Walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas
Highlights
The walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas combines the fascinating mountains, the historic levadas and the ancient forest in a single day. We’ll show you Madeira’s diversity and stunning scenery.
- Holiday Type Children, Hiking, Walking & Active
- Activity Level Fairly Easy 2/8
All about the Walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas
If you only have one day to walk, this is it! The central ridge of mountains, the system of irrigation (levadas) and the natural park give you an overview of the natural richness of this region. On the way to the top of Pico Ruivo (1861 m.), the highest peak on the island, the views are amazing. In addition, The desolation and majesty of the volcanic landscape in its various colours is awe-inspiring.
Besides, at the top, we will reward you with a spectacular 360° view over the island of Madeira. From Pico Ruivo we will walk the same way back to Achada do Teixeira, and we’ll eat lunch in a spot with great views.
Queimadas
Then we’ll walk along a human-made Levada created to carry water for irrigation of fields around the island, to the idyllic site of Queimadas. The UNESCO Laurisilva forest surrounds the Park, and it is excellent to see endemic wildlife and breathe in the fresh air. An easy walk for everyone, not to miss. Book Now!
Other Details on Walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas
When: Full-day, Wednesday
Trip Specifications: Tour starts at 9h and finishes around 16h. Note that, although guide books mention a 4-hours walk, we will need all day as we do the walk at a reasonable pace, including stopping for lunch and for taking photos. The first part of Walk Pico Ruivo and Queimadas is easy (except for people with vertigo), but there’s a small climbing of one hour. We will end up at the same point from where we get started. The second part of the walk (Levada) is flat, smooth and suitable for everyone. This walk offers glorious views over the mountains, green valleys and small villages and the opportunity to meet birds endemic to Madeira. Madeira’s Laurisilva forest is the most extensive in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
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 Time: Please click here for location details and map
Venues on Walk Pico Ruivo and Queimadas : Parque Florestal das Queimadas, Madeira Natural Park; UNESCO World Heritage Site and other mentioned key sites
Meals: Picnic is optional upon payment when booking this tour (add-ons). Take advantage of the group discount.
Requirements
Punctuality, be fit to walk in the mountains and have a head for heights.
What do you need to bring? Remember to dress for the mountains, as the weather at these heights can change rapidly. • Also, a coat/ jumper because much of the route on the second part is in the shade and moreover, sometimes it’s a colder climate up at the top. • In addition, a windshield/ waterproof jacket, because it’s rather windy. • Non-slip walking boots or at least good sport’s shoes. • Make sure you take your Camera • Hat and sunscreen too. If it’s a sunny day, you’re very exposed up there! • Moreover, if you haven’t purchased Booking-madeira.com picnic, we remind you to take enough food and water because there is nothing available on the route. • As well, take a bag to bring your litter away with you.
Good to Know
• The path to the top of Pico Ruivo is easy to manage, but is not suitable for people with vertigo problems; Parts of the path are narrow with a steep drop on one side, but actually, most have a barrier running alongside. • Additionaly, there are some steps and narrow sections to overcome • Also, there are bathrooms at the start/ end of the trail but nothing to buy.
Security: Considering safety, better to go with a guide and relax, instead of getting lost in the mountains of Madeira. For instance, if you fall or feel unwell, it is reassuring to know that the mountain guide activates the emergency system. Further, he/she sends a warning and the location of the group to the local authorities, enabling a quick rescue. To put it another way, all well worth the money for the hike.
Our Expertise
We pick you up from the place you are staying at and drop you off when finished. In fact, it is an easy and comfortable way to get to the walk. Moreover, it’s easy to book. There are comfort breaks before
More importantly, consult our FAQs section, where we have the answers to the most asked questions.
Included in Walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas
- Certified Tourist Guide/ Mountain Guide
- Taxes, Fees and including Handling Charges
- Hotel pickup & drop-off included in the city of Funchal and for private tours only.
However, we can still pick you up upon an extra charge for hotels out of the city (€ per vehicle) or, if you have your car, we can set the time and meeting point in Funchal.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance Fees When Mentioned
- Insurance (Required by Portuguese law)
- First aid kit (basics recommended by ATR)
Excluded in Walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas
- Please note that there may be an extra charge per reservation for pickups and drop-offs if your accommodation is outside of Funchal (check for prices here)
- In addition, picnic lunch is optional upon payment when booking this tour (add-ons)
- Also, drinks and food during the comfort stops
ITINERARY
Hotel Pickup (Departure time)
A member of our staff will pick you up at the indicated place and confirm your voucher identification. Thus, 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. Please click here for location details and map.
Comfort Stop
To start with, we will drive to Santana village, in the north part of the island where we can see a collection of houses built in the traditional design – thatched houses. In fact, we will make a comfortable stop here, for anyone who wants to have a coffee and use the bathroom as there are no facilities along the way!
Achada do Teixeira
Then we’ll drive up into the mountains to Achada do Teixeira for a walk up to Pico Ruivo, which at 1861 metres is the highest peak on Madeira. It’s an easy walk you can make in an hour, with a small climbing.
“Refúgio” & Pico Ruivo
Then, near the summit, we’ll stop at the ‘Refugio’ Shelter house for the well-earned coffee or refreshments or just for a rest, before completing the last steep section to the highest mountain of Madeira. Besides, the summit offers a beautiful view, and you are so proud to make it to the top.
Achada do Teixeira
From Pico Ruivo, we’ll make our way down to Achada do Teixeira, and we’ll eat lunch in a spot with great views.
Pico das Pedras
Then, we will walk along a flat Levada (namely, irrigation channel) covered by the evergreen laurel forest (UNESCO world heritage).
Queimadas Forest Park
Equally, we’ll enjoy the park and its surroundings under the top trees, near the typical house.
Return
In the case the number of people exceeds the minibus capacity, we will walk the same way back to Pico das Pedras.
Comfort stop
Then, at the end of the walk, we will make a comfortable stop for anyone who wants to have a coffee and use the bathroom because there are no facilities along the way!
Hotel Drop-off (Return time)
Furthermore, we will take you back to the same spot where we picked you at the start of the tour for the walk Pico Ruivo Queimadas.
Please Note
The order of the itinerary as shown above may be subject to change and/or affected by local conditions.
Find Walk Pico Ruivo & Queimadas Madeira map pdf here or go to Visit Madeira Webpage.