Madeira´s highest Peaks - Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
About this activity
Starting at Pico do Areeiro, within a short distance we come upon the Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) belvedere. From this platform one can see the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, where some Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinnus) breed, São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central Mountain Range.
Highlights
- Madeira´s higest peaks
Full description
Starting at Pico do Areeiro, within a short distance we come upon the Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) belvedere. From this platform one can see the best views of the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, where some Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinnus) breed, São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central Mountain Range.
To reach Pico Ruivo at 1862m, we must go around Pico das Torres up a steep incline of steps carved in the rock and then descend, the most difficult part of this trail being the final climb to the Shelter at Pico Ruivo. But the thought of reaching the highest point of the island is a driving force.
From the Pico Ruivo shelter, the footpath leads to Achada do Teixeira car park, where you can see “Homem em pé” (Standing Man), a basalt rock formation found on the way down the slope after you pass the shelter at Achada do Teixeira.
• Enjoy a the drive to Pico do Arieiro, (about 45 minutes) and reach the starting point of your walk.
• Bring a camera to capture the outstanding views as well as:
• unique altitude plants as this area is known as a high-altitude heath and is marked by the presence of various endemics of Madeira, which include the Madeira violet (Viola paradoxa), Madeira grey heather (Erica madeirensis), the rock orchid (Orchis scopolorum), and the Madeira kidney (Anthyllis lemanniana).
• and several birds, some of the more important ones being Zino’s petrel (Pterodroma madeira), a species endemic to the island and species restricted to Macaronesia, the canary (Serinus canaria), Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelottii madeirensis) and the plain swift (Apus unicolor), as well as other subspecies found only in the Madeira archipelago: the Madeira rock sparrow (Petronia petronia madeirensis), chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis), and the firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis).
• After the walk, you driver and guide will bring you back to your chosen accommodation or original departure point.
• Please bring walking shoes/boots, something to eat and drink during the walk as well as sunhat and sun cream and a jacket.
Included / Excluded
- Certified driver and experienced mountain guide.
- Transfer to and from walk.
- Insurance according to Portuguese legislation
- Drinks and food
- Gratuities
- IFCN fee
Meeting point
Start Location
Funchal, Funchal, Madeira, Madeira Islands, Funchal, PT
Operating hours
- Friday08:30 AM
- Saturday08:30 AM
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
Know before you go
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Reviews
(Translated by Google) Tim was an excellent guide; according to him, it was his first tour, but we were also his best group (today). The fact that we were also lucky with the weather made the experience truly special. (Original) mit Tim hatten wir einen hervorragenden Guide, laut eigenen Angaben war es zwar seine erste Tour, aber dafür waren wir auch seine beste Gruppe (Heute). Das wir auch mit dem Wetter Glück hatten, machte aus dem Erlebnis etwas ganz besonderes.
We had a fantastic experience doing the Rabaçal Lakes Tour. Tiago was an excellent guide — extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the island. He shared lots of useful information, local tips, and interesting insights along the way. He was happy to answer all our questions and gave us a great understanding of the island, its history, culture, landscapes, and way of life. And last but not least, he was very cautious about our safety throughout the tour, making us feel comfortable and well looked after at all times.
Beautiful trail, pick up was on time, the guide made some stops with explanations.