Stairway to Heaven: Pico do Areeiro in Madeira Island

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This guided tour costs $52 per person and lasts around 6 hours.
• Start and End Points: The experience begins and ends with hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal, with multiple pickup locations available.
• Main Highlights: Explore Madeira’s Ecological Park, ascend Pico do Areeiro, and conquer the Stairway to Heaven for stunning vistas.
• Physical Demands: The tour involves challenging hiking paths, including steep ascents and stairs, making it best suited for those with good fitness levels.
• Expert Guides and Safety: Led by professional mountain guides, with insurance coverage, ensuring a safe and informative adventure.
• Reviews and Experience: Highly rated at 4.8/5, with visitors praising knowledgeable guides and spectacular views.

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Exploring Madeira’s Lush Landscapes from Ecological Park to Pico do Areeiro

The Stairway to Heaven tour in Madeira offers an adventure that highlights the island’s diverse natural beauty. Starting from Funchal’s Ecological Park, the journey immerses participants in the island’s lush greenery. Guided walks along the PR 3 Vereda do Burro trail reveal the vibrant flora and serene mountain scenery, setting a peaceful tone for the day.

A key highlight is the visit to Poço da Neve, an old ice storage site that provides sweeping views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic stop offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Madeira’s dramatic landscape early in the day. The tour then proceeds toward Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak at 1818 meters, where panoramic vistas reward the ascent.

Discovering Scenic Vantage Points: Ninho da Manta and Pedra Rija

After reaching Pico do Areeiro, the tour takes you to Ninho da Manta, a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of Madeira’s mountain ranges. This spot is ideal for capturing photos of the rugged terrain and expansive sky. The guide provides insights into the surrounding landscape, adding context to the spectacular scenery.

Further along the route, travelers visit Pedra Rija Viewpoint, a destination that signals the approach of the most demanding part of the hike. This area showcases Madeira’s wild beauty, making the challenging ascent of the Stairway to Heaven even more rewarding. The trail becomes steep and stair-laden, demanding good physical condition but offering extraordinary views from the top.

Conquering the Stairway to Heaven: A Steep Ascent

The centerpiece of this adventure is the Stairway to Heaven, a steep, stair-filled climb that tests your stamina. This part of the hike is challenging, with a steep ascent that requires focus and energy, but the views from the summit justify every step. At the top, the panoramic vistas of Madeira’s mountains and coastline leave a lasting impression.

Because of the challenging nature of this section, proper footwear and fitness are essential. However, the sense of achievement once reaching the top is described as incredibly fulfilling. After this ascent, the group circles back towards Pico do Areeiro for a well-earned break and a chance to reflect on the day’s accomplishments.

The Route’s Pacing and Physical Requirements

This tour involves a demanding hike covering around 7 km with several ups and downs, and numerous stairs. The itinerary includes short stops at key viewpoints, but overall, it’s a physical challenge suited to hikers with good fitness levels. It is not appropriate for children under 8, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility issues or health concerns such as heart problems or respiratory issues.

The high-altitude weather can be unpredictable, so layering clothing, bringing rain gear, and wearing comfortable hiking shoes are strongly recommended. The tour proceeds rain or shine, but safety is always prioritized, and cancellations are possible if conditions become hazardous.

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Practical Details: Pickups, Transportation, and Timing

The tour starts with pickups from over 40 locations in Funchal, including hotels like Reid’s Palace, The Cliff Bay, and Pestana Hotels. The pickup process is efficient, with guides waiting 10 minutes before scheduled times, and transport is provided both ways.

A scenic drive of about 30 minutes takes travelers from Funchal to the start of the hike. The entire experience, including transportation and stops, takes approximately 6 hours. The hike itself involves guided walks with scenic views and photo stops at key points like Poço da Neve, Ninho da Manta, and Pedra Rija.

What’s Included and What to Prepare

The tour fee covers guided walks, a mountain guide, insurance, and transport. Participants must pay a €3 contribution for trail maintenance, payable directly to the guide in cash. Food and drinks are not included, and travelers are advised to bring sufficient refreshments for the day.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a jacket, and rain gear. Since the hike is challenging, suitable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing are essential. High heels, sandals, pets, baby strollers, and smoking are not permitted on the hike or in the vehicles.

Rated Highly for Guides and Views

This tour earns a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars based on nine reviews. Guests praise Martha, the guide, for her friendly and attentive approach, which enhances the experience. The knowledgeable guides explain the landscape and history, making the hike more meaningful.

Reviewers highlight the beautiful scenery and challenging nature of the trek as major positives. One reviewer notes that the hike over 7 km is challenging, but the spectacular views make it worthwhile. The guides’ safety focus and careful driving are also frequently mentioned as strengths.

Who Would Enjoy This Madeira Hike Best

This tour is best suited for active travelers with good fitness levels who are ready for a challenging day in nature. It appeals to those who want to see spectacular views, visit Pico do Areeiro, and experience the famous Stairway to Heaven. The small group size and professional guidance ensure a safe, engaging adventure.

Because of its physical demands, it’s not ideal for young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility restrictions. If weather conditions are severe, the tour might be adjusted or canceled for safety reasons, so flexibility is advised.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Mountain Adventure

The Stairway to Heaven tour offers an authentic mountain experience with stunning viewpoints and the thrill of conquering Madeira’s most iconic ascent. The guided walks through the Ecological Park and along scenic trails provide insightful commentary and an opportunity to connect with the island’s raw beauty.

The $52 price tag covers transportation, guided hiking, and insurance, making it a cost-effective way to experience Madeira’s highlands. However, the physical challenge means it’s best for those prepared to handle steep climbs and stairs.

If you’re looking for a memorable, active day in Madeira with spectacular views, this tour delivers on both counts. Just ensure you are well-prepared and fit enough for the demanding terrain. The guides’ professionalism and the breathtaking scenery make this experience a worthy highlight of any Madeira trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour? The tour costs $52 per person.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation and stops.

What are the start and end points? The tour begins with hotel pickup at over 40 locations in Funchal and ends with drop-off at the same or similar locations.

What stops are included in the route? Stops include Funchal’s Ecological Park, Poço da Neve, Ninho da Manta, Pedra Rija Viewpoint, and the Stairway to Heaven.

Is the hike suitable for children? No, it is not suitable for children under 8 due to its challenging terrain.

What should I bring? Bring comfortable shoes, food and drinks, sunscreen, rain gear, and appropriate clothing.

Are food and drinks included? No, these are not included; travelers should carry their own refreshments.

Is the tour suitable for people with health issues? No, it’s not recommended for those with severe health problems, mobility issues, or who are pregnant.

What is the physical difficulty of the hike? It is demanding, with several steep sections, stairs, and a total distance of about 7 km.

Can the tour be canceled due to weather? Yes, if conditions are hazardous, the tour may be modified or canceled for safety reasons.

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