Madeira Jeep Safari: Pico do Areeiro, Santana & Rum Tasting

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/11

Duration7h

GroupUp to 8

LanguagesEN · DE +2

PickupAt your hotel

Mountain peaks, thatched houses, ocean cliffs and madeira rum

You’ll ride up winding roads in a 4x4 jeep from Funchal to Pico do Areeiro’s wild summit, walk ancient levadas through laurel forest, share lunch in Santana’s colorful village houses, taste fiery Madeira rum by the sea and end with Atlantic views that linger long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Madeira's East by Jeep Safari

Visit Pico do Arieiro peak
Walk Levada dos Balcões trail
Stop for lunch in Santana
Enjoy views at Guindaste viewpoint
Taste rum at Engenhos do Norte
See cliffs at Ponta do Rosto
Pass through Machico town
Pass through Santa Cruz town

The Experience

We bounced up the narrow road out of Funchal before I’d even finished my coffee — the sort you drink half-awake, staring at misty hills. Our driver João grinned in the mirror, radio crackling some local tune. The jeep windows stayed open; mountain air felt cold and sharp as we climbed towards Pico do Areeiro. Clouds drifted low enough to brush your face if you leaned out (I did, got a wet cheek for my trouble). At the top, João pointed out where the old trails cut through the rock — I tried to picture hiking it, but honestly just stood there gawking at all those jagged ridges rolling off into fog. You could smell damp earth and something like eucalyptus.

Later we rolled down into Ribeiro Frio. It was quieter here — just birds and water moving somewhere unseen. João led us along this levada path to Balcões viewpoint. I remember touching the mossy stone, cool under my hand, while he explained how these channels have watered Madeira for centuries. There’s a kind of hush when you reach the lookout: green valleys below, clouds snagged on peaks. Someone handed me a pastel de nata from their bag (not included, but still warm), and for a second it felt like time stopped. I didn’t expect that part.

Santana came next — those little triangular houses with bright doors looked almost too perfect, but people actually live there. We had lunch in a small place João knew; fish stew and bread thick enough to mop up everything left on the plate. Li laughed when I tried to say “espetada” properly (probably butchered it). After that we hit Guindaste viewpoint — wind whipping so hard it nearly took my hat — then Porto da Cruz for rum tasting at Engenhos do Norte. The smell inside was sweet and sharp; tasted stronger than I thought it would be. By Ponta do Rosto, late sun hit volcanic cliffs in orange stripes and nobody said much for a minute or two.

I still think about that view over Machico bay as we drove back down through Santa Cruz — quiet now except for João humming along to some old fado song on the radio. It’s not really about ticking off sights; more about how each place leaves its own mark on you without asking permission.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere around Funchal or nearby areas, all transport by 4x4 jeep with live commentary from your local driver-guide throughout the journey, entry fees where needed, plus a traditional lunch stop in Santana village (with time to try local dishes) before returning late afternoon or early evening.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Safari Madeira