Key Benefits
- Explore Madeira’s highest peak: Hike to the top of Pico Ruivo (1861m), the island’s tallest peak, offering breathtaking 360° views across Madeira.
- Discover Madeira’s volcanic landscape
- Hike along the Levada trails: Follow one of Madeira’s iconic Levadas, a human-made irrigation system that leads to Queimadas, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Walk through the protected Laurisilva Forest, part of Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- This easy walk offers an accessible route through the Madeira mountains, perfect for hikers of all abilities.
- Breathe in fresh mountain air.
This tour is ideal for anyone looking to experience Madeira’s forests, mountain hikes, and Levada trails in a single day.
Overview
If you’re looking for the perfect Madeira hike, this is the one! Walk along the central ridge of mountains, discovering the island’s famous Levadas, an ancient system of irrigation channels, and the stunning natural beauty of the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ascent to Pico Ruivo (1861m), the highest peak on the island, offers breathtaking panoramic views across Madeira. The vibrant colours and rugged majesty of the volcanic landscape are simply awe-inspiring.
At the summit, you’ll enjoy a 360° view of the entire island. We will return to Achada do Teixeira for lunch with scenic views, followed by a walk along a man-made Levada to Queimadas, surrounded by the lush and diverse Laurisilva Forest. It’s the perfect place to spot endemic wildlife and breathe the fresh mountain air. This is a Madeira walking tour for everyone—don’t miss it! Book now!
Included & Excluded
- Certified Staff
- Applicable taxes
- Entrance fees (where applicable)
- Insurance (as required by Portuguese law)
- First aid kit (essential items as recommended by ATR)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal and Caniço
- Drinks and meals (Please bring your picnic and water).
- Our pick-up and drop-off services outside Funchal and Caniço are not included by default. However, if you require this service, mention it in the booking notes. Depending on availability, we will send you a proposal. Alternatively, you can meet us at the designated meeting point at the Funchal Cable Car stop. We will email you the exact time and location, ensuring a smooth and convenient start to your tour.
Additional Notes
This private Pico Ruivo & Queimadas Walk offers a flexible, personalised experience, perfect for solo travellers, couples, or groups. You’ll explore the island’s highlights, including Madeira highest mountain, a Levada walk and the UNESCO Laurisilva Forest, with custom start times tailored to your preferences.
For something truly extraordinary, we can work with you to design a fully customised journey from scratch, with your preferences at the heart of the planning process. Click here to learn more about our Personalised Madeira Itinerary service. If you proceed with booking the walk, the design fee will be deducted from the total tour cost, making it a seamless and personalised experience from start to finish.
Other Information
Hotel Pick-up08:15-09:15
A member of our staff will pick you up at the indicated place and confirm your voucher identification. You can present either a paper or an electronic ticket for this activity. The tour will begin as soon as we finish collecting tour members.
WhenFrom Tuesday to Saturday
Year-round, except on 25 December and 1 January
Duration8 hours
Tour starts at 9:00 and finishes around 17:00.
Trip SpecificationsDistance & Altitude
Distance: 9.8 km (6.08 miles):
Morning: 5.6 Km round trip (3.48 miles)
Afternoon: 2.1 km (1.3 miles). Alternatively, 4.2 km round trip (2.6 miles), in the case the number of people exceeds the minibus capacity.
Max. Altitude: 1861 m (6.105 ft.)
Min. Altitude: 890 m (2.919 ft.)
Departure Point and TimeConfirmed by email
RequirementsPunctuality & be fit to walk
What do you need to bring?Don't forget
Non-slip walking boots or sports footwear, a camera, and a coat or a jumper if it gets cooler.
We also suggest taking your sunscreen and a hat.
Take a bag to carry your litter away with you.
If you haven’t purchased a picnic, we remind you to reserve enough water and food, as there is nothing available on the route.
A raincoat or poncho if rain is in the forecast. Walking poles might be a help.
Children:
Parents must bring a hiking child carrier backpack to carry their children (-4 years old).
Good to KnowActivity level
The path to the Top of Pico Ruivo is easy to manage but not suitable for people with vertigo. Parts of the path are narrow, with a steep drop on one side, but most have a barrier running alongside. There are some steps and narrow sections to overcome. There are bathrooms at the start and end of the trail, but nothing to buy.
SecurityDon't take risks
It is better to go with a guide and relax than get lost in the mountains of Madeira. If you fall or feel unwell, it is reassuring to know that the mountain guide activates the emergency system. He/she sends a warning and the group’s location to the local authorities, enabling a quick rescue. It is all well worth the money for the hike.
Our ExpertiseWhy us?
We pick you up from your place of stay and drop you off when you are finished. It is an easy and comfortable way to get to the walk. There are comfort breaks before and after the walk. It’s easy to book. Our staff is qualified. We take you to various sites we know you will want to explore. Our fundamental principles are the comfort, safety, and flexibility of both our guests and personnel.
Hotel Drop-off16:30 - 17:00
Please NoteThe order of the itinerary as shown above may be subject to change and/or affected by local conditions.
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