Hiking in Madeira: From Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

Madeira’s rugged central mountains beckon adventure-seekers with a challenging hike from Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo. This exhilarating 10km trail showcases the island’s stunning landscapes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic. With guided tours, transportation, and refreshments, hikers can enjoy the experience while ensuring their safety. For those in good health and ready to conquer this natural wonder, the journey awaits.

Key Points

• A challenging 10km hike between Madeira’s highest peaks, Pico Areeiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m), offering panoramic 360° views of the central mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Estimated completion time of 7 hours, with a break at Cafeteria Pico Areeiro and photo opportunities at Ninho da Manta.
• Guided tour through Túnel do Pico do Gato and Túnel do Pico das Torres, and a visit to Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo.
• Pickup from 38 designated hotels, with a scenic drive to the trailhead taking approximately 1 hour.
• High fitness level required, and prohibited items include sandals, pets, baby strollers, smoking, and alcohol.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Hikers can conquer the challenging hike between Madeira’s highest peaks, Pico Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, which covers a distance of 10km and takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

This adventure costs from $50.24 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The scenic hike provides panoramic 360° views of Madeira’s central mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and unique flora and fauna.

Pickup from designated hotels is included, with 38 locations available, and transportation is provided via van for the 1-hour scenic drive.

Itinerary and Highlights

What does the hiking itinerary entail?

The 10km trail leads from Pico do Areeiro (1818m) to Pico Ruivo (1862m), Madeira’s two highest peaks.

Along the way, hikers will stop at the Cafeteria Pico Areeiro for a break.

They’ll also visit Ninho da Manta for photo opportunities and explore the Túnel do Pico do Gato and Túnel do Pico das Torres on a guided tour.

Before reaching the end, hikers will stop at the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo.

Throughout the journey, they’ll enjoy panoramic 360° views of Madeira’s central mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and the island’s unique flora and fauna.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour includes pickup from designated hotels, with 38 pickup and drop-off locations available to choose from.

The scenic drive to the trailhead takes approximately 1 hour in total, with 30 minutes each way. Travelers will be transported by van, offering scenic views as they make their way to the starting point of the hike.

This convenient transportation service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing hikers to focus on the challenging yet rewarding trek ahead.

The roundtrip transfer is included in the tour cost, providing a seamless start and end to the Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hike.

Requirements and Recommendations

Although a high fitness level is required for this challenging hike, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with severe health issues, mobility impairments, or children under 12.

This hike requires a high fitness level and is not suitable for those with severe health issues, mobility impairments, or children under 12.

Hikers should come prepared with:

1. Comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and steep.

2. Food, drinks, sunscreen, jacket, and rain gear to ensure they’re equipped for the varying weather conditions.

3. Prohibited items, such as sandals, pets, baby strollers, smoking, and alcohol, aren’t allowed on the hike.

Ultimately, this hike demands a certain level of physical capability and preparedness to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Safety and Guidelines

Because this hike is challenging with ups and downs, it’s not suitable for those with certain medical conditions. Guides will assess participants’ fitness levels before the trek. The weather can be unpredictable, so the tour may proceed in adverse conditions if deemed safe. Cancellations or alternative routes may be necessary.

| Condition | Consideration | Action |

| — | — | — |

| Mobility Issues | Challenging terrain | Not Recommended |

| Respiratory Conditions | Demanding ascents | Consult Guide |

| Cardiovascular Conditions | Sustained exertion | Careful Assessment |

Multilingual guides will lead the way and ensure hikers are prepared. For a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to follow the guides’ instructions and recommendations.

Starting Your Hike: Pico Areeiro

Your hike begins at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak standing at 1,818 meters. After taking in the panoramic views, you’ll want to:

1. Fuel up at the Cafeteria Pico Areeiro, which offers snacks, drinks, and restrooms to prepare for the journey ahead.

2. Follow the well-marked trail as it winds its way through lush laurel forests and volcanic terrain, offering glimpses of the dramatic mountainous landscape.

3. Cross the Túnel do Pico do Gato and Túnel do Pico das Torres, two man-made tunnels that were built to facilitate the hike, with your guide providing insights along the way.

Conquering the Trail: Key Stops and Landmarks

As hikers conquer the trail, they’ll encounter several key stops and landmarks along the way.

First, they’ll reach the Cafeteria Pico Areeiro, a perfect spot to take a break and refuel.

Further on, they’ll come across the stunning Ninho da Manta, a prime photo opportunity.

The stunning Ninho da Manta offers hikers a prime photo opportunity as they continue their journey along the trail.

Next, they’ll explore the Túnel do Pico do Gato and Túnel do Pico das Torres, guided through these captivating tunnels.

Finally, they’ll reach the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, where they can rest and admire the panoramic 360° views of Madeira’s central mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and the island’s unique flora and fauna.

Reaching the Summit: Pico Ruivo

After tackling the challenging terrain, hikers are rewarded with the triumphant ascent to the summit of Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak at 1,862 meters.

Upon reaching the top, adventurers are treated to:

1. Breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the stunning central mountain range, the vast Atlantic Ocean, and Madeira’s lush, diverse flora and fauna.

2. A sense of accomplishment and personal growth, having conquered the demanding hike up from Pico do Areeiro.

3. A well-deserved break at the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, where hikers can refuel and savor the magnificent vistas before descending.

The Sum Up

Hiking from Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo in Madeira offers an unforgettable adventure. The challenging 10km trail showcases breathtaking views of the island’s central mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. With guided tours, refreshments, and transportation, hikers can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes while prioritizing safety and enjoyment. This exhilarating experience is a must for adventure enthusiasts in good health.

You can check availability for your dates here: