Shore Excursions Group
Pico Do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo Walk
This exhilarating, fun walk is not for the faint of heart! Hike across rugged volcanic rock and soak in the forest scenery as you and your fully qualified, local mountain guide ascend to the top of Madeira’s highest peak for spectacular landscape views.
This is an active adventure and requires you to be in good physical shape and have good mobility as you will be climbing along narrow trails complete with steep drops along some of the sides, but the reward is worth the amazing pictures you will shoot along the way.
Throughout the hike, you will learn about the local culture and the resourcefulness of the people as evidenced in the creation of the ancient levadas or irrigation canals that bring mountain water down the island. Your local, friendly and knowledgeable guide will provide you with the history and details of the land so you will gain complete insight into the amazing landscape.
Approximate time spent on the hike is 5 hours in total, sign up for this exciting adventure trek now for an unforgettable day in the stunning peaks of Madeira.
| Day 1 |
Nestled on the sun-drenched southern coast of Madeira, Funchal, the island's capital, offers an enchanting mix of old-world charm, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque city, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, is known for its lush botanical gardens, stunning vistas, and year-round mild climate. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town, Zona Velha, where colorful murals adorn the doors of traditional Madeiran houses, or visit the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, a lively market where locals sell fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. The aromas of exotic fruits, spices, and fresh seafood will transport you into the heart of Madeira's unique culinary heritage. For a breathtaking view of Funchal, take the cable car from the Old Town up to the hilltop village of Monte. Here, you can explore the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a verdant paradise filled with exotic plants, Koi ponds, and Asian-inspired sculptures. Don't miss the exhilarating toboggan ride down the winding streets of Monte – a traditional Madeiran experience where you’ll be whisked downhill in a wicker basket sled, guided by skilled carreiros. For those interested in history, the 15th-century Sé Cathedral, with its intricate wooden ceiling and striking Manueline-style architecture, offers a glimpse into Funchal's colonial past. Funchal is also renowned for its wine and its namesake Madeira wine, a fortified wine that has been produced on the island for centuries. Wine lovers can visit the Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the oldest winery in Madeira, to learn about the island's rich viticultural history and enjoy tastings of different styles of Madeira wine, from dry to sweet. Afterward, wander along the Avenida do Mar, a scenic promenade that runs along Funchal’s waterfront, where you can relax at one of the many cafes while watching yachts and cruise ships glide by. Fun fact: Funchal is known for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display, which was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2006 as the largest fireworks display in the world. Every year, the skies over Funchal Bay light up in a mesmerizing explosion of colors, attracting thousands of visitors to Madeira to celebrate the New Year in unforgettable style. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $59 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to walk a roughly 7.5 miles (12 kms) over 5 hours with varying terrain with inclines and steps. Due to the quick pace, this tour is not suitable for any mobility restricted traveler including guests who need to sit and rest periodically. Parents with small children should take the terrain into consideration and use a baby carrier instead of a stroller since the paths are not all accessible to baby carriages. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
