Madeira Peaks 4X4 Tour: Open-Top Views of Pico do Arieiro

Madeira Peaks and Santana's thatched houses from an open-roof 4X4

This full-day 4X4 tour of eastern Madeira travels through UNESCO forest and mountain villages to Pico do Arieiro and Santana with a local guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The open-top vehicle and eight-hour itinerary let you move between high peaks and coastal viewpoints without arranging transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Santana15m
2. Portela Viewpoint5m
3. Pico do Arieiro15m

Full-day 4x4 tour of Madeira Peaks

• Visit Machico
• See traditional houses in Santana
• Stop at Funduras
• Enjoy Portela Viewpoint
• Visit Porto da Cruz
• Stop at viewpoint near Porto da Cruz
• Visit Faial
• Explore Santana village
• Visit small village and natural park
• Enjoy Pico do Arieiro viewpoint
• Visit Ribeiro Frio
• Return to Madeira
• Stop at Engenho
• Visit Santa Cruz

The experience

Machico is where the day begins, and from there the 4X4 climbs into the interior, passing through small villages and UNESCO-protected forest on the way to Pico do Arieiro. The open roof means you stand up to photograph the peaks and the valleys below without climbing out of the vehicle. Portela Viewpoint and a second viewpoint near Faial break up the mountain sections, each one looking toward the coast or back into the ridges.

Santana sits on the route twice, once to walk among the traditional A-frame thatched houses that sit on the hillside, and again later in the day. Between those stops, the itinerary moves through Funduras, Porto da Cruz, and a small natural park area, so the day mixes high altitude with lower villages and the rhythm of the landscape changes. Ribeiro Frio and Engenho round out the stops before the return to your hotel.

A local guide travels with the group and narrates in your choice of language. Hotel pickup and drop-off mean you don't arrange a separate transfer, and the eight-hour window holds the whole route (peaks, forest, villages and viewpoints) in a single day without backtracking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal.
• a local guide in your choice of five languages.
• eight hours in an open-top 4X4 vehicle visiting Pico do Arieiro, Portela Viewpoint, Santana's thatched houses and a series of coastal and mountain viewpoints.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site€ 29

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Green Devil Safari

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here because the open-top vehicle and the eight-hour pace let everyone see the peaks and villages without feeling rushed. If you want the high altitude and the traditional houses in one trip without renting a car or building the route yourself, the fixed itinerary and included guide handle both.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What is Pico do Arieiro like on this tour?

Pico do Arieiro is a mountain peak you visit from the open-top 4X4. The vehicle takes you high enough to see the ridges and valleys without a separate climb, and the open roof lets you photograph the views without leaving your seat.

Can I see Santana's traditional houses on this tour?

Yes. Santana appears twice on the itinerary. You stop to walk among the A-frame thatched houses that sit on the hillside, then pass through again later in the day as part of the route.

How long is the full-day tour?

The tour runs eight hours, including all stops, viewpoints and the drive through villages and UNESCO forest.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within Funchal are included in the tour price. Pickup outside Funchal or at the cruise dock carries an extra fee.