Pico Ruivo-Achadas do Teixeira-Pico Ruivo – Pico pedras/Queimadas

Discover Madeira’s Highest Peaks with a Guided Mountain Tour

This guided tour in Funchal, Portugal, offers an exciting way to see some of Madeira’s most impressive mountain scenery. Priced at $52.25 per person, the experience lasts approximately 4 hours and includes pickup and a mobile ticket for convenience. The tour is specially designed for active travelers eager to explore Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, and Achadas do Teixeira, three of the island’s highest points.

What makes this tour stand out is the expert guidance that takes care of navigation, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the breathtaking mountain views, passing rock formations, and walking through tunnels. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its 5.0/5 rating from 83 reviews, with 95% of guests recommending it. However, a notable limitation is that due to the August 2024 fires, most of the original route is currently closed, leading to a shorter, alternative itinerary.

Key Points

• Price: $52.25 per person, booked 22 days in advance on average
• Duration: 4 hours, perfect for a half-day adventure
• Location: Starting from Funchal, Portugal
• Highlights: Visits to Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Achadas do Teixeira, with spectacular mountain views
• Guidance: Led by knowledgeable guides, with pickup included
• Physical Fitness: Requires strong physical fitness due to mountain terrain

Explore Madeira’s Highest Peaks with Expert Guidance

This tour offers a well-organized journey through Madeira’s elevated terrain, focusing on three key points: Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, and Achadas do Teixeira. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, ensuring safety and insight throughout the trip. The air-conditioned vehicle transportation simplifies logistics, taking you comfortably from your starting point to the mountain trails.

Originally, the tour would include a route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, but due to the August 2024 fires damaging the trails, the itinerary has shifted. The current alternative includes stops at Queimadas, Pico das Pedras, and Achadas do Teixeira, with a focus on views from Pico Ruivo, the highest peak area.

Access to Spectacular Photo Opportunities and Mountain Views

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the chance to capture stunning photos of Madeira’s rugged peaks and rock formations. The guides lead guests through mountain tunnels and point out notable rock formations, enhancing the experience with informative commentary. With no need to hike back down, a bus waits at the final peak, making the journey more comfortable and less taxing.

Guests consistently remark on the amazing scenery, especially on clear days when the views from Pico Ruivo shine. Despite the trail closures, the alternative route still provides ample opportunities for photography and sightseeing.

From the Old Town to the Mountain Peaks

The tour starts with a convenient pickup in Funchal, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle that sets the comfortable tone for the day. The group size is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience with ample attention from the guide. The booking window of about 22 days in advance suggests good availability but planning ahead is recommended.

The 4-hour duration balances enough time to explore without feeling rushed, ideal for those with limited time but eager to see Madeira’s mountain highlights. The tour’s flexible nature allows for alternatives if trail closures persist.

The Impact of Forest Fires and Alternative Routes

In August 2024, forest fires in Madeira’s central mountains caused significant trail closures, affecting this tour’s traditional route. The guides report that most of the original Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail remains inaccessible until possibly September 2025.

As a result, the current itinerary includes a shorter version, visiting Queimadas, Pico das Pedras, and Achadas do Teixeira before reaching Pico Ruivo. This adjusted route still offers spectacular mountain views and the chance to experience Madeira’s high-altitude terrain. Despite the change, reviews highlight that the alternative route maintains a high level of enjoyment and scenery.

The Experience of the Guides and Safety Measures

Guests frequently praise Maria and Sandra, the guides for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and care. They are noted for their ability to manage safety concerns and guide the group smoothly through challenging terrain, especially considering recent trail closures.

The guides also provide interesting insights into the surrounding nature, making the trip both visually stunning and educational. Their positive energy and professionalism ensure that even with route changes, the experience remains rewarding.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour is best suited for travelers with strong physical fitness, given the mountain terrain and hiking involved. The walks include navigating tunnels, rocky paths, and steep sections, so good mobility is essential. The guided nature of the tour means that a certain level of endurance is expected, but the bus transfer at the end of the hike helps reduce fatigue.

Since the current route is shorter, it is somewhat less demanding than the original plan, but still provides a challenging and rewarding experience in Madeira’s mountain environment.

Safety and Cancellation Policies

This tour features a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for weather changes or personal plans. The tour requires good weather, and if poor weather causes trail closures, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded.

Given the recent fires, the guides prioritize safety and continually evaluate trail conditions, ensuring that guests only hike on safe routes. The group size of up to 16 travelers helps maintain safety and proper guidance throughout.

Why Choose This Tour Despite the Changes?

This guided mountain tour remains an excellent way to see Madeira’s high peaks without the need for strenuous self-navigation. The expert guides and well-planned logistics provide a safe and scenic experience, even with the current route adjustments due to recent fires.

While the original route is still closed, the alternative itinerary offers impressive views and the chance to reach Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest point. The value for money and the positive reviews reflect a strong reputation, making it a solid choice for active visitors who want guided insight into Madeira’s stunning mountain landscape.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour requires strong physical fitness because of mountain terrain and walking, but the bus transfer at the end reduces some of the effort needed.

What is the current route due to trail closures?
The current route includes Queimadas, Pico das Pedras, and Achadas do Teixeira, with views from Pico Ruivo still accessible.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are made at least 22 days in advance, and the tour is available with free cancellation if canceled 24 hours before.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 16 travelers ensures a personalized experience with attentive guidance.

Are meals or drinks included?
The provided details do not specify inclusion of food or drinks.

Can I expect to see wildlife or flora?
Guides share knowledge about the natural surroundings, including rock formations and mountain flora.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day excursion.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and transportation from Funchal is in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be rescheduled or refunded if poor weather prevents safe hiking.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is operated by Madeira Free Spirit walks, known for their well-organized mountain excursions.