Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Balções Levada Walk

Discover the beauty of Madeira in one full-day tour that combines breathtaking viewpoints, scenic hikes, off-road adventures, and cultural visits. The Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Balções Levada Walk is designed for those eager to see the island’s highlights with a blend of nature, history, and local traditions. Starting from Funchal or Caniço, this 8-hour guided excursion from Mountain Expeditions takes you through Madeira’s most iconic spots, with plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration.

The tour is packed with activity and variety, making it ideal for travelers who want an engaging, day-long experience. It features pano views from Pico do Areeiro, a short walk through UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, an off-road ride into untouched valleys, visits to Santana’s thatched houses, a rum distillery tour, and dramatic cliffs at Ponta de São Lourenço. With positive reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5 from 222 travelers, this tour balances adventure, culture, and scenery.

Key Points

• Full-day Madeira adventure lasting approximately 8 hours with hotel pickup and drop-off options
• Visit Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest point, with panoramic views at 1818 meters
• Hike the Balcões Levada, leading to a spectacular viewpoint over lush valleys
• Experience an off-road drive through the rugged Cova da Roda landscape
• Tour Santana’s traditional thatched houses, over 250 years old
• Taste Madeira’s famous rum at a local distillery in Porto da Cruz
• End with scenic views and walks at Ponta de São Lourenço, also called the Dragons Tail
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, safety, and engaging personality, with multiple guides like Gil, John, Victor, Ruben, and Michael gaining positive comments

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Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour departs from Funchal or Caniço, with pickups included depending on your accommodation location. The 8-hour tour begins with an early pickup, and scheduled start times depend on the day’s availability. The tour is scheduled for a full day of exploration, with plenty of stops and activities to keep every moment lively.

Pico do Areeiro: The Highest Viewpoint of Madeira

The tour kicks off at Pico do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s most famous peaks at 1,818 meters. Here, visitors enjoy stunning panoramic views over the island’s deep valleys and towering peaks. The guided stop lasts about 20 minutes, providing time for photos and soaking in the expansive vistas. The high altitude offers a refreshing breeze and a chance to see the rugged landscape from a new perspective.

Balcões Levada: Easy Walk with Spectacular Valley Views

Next, the Balcões Levada walk follows an historic water channel through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. This short and easy trail lasts about one hour, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The viewpoint at Balcões rewards visitors with breathtaking sights of lush valleys and jagged peaks, framed by verdant greenery and the characteristic levada canal.

Off-Road Adventure in Cova da Roda

The tour then takes a thrilling off-road drive through Cova da Roda, a rugged landscape that showcases Madeira’s untouched wilderness. The expert driver guides navigate the jeep along dirt trails, providing a fun and safe experience. This part of the journey feels adventurous and offers unique viewpoints away from the more touristy areas, giving a taste of the island’s natural ruggedness.

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Santana’s Iconic Thatched Houses

A visit to the village of Santana offers a glimpse into Madeira’s traditional architecture. The over 250-year-old triangular-roofed houses are not just quaint but serve as symbols of the island’s heritage and culture. The stop here allows for sightseeing, photos, and a brief walk, with enough time to appreciate the timeless charm of these structures.

Rum Tasting and Cultural Insight at Porto da Cruz

In Porto da Cruz, the focus shifts to Madeira’s famous rum. A local distillery visit gives you the opportunity to see traditional production methods and enjoy a rum tasting session. The aroma of molasses and spirits fills the air, adding sensory richness to the cultural experience. The 30-minute stop provides a relaxed pace and insight into Madeira’s distilling traditions.

Ponta de São Lourenço: The Dramatic Cliffs and Volcanic Landscape

The tour culminates at Ponta de São Lourenço, known as the Dragons Tail for its vibrant volcanic hues and rugged cliffs. The scenic walk lasts about 25 minutes, offering sweeping views of both the north and south coasts of Madeira. The landscape here is characterized by sharp cliffs and volcanic formations, making it a spectacular finale to the day’s exploration.

Guides and Personalities

Multiple guides earn praise for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and safety skills. Guides like Gil, John, Victor, Ruben, and Michael frequently receive 5-star reviews for their friendly demeanor and genuine interest in sharing Madeira’s highlights. Their expert driving and informative commentary enhance the overall experience.

Practical Tips and What to Bring

This tour requires comfortable shoes suitable for walking and uneven terrains, windbreakers for breezy viewpoints, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. The walking portions are manageable, but the high-altitude stops like Pico do Areeiro can be windy. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, so plan accordingly.

Value for Money and Booking Options

At around 8 hours long, the tour offers a full day of diverse experiences at a competitive price. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, guided commentary, and all activities, excluding food and drinks. The flexibility to reserve now and pay later makes it easy to plan in advance. The small or private group options also ensure a personalized experience.

Summary: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip suits adventurers, nature lovers, and those interested in local culture. The combination of panoramic views, scenic walks, off-road thrills, and cultural insights makes it a well-rounded day. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, active exploration of Madeira’s east coast with friendly guides.

The Sum Up: Making the Most of the Madeira Jeep and Levada Adventure

This 8-hour Madeira tour provides an immersive journey through some of the island’s most iconic landscapes and cultural sites. The highlights—from Pico do Areeiro’s panoramic vistas to the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço—are complemented by the fun off-road drive and visits to Santana’s traditional houses. The rum tasting adds a flavorful local touch, while the guides’ engaging personalities ensure a lively, informative experience.

While the tour doesn’t include food and drinks, the value, scenery, and cultural stops compensate well. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive Madeira adventure that balances nature, culture, and excitement in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included depending on your accommodation location in Funchal or Caniço.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with scheduled starts based on availability.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. It’s advisable to prepare for warm and cold weather conditions.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include Pico do Areeiro, the Balcões Levada, an off-road adventure, Santana’s thatched houses, a rum distillery, and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, the reserve now and pay later option provides flexibility and peace of mind.

Are guides bilingual?
Guides speak Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, and German.

What is the group size?
The tour offers private or small group options for a more personalized experience.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Most activities are manageable with comfortable shoes, but the high-altitude viewpoints can be windy and require light walking.

Can I expect good value?
Yes, considering the multiple stops, guided commentary, and included transportation, this tour is considered excellent value for money.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes with drop-off options in Caniço or Funchal, close to your accommodation.

Are there any additional costs?
Food and drinks are not included, and optional fuel taxes for other pickup areas may apply.

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