Funchal · PICO DO ARIEIRO & PICO RUIVO HIKES
The ridge between the island’s two highest summits is the walk everyone comes for, and almost all of these are sold as transfers: a van up, a walk across, a pickup at the far end. The 15 below differ on start time, direction and how much of the trail you cover.
Self-guided Madeira sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, with Funchal hotel pickup and a 10 km return trek.
“Pick up was smooth- the guide was welcoming and explained the trails to us.”
7-hour east Madeira tour from Funchal with Pico Arieiro views, easy Balcões levada walk, Laurissilva forest, Santana, and more.
“This is a great value tour to explore the eastern part of Madeira. The guide was fun and informative and a great driver.”
Self-guided Pico hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with Funchal hotel transfer, route instructions, and PR3 backup if needed.
“This was a great trip, definitely can recommend! Diego the driver was very friendly and took good care of us 😊 We got good instructions before hike, and it was so good experience. Views everybody should see 🤩 Thank you for this experience.”
Sunrise hike transfer from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, with a briefing, small group van, and cloud-top views.
“Everything went super smoothly. We couldn’t do the PR1 hike because the trail is currently only partially open. Instead I was offered to do first the sunrise/ part of PR1 and after to go on the PR3 (7km). The sunrise at pico the Areeiro was truly stunning - I would recommend to walk a little bit along the PR1 and watch it from there. Bring warm clothes and a headlamp. The PR3 was really nice to walk, way less crowded and more natural and serene. 10/10 would do again :)”
Full-day 4x4 jeep safari from Funchal across Madeira’s east, with Pico do Arieiro views, levada walk, Santana lunch stop, and rum tasting.
“Ernesto was an amazing tour guide and great driver. Didn't feel rushed or stressed. This tour has a levada walk that will take approximately 45min and you need to pay 3 euros. The guide suggested a lovely restaurant to eat and it was great. Only downside for me is the jeep itself, not very comfortable, bear in mind the roof will remain opened the entire time, so if you seat in the back get ready for sun and lots of wind...having the rooftop opened also meant a lot of noise from the road and tunnels.”
Watch Madeira’s sunrise from Pico do Arieiro with optional homemade breakfast and a short levada walk from Funchal.
“The tour was great. Pick up was spot on, drive to the mountaintop efficient. We did not end up going up Pico do Arieiro. The weather was really not fit and we were not properly dressed. I was a bit disappointed but after watching the sunrise further down the mountain and freezing right next to the van with blankets, I was happy for the decision. Homemade Breakfast in the woods was great. Just wish there had been a bathroom somewhere. Farmers market was great end.”
Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, then PR1.2 or Vereda do Larano with roundtrip transfers from Funchal (about 8h).
“Everything was great, the pick ups and drop offs were prompt and on time. I will say the second long walk was a bit difficult to follow at the end so maybe an all trails route as opposed to strava would be easier to follow. But other than that I had a fantastic time and I would recommend to anyone”
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, optional Stairs of Heaven hike, then the 7 km Vereda do Larano coastal walk with hotel pickup.
“Couldn’t have been better, the guide was extremely knowledgeable on the area and very friendly. The tour was great and the transport was really clean.”
Ride up to Pico do Arieiro for a mountaintop sunset, then enjoy homemade dinner and drinks in a rustic mill setting.
“Spectacular views at the peak with an experienced guide. The rustic dinner with drinks provided on the way down from Pico do Arieiro rounded off a wonderful evenings experience.”
Sunrise hike from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro with hotel pickup, small shared transfer, and self-guided PR1 and PR3 trails.
“Everything was great! The transfer was smooth and fast. Thank Nuno, for the detailed information and good mood. I am very satisfied.”
Funchal East Madeira 4x4: Pico do Arieiro views, Jurassic Forest tracks, Santana triangle houses, rum tasting, and Red Cliffs.
“It was brilliant as it was. Rodrigo was a fabulous guide.”
Watch the Milky Way, then hike Pico Ruivo for sunrise with hotel pickup, head torch, tea, and small group. 5 hours, $68 pp.
“Carlos is an amazing tour guide, he is friendly and very kind. He picked me up from the hotel on time. I was satisfied with overall experience. Recommend it :)”
East Madeira day tour with pickup: Pico do Arieiro views, UNESCO Laurisilva walk, Santana A-frame houses, north coast lookouts, and Machico.
“The tour was great. Our guide, Luca, was very knowledgeable of the places, and was very nice and responsive. The places were amazing, being the most scenic ones the viewpoint in Faial (Guindaste), and Ponta de São Lourenço. with dramatic views both to the North and the South of the island. A great trip that you shouldn’t miss.”
Small-group East Madeira day trip with Funchal pickup, Pico do Arieiro views, Santana thatched houses, rum tasting, and sky-walk.
“Fantastic trip with Deano around the eastern side of Madeira. Very informative and done with professionalism and humour”
Small-group morning transfer to Pico do Arieiro and an independent hike to Pico Ruivo, ending with pickup at Achada do Teixeira.
“Best deal in town! They give you more than enough time to complete hike and you be so thankful you did not do this hike round trip (unless you are a super overachiever). Even if I had a rental car I would choose this option, so worth the price.”
Every kind of day this city sells, and the best of each.
