Madeira: Arieiro, Santana, Ponta De São Lourenço Jeep Tour

Madeira’s natural wonders come alive on this comprehensive jeep tour. Traversing from the heights of Pico do Arieiro to the iconic thatched-roof homes of Santana and the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço, the tour offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s diverse landscapes. With professional guidance, visitors can discover Madeira’s unique biodiversity, experience traditional rum production, and embark on an off-road adventure through the Cova da Roda trail. The tour’s safety measures and flexible cancellation policy ensure a worry-free exploration of this stunning Portuguese archipelago.

Contents show

Key Points

The 7.5-hour jeep tour explores Madeira’s landscapes, including Pico do Arieiro, Balcões Viewpoint, Cova da Roda Trail, Santana’s thatched-roof houses, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
The tour offers panoramic views, showcases Madeira’s biodiversity and natural beauty, and highlights the island’s cultural heritage through the iconic Santana houses.
The off-road adventure through the Cova da Roda Trail provides access to Madeira’s UNESCO-listed laurel forest and reveals hidden valleys and endemic flora.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a professional local guide, safety equipment, and Wi-Fi, with restrictions for children, pregnant women, and wheelchair users.
Prices range from $73.34 to $66.00 per person, with up to 10% savings, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Madeira: Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço Jeep Tour offers a 7.5-hour adventure through the island’s diverse landscapes, with prices ranging from $73.34 to $66.00 per person, reflecting up to a 10% savings.

Offered in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

Pickup and drop-off locations span the island, from Caniço to Ribeira Brava, ensuring convenient access.

Whether seeking panoramic vistas, off-road thrills, or culture, this comprehensive jeep tour promises an unforgettable Madeiran experience.

Looking for more options in Madeira? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

This comprehensive Jeep tour offers a diverse itinerary that showcases Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes.

Visitors embark on a thrilling adventure, starting with panoramic views atop Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters. The scenic Balcões Viewpoint hike follows, revealing breathtaking valley vistas.

Soaring to Pico do Arieiro’s 1,818-meter peak, then a scenic hike to Balcões Viewpoint’s breathtaking valley vistas.

Next, the off-road Cova da Roda Trail immerses guests in Madeira’s biodiversity. In Santana, they’ll explore the charming thatched-roof houses, a cultural highlight.

The tour continues with a rum distillery visit in Porto da Cruz before concluding at the dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço, known for its geological wonders.

Exploring Madeira’s Landscapes

Madeira’s dramatic landscapes unfold as the tour ventures beyond the Balcões Viewpoint.

Traversing the Cova da Roda Trail, the off-road adventure showcases the island’s biodiversity and natural beauty. Towering sea cliffs, lush laurel forests, and winding paths reveal the geological wonders that earned Madeira its UNESCO World Heritage status.

At Santana, the iconic thatched-roof houses reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour culminates at Ponta de São Lourenço, where the dramatic cliffs and serene coastline leave a lasting impression.

Throughout the journey, travelers are immersed in Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes and captivating history.

Off-Road Adventure Through Cova Da Roda

As the tour ventures beyond the Balcões Viewpoint, the off-road adventure through the Cova da Roda Trail showcases Madeira’s biodiversity and natural beauty.

The rugged terrain takes visitors deep into the heart of the island’s lush laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Navigating the winding paths, travelers discover hidden valleys, endemic flora, and awe-inspiring vistas.

Visitors traverse the winding paths of Madeira’s lush laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, uncovering hidden valleys and awe-inspiring vistas.

The jeep’s four-wheel drive capabilities unlock access to this remote and untamed region, allowing guests to enjoy Madeira’s untamed wilderness.

This thrilling off-road exploration is a highlight of the comprehensive Madeira tour experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Santana and Traditional Thatched-Roof Houses

After the off-road adventure through the Cova da Roda, the tour takes visitors to the charming village of Santana.

Here, they’ll discover the iconic thatched-roof houses that have stood for over 250 years, reflecting the local architecture and culture. Guests can explore these unique structures, learning about their history and traditional construction methods.

The tour guide provides insights into the daily life and traditions of the Santana community, offering a glimpse into Madeira’s rich heritage.

This stop allows travelers to enjoy the island’s rural charm and appreciate the preservation of its distinctive architectural identity.

There's plenty more to explore in Madeira

Experiencing Traditional Rum Production

Following the tour of Santana’s thatched-roof houses, the jeep continues on to Porto da Cruz, where travelers have the opportunity to experience traditional rum production.

The 40-minute distillery tour allows visitors to:

Observe the rum-making process, from fermentation to distillation.
Learn about the history and cultural significance of Madeira’s renowned rum.
Sample the final product, gaining a deeper appreciation for the island’s spirit.

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into Madeira’s rich distilling heritage, complementing the day’s exploration of the island’s natural wonders.

Discovering Ponta De São Lourenço

Concluding the day’s adventures, the jeep tour makes its way to Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s easternmost point.

This dramatic, wind-swept landscape is known for its striking cliffs and unique geology. Guests spend around 30 minutes exploring the scenic viewpoints, marveling at the sheer rock faces and azure waters below.

The tour guide provides insights into the area’s fascinating history and environmental importance as a protected natural reserve.

With ample photo opportunities, visitors capture the essence of Madeira’s rugged eastern edge before heading back to their starting point, their senses still filled with the day’s extraordinary sights.

Safety and Inclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Funchal’s central area, a professional local guide, and insurance per Portuguese law.

Safety instructions and first aid, sanitized vehicles, and available alcohol gel are provided.

Travelers aren’t allowed to bring pets, luggage, or large bags. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

Participants will enjoy the Balcões Levada walk entry fee (€3) and on-board Wi-Fi.

This comprehensive package ensures a safe and comfortable experience as you embark on an unforgettable jeep adventure through Madeira’s stunning landscapes.

The Sum Up

This Jeep tour offers a captivating exploration of Madeira’s diverse landscapes. From the breathtaking heights of Pico do Arieiro to the unique thatched-roof houses in Santana and the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço, the tour provides a comprehensive experience of the island’s natural wonders. With safety measures and free cancellation, it ensures a worry-free and memorable adventure for travelers.