Jeep Adventure for $80

This Levada Walk East Santana Full-Day Jeep Tour offers an engaging way to see Madeira’s diverse landscapes, from towering peaks to traditional villages. Priced at $80 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours, making it a full day of exploration, scenic views, and cultural highlights. Starting from Funchal, this guided experience takes you through some of the island’s most iconic spots with a small group setting, limited to 6 participants, which ensures a personal and relaxing atmosphere.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of off-road driving, scenic viewpoints, and visits to traditional houses. The tour is led by a local, respectful, and funny guide, adding warmth and insight to every stop. The experience is ideal for those who enjoy nature, panoramic views, and authentic Madeira culture, though it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility issues, or those afraid of heights.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $80 per person for around 8 hours of guided sightseeing
• Highlights include Pico do Arieiro, Santana Houses, and Guindaste Viewpoint
• Intimate small group experience with personalized attention
• Includes off-road driving over forest tracks and old roads
• Visit to traditional Santana Houses, some remaining over 300 years old
• Stunning viewpoints, including a skywalk with a glass platform over the sea
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Funchal

Starting Point and Logistics: Pickup and Group Size

This tour begins with a hotel pickup in Funchal, with pickup available at any hotel in the city. Travelers should wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour operates with a small group limit of 6 participants, enhancing the personal feel and allowing for more interaction with the guide. The guided vehicle is a jeep, perfect for navigating off-road paths and mountain roads.

The return is included, with drop-off at the same pick-up location, streamlining the day for all involved. Since food and drinks are not included**, guests are encouraged to bring water and snacks, or take advantage of restaurant recommendations after the Santana Houses.

Pico do Arieiro: Madeira’s Third Highest Peak

The tour’s highlight is a visit to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest point in Madeira at 1818 meters. Standing atop this summit provides spectacular panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain. At this height, visitors can explore the “Centre of Freira da Madeira”, gaining insight into the mountain’s natural and cultural significance.

From this vantage point, the scenery is captivating, with sweeping vistas that stretch across Madeira’s mountain range. The high-altitude environment makes it an ideal spot for photos and soaking in the breathtaking landscape. The route to Pico do Arieiro also features a descent past Poço da Neve, an old ice storage structure, and Poiso, once a shelter for hikers and travelers.

Scenic Off-Road Paths and Forest Tracks

A key part of the adventure involves off-road driving along ancient roads and forest tracks. These routes take you through dense greenery and rugged terrain, offering a different perspective of Madeira’s natural beauty. The Jeep allows access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach, such as the Ribeiro Frio region.

At Ribeiro Frio, visitors can view the trout fish farming and enjoy a visit to the Levada of Balcões. This walk offers views of lush landscapes and is a favorite for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic vistas. The tour keeps a lively pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the surroundings.

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Traditional Santana Houses and Local Heritage

The tour includes visits to Santana, famous for its traditional triangular houses with thatched roofs. You’ll see both touristic versions and authentic, family-owned houses that have remained unchanged for over 300 years. Many of these houses still contain original furniture used long ago.

This stop provides a glimpse into Madeira’s cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. The guide explains the history and significance of these houses, enriching the experience. After exploring, travelers can choose a restaurant recommended by the guide for a relaxed lunch.

Lunch Break and Local Dining

Post-visit to Santana, the tour pauses for lunch at a local restaurant, where visitors can sample regional dishes. The guide offers restaurant suggestions to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Since food and drinks are not included in the tour price, guests can enjoy a leisurely meal before continuing the exploration.

Lunch is a good opportunity to rest and take in the rural atmosphere of Madeira’s interior. The meal options typically highlight local ingredients, reflecting the authentic flavors of the island.

Guindaste Viewpoint: Walking on Glass over the Sea

After the cultural stop, the tour continues to the Viewpoint do Guindaste. Here, visitors encounter a glass platform that appears to float over the sea, offering an extraordinary perspective of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline below.

This viewpoint is a favorite for photos and awe-inspiring views. It provides a moment of thrill combined with natural beauty, as you look out over the coastline of Faial and the nearby Caniçal area. The guide shares local stories and facts, enriching this scenic experience.

Pico do Facho Viewpoint and Madeira’s Airport

The final stop is at Pico do Facho, a viewpoint with both historical significance and impressive sights. This spot overlooks Machico and features the Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, a notable feat of engineering. The view over the city and the ocean offers a fitting conclusion to the day’s journey.

The location’s history adds depth to the experience, and the expansive vistas make it a memorable spot for last photos before returning to Funchal.

The Unique Experience of This Madeira Jeep Tour

This full-day adventure combines scenic viewpoints, off-road exploration, cultural visits, and natural beauty. The inclusion of Pico do Arieiro and Santana Houses makes it a uniquely comprehensive way to see Madeira’s east side. The local guide’s knowledge and humor elevate the experience, creating a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

While the tour involves some walking and mountain driving, it’s suitable for those comfortable with basic outdoor activity and heights. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility challenges, or those afraid of heights, but for most adventure lovers, it offers a well-rounded taste of Madeira.

Final Thoughts on the Levada Walk East Santana Jeep Tour

This tour offers excellent value for $80, given its variety of stops and the personalized, small-group setting. The off-road paths and viewpoints showcase Madeira’s best landscapes, while the cultural elements—Santana houses and mountain peaks—add depth to the experience. The guide’s friendly approach and local insights are highly praised and contribute to a memorable day.

Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this tour balances scenic drives, cultural discovery, and breathtaking vistas. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy informative guides and off-the-beaten-path adventures. The only limitation is the physical requirement—certain stops involve heights or walking on uneven terrain—so it’s best suited to active travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for travelers able to handle some walking, heights, and outdoor conditions. It is not specifically tailored for children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a jacket, rain gear, and comfortable clothes are recommended. Large luggage or bags are not allowed.

Does the tour include food and drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included, but the guide will recommend places for lunch in Santana.

Can I book this tour outside Funchal?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off within Funchal, so outside pickup is not available.

What is the guide’s language?
The tour is conducted in English, led by a knowledgeable local guide.

Is cancellation flexible?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for changing travel plans.

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