THE PATH FROM PICO DO ARIEIRO TO PICO RUIVO IS ONLY PARTIALLY OPEN THE FIRST 1,2 KM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO RECENT WILDFIRES.
ALTERNATIVE TRIPS:
OPTION 1:
SUNRISE AT PICO DO ARIEIRO + HIKE 1,2 KM TO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, NINHO DA MANTA AND PEDRA RIJA VIEWPOINT + 1,2 KM BACK + PR3 HIKE FROM PICO DO ARIEIRO TO ECOLOGICAL PARK.
RETURN INCLUDED.
1 HOUR SUNRISE + 5 HOURS HIKES. 9,6 KM IN TOTAL.
OPTION 2:
SUNRISE AT PICO DO ARIEIRO + HIKE 1,2 KM TO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, NINHO DA MANTA AND PEDRA RIJA VIEWPOINT + 1,2 KM BACK.
RETURN INCLUDED.
1 HOUR SUNRISE + 2 HOURS HIKE. 2,4 KM IN TOTAL.
PLEASE WRITE IN THE “NOTES” FIELD WHICH OPTION YOU CHOOSE WHEN YOU BOOK. THANK YOU.
Description
The number 1 hike of Madeira island.
Pico Ruivo, with 1862 meters of altitude is the highest mountain in Madeira Island, it is also the third highest mountain in all Portugal.
To access the peak you must arrive walking. The absolute best way is from Pico do Arieiro (the 3rd highest mountain on the island with 1810 meters of altitude).
It is popular for being the path in Madeira with the most breathtaking views and weather diversity along the hike.
You will feel that you walk “above the clouds” and on the challenging path you will find a few tunnel-walks and the famous “stairway to heaven”.
To end the hike easily, without walking the hard part twice, continue towards Achada do Teixeira. Pico Ruivo is not car accessible.
About The Transfer
✅ Shared budget transfer on schedule.
✅ Vehicle: 9 seater minivan (driver + 8 customers).
✅ A/C in all rows. Comfortable, clean and new minivans.
✅ Return included.
✅ Pick-up and drop-off at your door (anywhere in Funchal or Caniço) or máx. 3 min. walk away for small streets.
✅ Much shorter transportation time than bigger vehicles.
Pick-up and Drop-Off
Your transfer includes pick-up and drop-off at your door anywhere in Funchal* or Caniço.
We will arrive at Pico Do Arieiro before the sunrise so that you appreciate this unforgettable landscape before your hike.
After your hike to Pico Ruivo, we will pick you in Achada Do Teixeira, which is the end point of the hike, at the set time to take you back to your accommodation or arranged point.
*The Monte area is limited. Please check:
picotransfers.com/pick-up-drop-off/
There is also info on the link above about coming to an arranged pick-up point from the east or west by rented car, bus or taxi.
About The Hike
Duration: 4h45m or 5h00m (depending on the temperature of the day). We will inform the schedule in the pick-up message the day before.
Difficulty: medium-hard.
Total distance: around 10,5 km.
Maximum altitude: 1862 m.
Minimum altitude: 1542 m.
Average Temperature and Conditions
Please expect low temperatures and normal conditions for the altitude. Especially in autumn and winter, possible rain/drizzle.
From October to February: 0°C to 5°C.
From March to June: 5°C to 15°C.
From July to September: 15°C to 25°C.
Remember that the altitude changes the temperature. It is NOT the same as in Funchal.
Please, be well-prepared. Sunrise, views and good weather are NOT guaranteed.
Hike Entrance Fee
We inform that the government has put in place a 3 € fee per person for the PR1 hike starting on 28/10/24. Which must be paid on site with a QR code.
Remember To Bring
✅ Between 1,5 and 2 liters of water per person.
✅ Lunch pack/snacks.
✅ 50 cents coins for toilets.
✅ Rain cover.
✅ Flashlight/smartphone.
✅ For autumn, winter and spring: waterproof winter jacket/clothes and hiking boots for better grip (it can be slippery).
✅ For spring and summer: sunscreen and a hat.
November 2024 Program (Option 1)
Funchal/Caniço pick-up between: 5:30 to 6:30
(Possible gap. Pick-up lasts between 10 and 30 min.)
40 minutes drive up to Pico Do Arieiro (start point of the hike)
Sunrise time: 7:25 to 7:50 depending on the day (arrival around 40 minutes before)
Partial hike PR1: 2:00 hours
Hike PR3: 3:00 hours
Ecological Park pick-up: 12:40 to 13:00 (depending on the schedule of the day)
20 minutes drive to Caniço/Funchal.
Drop-off between: 13:00 – 13:50
(Possible gap. Drop-off lasts between 10 and 30 min.)
November 2024 Program (Option 2)
Funchal/Caniço pick-up between: 5:30 to 6:30
(Possible gap. Pick-up lasts between 10 and 30 min.)
40 minutes drive up to Pico Do Arieiro (start point of the hike)
Sunrise time: 7:25 to 7:50 depending on the day (arrival around 40 minutes before)
Partial hike PR1: 2:00 hours
Pico Do Arieiro return pick-up: 9:40 to 10:00 (depending on the schedule of the day)
20 minutes drive to Caniço/Funchal.
Drop-off between: 10:20 – 11:00
(Possible gap. Drop-off lasts between 10 and 30 min.)
Weather and Cancelation Policies
Kids
We DO NOT recommend this hike for kids.
Kids attending MUST HAVE hiking experience and a good fitness level.
Kids should not be left unattended for a split second on any hike.
By booking, the parents or the person in charge, acknowledge to take 100% responsibility for the kid(s).
Extra Info
We will notify your exact time of pick-up, details and temperature during the hike the day before your transfer before 19:00 h via WhatsApp or email.
Where to find clothes for low temperature?: DECATHLON store (Google Maps) in the center of Funchal or São Martinho.
If you have more questions, please check our FAQ page or Contact Us.