The Madeira: Rabaçal, Risco, and 25 Fontes Guided Hiking Tour offers an exceptional outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting the island. This full-day excursion provides a well-organized opportunity to explore Madeira’s lush landscapes, from the stunning Risco waterfall to the serene 25 Fontes Lake. With an experienced guide leading the way, hikers can enjoy the island’s natural wonders and learn about its diverse flora and fauna. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that’ll have you longing to uncover more of Madeira’s hidden gems.
Key Points
- This 8-hour guided hiking tour takes visitors through Madeira’s landscapes, including Rabaçal, Risco waterfall, and 25 Fontes Lake.
- The tour is priced from $43.52 per person and accommodates up to 15 hikers, with hotel pickup/drop-off and an access fee included.
- The 11km hike includes a 50-minute bus transfer, a stop at a local bar, and a guided 4-hour trek through Levada do Risco and Levada Nova do Rabaçal.
- Highlights include experiencing cascading waterfalls, observing indigenous plant life, and walking through the impressive 800m Cavaleiro tunnel.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments, and participants should bring appropriate gear and attire.
Tour Overview
This Madeira hiking tour offers an 8-hour guided adventure through the island’s lush landscapes.
Priced from $43.52 per person, the moderate 11km walk takes participants to top sights like Rabaçal, the Risco waterfall, and the stunning 25 Fontes Lake.
Moderate 11km walk to Rabaçal, Risco waterfall, and 25 Fontes Lake, priced from $43.52 per person.
The tour accommodates up to 15 hikers and is available in English and Portuguese.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided at select locations, and an access fee of €3 per person is included.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
Participants should come prepared with proper attire and essentials for the day’s activities.
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Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a 50-minute bus or coach transfer to the Rabaçal area.
After a 10-minute stop at a local bar for shopping, the guided hiking portion commences.
Over the next 4 hours, you will walk through the Levada do Risco to its waterfall, then continue to the Levada Nova do Rabaçal.
The highlight is reaching the 25 Fontes Lake, known for its numerous waterfalls.
The return journey includes an 800-meter Cavaleiro tunnel.
A final 30-minute stop at a local bar allows time for refreshments before the 40-minute transfer back to the pickup locations.
Highlights
Participants can expect to experience a variety of natural wonders on this tour, from cascading waterfalls to lush, verdant foliage.
The highlight is a walk through the Levada do Risco to its waterfall, then on to the Levada Nova do Rabaçal. Along the way, they’ll encounter the stunning 25 Fontes Lake, known for its numerous waterfalls.
Explorers will also get to see Madeira’s indigenous and endemic plant life in a protected area.
The tour culminates with a return through the impressive 800 m Cavaleiro tunnel, offering a unique perspective on the island’s natural beauty.
What’s Included
Included in the tour price are hotel pickup and drop-off at Caniço or Funchal, as well as the services of a professional guide. Plus, the access fee of €3 per person is covered. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments.
| Included | Not Included |
|———-|————-|
| Hotel pickup/drop-off | Food |
| Professional guide | Waterproof shoes |
| Access fee (€3/person) | Children under 5 |
| | Pregnant women |
| | Mobility impairments |
More Great Tours NearbyRecommendations and Important Information
Travelers are advised to bring sunglasses, a hat, food, sunscreen, water, a jacket, sports shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing to ensure a comfortable experience.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
Due to the nature of the outdoor activity, tours may be canceled or changed due to adverse weather or insufficient participants. In such cases, alternatives or full refunds will be offered.
The hiking tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 77 reviews, with high marks for guide quality and transportation.
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Customer Ratings
The hiking tour has garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on 77 reviews.
Customers have praised the quality of the guides, who provide knowledgeable and engaging commentary throughout the tour. The transportation to and from the hiking sites has also received high marks, with reviewers noting the convenience and comfort of the buses.
While the level of difficulty may not be suitable for everyone, most participants found the hike to be challenging yet manageable.
Transportation
Transportation for the Madeira hiking tour is provided by bus or coach. The journey to the starting point at Rabaçal takes approximately 50 minutes.
The tour includes the following transportation details:
-
Bus/coach transfer to the Rabaçal trailhead.
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A 10-minute stop at a local bar for shopping.
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A 40-minute return bus/coach journey from the tour’s conclusion.
All transportation is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.
Breaks
During the Madeira hiking tour, participants enjoy several breaks throughout the day.
After a 50-minute bus ride to Rabaçal, there’s a 10-minute stop at a local bar where hikers can browse for souvenirs.
The main hiking portion lasts 4 hours, with guides leading the way through waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Afterwards, there’s a 30-minute break at another local bar before the 40-minute bus ride back.
These periodic rest stops allow hikers to refuel, explore, and appreciate the natural beauty of Madeira at a comfortable pace throughout the 8-hour adventure.
The Sum Up
The Madeira: Rabaçal, Risco, and 25 Fontes Guided Hiking Tour provides an immersive outdoor experience amidst Madeira’s stunning landscapes. Featuring a moderate 11km hike, professional guide, and well-organized logistics, it’s a memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts. With an affordable price and impressive customer ratings, this tour is a practical choice for those seeking to explore Madeira’s lush foliage and indigenous plants.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Madeira
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