MADEIRA · PICO RUIVO HIKES
Pico Ruivo is the island roof at 1,862 metres and you cannot drive to it. These 15 compare the easy approach from Achada do Teixeira against the full ridge from Pico do Arieiro, on price, transfer and how much exposure you sign up for.
Travel from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo for about five hours and 10 kilometers. Your English-speaking driver explains the route, collects you at Achada do Teixeira, and may arrange an alternative trail if weather, fire, or snow closes PR1.
“Very knowledgeable and friendly guide and the support was perfect. Recommend this experience”
Travel by minivan from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro for a self-guided sunrise or morning hike. Driver Radko, Ciro, Carlos, or another English-speaking local provides route details, then collects you at Achada do Teixeira after up to five hours on the mountain.
“Good communication, timely arrival. Explained the possible routes and options. Then due to terrible weather, allowed us to change our options and be picked up earlier instead of continuing with the pr3 hike.”
You’ll ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, walk the accessible PR1 section, then continue on a self-guided hike. Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays use PR1.2 to Pico Ruivo. Wednesdays use Vereda do Larano. Transport, timing, and route details are included.
“Amazing sunrise and challenging hike. I made some nice memories.”
Join a small group of up to eight for a pre-dawn hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo. Guide Carlos is often praised for steady pacing, astronomy tips, frequent breaks, and warm tea at the summit. Hotel pickup, head torch, snack, and return transport are included.
“someone who had just done done the tour a few days earlier recommend me the tour. and I have to say it was the highlight of my trip to Madeira. the sunrise was majestic. and our tour guide was simply perfect. great communication (for instance clearly indicated how long the hike was in km and elevation, he stated along the way how far along we were). he also made enough stops but in time to see sunrise. he even had carried up a hot tea and snack for us. he motivated us during the hike, was knowledgeable and even offered to lend not only headlamp, but also jacket and scarf…”
Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently through tunnels and steep stairways to Pico Ruivo. Drivers such as Radko, Carlos, Michael, and Ciro provide trail instructions and collect you at Achada do Teixeira. The 11-kilometer route takes about 4.5 hours.
“Great service. Picked up at our Airbnb. Interesting conversation with driver. Made Pico to Pico easier and more enjoyable”
Travel in a small group of up to eight from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro before sunrise, then hike toward Pico Ruivo and finish at Achada do Teixeira. You walk independently at your own pace, with pickup and return transport arranged by Pico Transfers.
“Excellent driver. Very informative and considerate. Would recommend. On time pick up and beautiful drive back. Clear guidance and instructions”
Start before dawn from Funchal or Caniço and hike Madeira’s famous mountain route with a guide such as David or Ronaldo. Expect steep steps, changing weather, sunrise views, Pico Ruivo, and a stop at Santana’s traditional homes. The group is limited to eight people.
“I am not an athletic person so this climb was really difficult for me but David our guide was so supportive and patient. He was very calm during the whole journey encouraging us to go at our own pace. I am glad that I have booked this tour with UpMountain Madeira. Will highly recommend to my friends!”
You’ll hike through Queimadas and Pico das Pedras before reaching Achadas do Teixeira and Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak area. Guides such as Maria, Elton, and Sandra lead the route, explain local plants and wildlife, and help you manage steep sections. The route may change because of weather or fire damage.
“Unfortunately due to the recent forest fires this iconic walk was cancelled due to safety reasons and concerns and the need to evaluate the conditions- I was offered another two trips as a substitute and the one i chose was excellent and our guide Maria was fantastic and had a very enthusiastic love of the area”
You’ll walk 10 kilometers from Picarouto to Achada do Teixeira, reaching Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest point. Expect sharp rock formations, rare plants, old heather trees, and wide island views. Guides speak English, German, French, and Portuguese. Tim may be your guide.
Hike between Madeira’s Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo with a small group, guide, and hotel transfer. Expect steep stairs, narrow mountain paths, fast-changing weather, and superb volcanic views. Guides such as Sérgio, Johnny, Nestor, and Emanuel have led groups, but the route may change if authorities close sections.
“Mmm. They say free pick up from all hotels and houses but that is not true. The guide smoked a lot throughout the hike which was off putting. I’d suggest hiking on your own and arranging transit from either side to save time and money.”
Travel from Funchal in a small group of up to six, hike the Pico Ruivo PR1.2 trail, then visit Pico do Arieiro and the Stairway to Heaven. Drivers such as Vitor, Fabio, and Roberto provide maps, timing, safety advice, and hotel-area pickup.
“I highly recommend this experience! Even though PR1 is partially closed, many people might think it’s not possible to reach both peaks — but this trip lets you do exactly that. Our driver, Fabio, was amazing — attentive, friendly, and very knowledgeable.”
Join a small guided group from Funchal or Caniço for Madeira’s demanding PR1 mountain hike. You’ll walk from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, pass tunnels and narrow ridges, and finish at Achadas do Teixeira. Guides such as Dalia have been praised for their calm pace and care.
“The Stairway to Heaven hike in Madeira was an unforgettable experience—both challenging and breathtaking. The stunning landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic cliffs, made every step worth it. Our guide was fantastic, sharing valuable insights and keeping the group motivated throughout. If you’re looking for a rewarding adventure with incredible views and a great guide, this tour is a must!”
Finish the PR1 and PR1.2 route at Pico do Areeiro, then ride back to Achada do Teixeira in a small van. A local driver speaking Portuguese, English, or German handles the one-hour transfer, with three departures daily and space for seven people.
“was great tgere on time no problems had contact before arrivel all very well and grrat price”
Start with a pre-dawn pickup in Funchal and walk roughly 2.3 km to Pico Ruivo with Claudio, a certified mountain guide. Watch sunrise above the clouds with hot tea or coffee, then visit Santana’s traditional houses and scenic viewpoints before returning around 11:30 AM.
“Claudio our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us interesting facts about the island. a great day with short stargazing begin with and a nicely paced hike up. Claudio was reassuring that we had plenty of time and we could pace ourselves. Very kind person who took pictures for us and provided them through WhatsApp, also giving good advice about where and what we should eat while here in maderia. It shows in himself that he enjoys what he does with this hike and it makes the experience for myself and others that much better. I would recommend anyone to give this ago and it'll be worth while! Just make…”
You’ll ride in a small van from Achada do Teixeira through Santana, Ribeiro Frio, and Poiso to Pico do Arieiro. The service is limited to seven people, accepts mobile tickets, provides pickup at the Mountain Spot Café, and is designed for hikers who do not want to walk the PR1 route back.
“Ha sido de gran ayuda poder utilizar un transfer para volver al Pico Arieiro sin hacer la ruta de nuevo caminando. Empresa muy responsable y puntual, en mi caso se han puesto en contacto con nosotros por la mañana para verificar la hora de encuentro y saber si habiamos iniciado la ruta. Muy contenta con el servicio.”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a cellar.
