Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixeira Walk

Nestled high in the mountains of Madeira, the Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixeira Walk offers an accessible yet rewarding adventure for those eager to explore Portugal’s third-highest peak. Priced at $52.06 per person, this full-day small-group hike spans approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting from Funchal with convenient pickup options. The tour combines stunning panoramic views with the opportunity to walk along well-maintained paths, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who are in good physical shape and love nature. While the hike is moderately difficult, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or individuals with severe vertigo or claustrophobia, due to some narrow tunnels and elevation challenges.

The experience is designed to showcase Madeira’s highest points, with free admission stops at Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo Viewpoint. The inclusion of live commentary and insurance enhances the value, though visitors should bring their own bottled water and lunch. The tour’s small-group size—limited to a maximum of 15 travelers—ensures a more personalized experience. This hike is truly a standout for those eager to see some of Madeira’s most dramatic mountain scenery, though it demands good physical fitness and a sense of adventure.

Key Points

• Price: $52.06 per person for a full-day guided hike
• Duration: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
• Start time: 8:30am from Funchal
• Highlights: Hike to Madeira’s highest point, Pico Ruivo, and enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Inclu­sions: Pick-up, live commentary, and insurance
• Not included: Bottled water and lunch, so plan to bring your own

Starting Point and Transport Logistics in Funchal

The tour begins at the Monumental Experience located at Estrada Monumental 284 in São Martinho, Funchal. Travelers are picked up directly from their accommodation or a designated meeting point, with transportation included to the trailhead at Pico do Arieiro. The round-trip transport makes the entire experience seamless, allowing you to focus on the spectacular scenery rather than logistics.

The pickup is scheduled for 8:30am, giving ample time to start the day’s adventure early, when the mountain views are at their clearest. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to plan the rest of your day in Funchal.

Exploring Pico do Arieiro: First Stop on the Trail

The hike begins at Pico do Arieiro, located at an elevation of 1818 meters. This spot is known for its dramatic vistas and the Ninho da Manta (Buzzards Nest) belvedere, which offers birds of prey sightings and sweeping views of the valley of Fajã da Nogueira. From this vantage point, visitors can see key landmarks like São Roque do Faial and other parts of the Central Mountain Range.

The path from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is well-maintained, making it accessible for most physically fit hikers. The route features varied terrain with some narrow sections, but overall, it provides a moderately difficult challenge that rewards walkers with stunning scenery. The duration at this stop is about 1 hour, during which the focus remains on enjoying the natural beauty and taking photos.

Reaching Pico Ruivo: Portugal’s Third Highest Mountain

The highlight for many is the visit to Pico Ruivo, situated at 1861 meters, marking the highest point in Madeira. From the Pico Ruivo Viewpoint, you can see Curral das Freiras, the plateaus of Santana, and the deep valleys of Ribeira Grande and São Jorge.

On clear days, viewers can spot the Ponta de São Lourenço, Porto Santo, and the Desertas Islands. This stop lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving hikers time to soak in the expansive vistas, capture photos, and appreciate the uniqueness of being at Portugal’s third-highest mountain. The summit’s altitude and panoramic views make this a memorable part of the tour, with no admission fee required.

The Scenic Walk Through Madeira’s Mountain Landscape

The entire route takes hikers through well-maintained trails that follow the contours of Madeira’s rugged terrain. The path features spectacular mountain vistas, deep valleys, and sometimes narrow sections that require careful footing. The guide’s live commentary provides insight into the local nature and geography, enriching the experience with context about Madeira’s flora and fauna.

The tour emphasizes scenic overlooks and the feeling of walking along the edge of the mountains, with the opportunity to see Ponta de São Lourenço, Paul da Serra, and even the Porto Santo and Desertas Islands on clear days. Participants should be prepared for some elevation changes and the physical demands of a moderately difficult hike.

The Tour’s Physical Demands and Accessibility

This full-day hike requires good physical fitness and stamina, as it involves walking along narrow paths and ascending to high altitudes. It is not recommended for travelers with severe vertigo or claustrophobia due to the tunnels and heights involved. The tour is designed for those who enjoy outdoor activity and are comfortable with moderate difficulty terrain.

Since the hike is about 7 to 8 hours long, participants should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring bottled water, and prepare for varying weather conditions. The small-group size ensures attentive guiding, but travelers should be aware that the terrain can be challenging in parts.

The Experience with Madeira Happy Tours

Madeira Happy Tours provides the service, with reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the professionalism in managing the group. The live commentary enhances the walk, providing interesting facts about Madeira’s natural features and the mountains’ history.

Travelers consistently praise the stunning views and the well-maintained paths. One review mentions the “moderately difficult” hike with some areas where you will likely work up a sweat, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worthwhile. The small-group format also helps create a more personalized atmosphere, with a maximum of 15 travelers.

What to Bring and Practical Tips for the Hike

Since lunch and bottled water are not included, it’s essential to pack enough water for the day and some snacks or a packed lunch. Wearing comfortable hiking shoes is highly recommended, as is dressing in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions at high altitudes.

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, so families should consider the physical demands involved. Also, travelers should be prepared for the early start at 8:30am and be punctual for the pickup.

Cancellation and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if plans change. Since the hike depends on good weather, the operator may cancel or reschedule in case of poor conditions, with options for a different date or a full refund. Small-group sizes and weather dependency mean that flexibility can make or break the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This guided hike is ideal for outdoor lovers who want to experience Madeira’s highest peaks and spectacular mountain scenery. It suits those comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to learn about local nature through professional commentary.

It’s perfect for visitors seeking a full-day adventure that combines beautiful vistas with the chance to enjoy Madeira’s unique landscapes. It may not be suitable for very young children, or those with significant vertigo or mobility challenges.

This tour offers a affordable and authentic way to explore Madeira’s mountain ranges, with highlights including Portugal’s third-highest mountain, Pico Ruivo, and breathtaking panoramic views. The small-group format, combined with expert guiding, ensures a memorable experience.

While the physical demands are moderate to high, the spectacular scenery and well-maintained trails make it a worthwhile challenge. Travelers who enjoy nature, hiking, and scenic vistas will find this tour a meaningful way to connect with Madeira’s rugged beauty.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This hike is not recommended for children under 10 due to its physical demands and some narrow, elevated paths.

What should I bring for the hike?
Bring bottled water, lunch, comfortable hiking shoes, and layers of clothing to adapt to weather changes at high altitude.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I join the tour without transportation?
Transportation is included from Funchal’s meeting point, so self-arranged transport is not necessary.

What makes this tour worth it?
The chance to reach Madeira’s highest point, enjoy panoramic mountain vistas, and learn about the local landscape from a knowledgeable guide make this tour a standout for nature lovers.