Levada Walk East Santana Full-Day Jeep Tour, Pico Do Arieiro

The Levada Walk East Santana Full-Day Jeep Tour is an enticing opportunity to explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes. Visitors will venture to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak, and enjoy a journey through forests, past historical sites, and alongside captivating architectural gems. With panoramic vistas and a chance to uncover the region’s cultural heritage, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. What else can this excursion offer that might pique your interest?

Key Points

• The Levada Walk East Santana Full-Day Jeep Tour provides an 8-hour excursion from Funchal, Madeira, with visits to Pico do Arieiro and other scenic locations.
• Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic vistas over the island’s lush forests and deep valleys.
• The tour includes a visit to Poço da Neve, an old ice storage igloo that provides insights into Madeira’s historical food preservation techniques.
• Santana Houses, the traditional triangular-shaped thatched-roof cottages, showcase Madeiran architectural heritage with some houses over 300 years old.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 6 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Levada Walk East Santana Full-Day Jeep Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Madeira Island.

Priced from 1,752 CZK per person, this 8-hour tour is limited to a small group of 6 participants.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it provides flexibility.

Highlights include visiting Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak, and exploring traditional Santana houses.

The tour includes a professional local driver, pick-up/drop-off in Funchal, and necessary insurances.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and rain gear.

With an impressive 5/5 rating, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring Madeira Island begins in Funchal, from where the tour ventures to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak at 1,818 meters.

Along the way, participants witness Poço da Neve, an old ice storage igloo. The off-road journey through forests leads to Ribeiro Frio, where they visit a trout farm and the Levada of Balcões.

Participants witness an old ice storage igloo and visit a trout farm and the Levada of Balcões on an off-road journey through forests.

Next, they explore the traditional Santana Houses, some over 300 years old, before enjoying lunch at recommended local restaurants.

The tour culminates with breathtaking views from the Viewpoint do Guindaste and the Pico do Facho, offering panoramic vistas of Machico and the airport.

Pico Do Arieiro: Reaching the Third Highest Peak

Ascending to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on Madeira Island, marks a captivating highlight of the tour.

At 1,818 meters, it offers panoramic vistas over the island’s dramatic landscape. Guests climb to the summit via a well-maintained path, marveling at the rugged terrain and dramatic drop-offs.

The view from the top is breathtaking, showcasing Madeira’s central mountain range and providing a bird’s-eye perspective of the island’s lush forests and deep valleys.

This exhilarating experience lets participants enjoy the island’s natural grandeur and appreciate its geological wonders up close.

Poço Da Neve: Exploring an Old Ice Storage Igloo

After visiting the lofty Pico do Arieiro, the tour takes guests to explore Poço da Neve, an intriguing old ice storage igloo.

This unique structure, nestled in the mountains, was once used to store ice harvested from nearby glaciers. Guests can marvel at its remarkable engineering and learn about the innovative ways Madeirans preserved food before modern refrigeration.

The tour guide shares insights into the igloo’s historical significance and how it provided an essential service to the local community.

Exploring this captivating relic offers a glimpse into Madeira’s rich cultural heritage and ingenious problem-solving.

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Off-Road Journey Through Forests to Ribeiro Frio

As the Jeep climbs higher, the terrain transforms into a lush, verdant forest. The off-road journey winds through the trees, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains. The experience is thrilling, with the Jeep navigating over uneven terrain and rocky paths.

This part of the tour showcases Madeira’s natural beauty in a unique way:

1. Traversing rugged, unpaved roads

2. Driving through dense, evergreen forests

3. Discovering hidden corners of the island

4. Reaching remote areas inaccessible by regular vehicles

The off-road portion of the tour provides an adventurous and immersive way to explore the heart of Madeira’s stunning landscapes.

Trout Fish Aquaculture and Levada of Balcões

From the off-road journey, the tour continues to the Trout Fish aquaculture facility. Here, visitors can observe the trout farming operations and learn about the local fish production.

The tour then moves on to explore the Levada of Balcões, a picturesque levada walk offering stunning views of the surrounding forest and mountain landscapes. Guests can admire the delicate ecosystem and appreciate the engineering feats behind the island’s intricate water irrigation system.

This segment of the tour provides a unique opportunity to take in Madeira’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Santana Houses: Discovering Madeira’s Architectural Gems

The tour then takes visitors to explore the traditional Santana Houses, some of which date back over 300 years.

These unique, triangular-shaped thatched-roof cottages are a defining feature of Madeira’s architectural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and traditional building techniques used to construct these charming homes.

The Santana Houses showcase:

1. Centuries-old design and construction methods

2. Thatched roofs made from local plant materials

3. Compact, triangular layout to withstand Madeira’s weather

4. Well-preserved examples of traditional Madeiran architecture

These architectural gems offer a glimpse into Madeira’s rich cultural history and the ingenuity of its people.

Viewpoints and Final Stop: Panoramic Vistas of Machico and the Airport

After exploring the captivating Santana Houses, the tour then leads visitors to two renowned viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the region.

The first stop is Viewpoint do Guindaste, which features a glass platform suspended over the sea, providing a breathtaking outlook.

The final destination is Pico do Facho, a viewpoint that offers stunning views of Machico and the airport. From this elevated vantage point, guests can admire the picturesque town, the surrounding mountains, and the nearby airport runway, creating a memorable end to the day’s adventures.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but they’re excluded from the tour price. The tour provider recommends light snacks and water to stay hydrated during the excursion.

Do I Need to Have Any Special Skills or Physical Fitness Level?

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility issues, or a fear of heights. Participants should be reasonably fit and able to navigate uneven terrain. However, the tour is adaptable to individual needs.

What Is the Maximum Number of People in the Small Group?

The small group size is limited to 6 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized tour experience, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the activities and sights without feeling overcrowded.

Can I Leave the Tour Early if I Need To?

Yes, you can leave the tour early if needed. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to get a full refund. This provides flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.

Is There a Way to Customize the Itinerary to Meet My Preferences?

The tour operator may allow some flexibility to customize the itinerary to meet the customer’s preferences, but this would depend on availability and logistics. It’s best to discuss any requests directly with the tour operator prior to booking.

The Sum Up

This full-day Jeep tour offers a remarkable exploration of Madeira’s stunning landscapes. Travelers will experience panoramic views from Pico do Arieiro, discover historic sites like Poço da Neve, and enjoy the island’s unique culture, including the traditional Santana houses. With a mix of off-road adventures and scenic highlights, this tour provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for nature and history enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: