Madeira Peaks: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Mountain Walk

Summary

Mountain walk from Pico do Arieiro to Ruivo with wild plants, old forests, and island views

You’ll hike Madeira’s wildest peaks with a local guide, crossing rocky ridges from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Smell ancient heather forests, feel mountain air on your skin, and pause for quiet moments above the clouds. Includes pickup from Funchal—just bring your picnic and hiking boots.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a cloud rolling in, don’t worry — it’ll be gone in five minutes,” our guide Paulo grinned as we zipped up jackets at the start of the trail near Pico do Arieiro. I’d barely slept the night before, half-nervous about the climb and half-excited. The air was sharp — almost peppery with cold — and the wind carried this faint smell of wet stone and something green I couldn’t name. We set off single file, boots crunching on gravel, and I realized pretty quick that photos don’t really prepare you for how jagged these mountains look up close. Like someone took a chisel to the clouds.

Paulo pointed out tiny flowers clinging between rocks (“pride of Madeira,” he called one — I tried to repeat it in Portuguese but just made everyone laugh). The path dipped into pockets of mist, then out again into sudden sunlight. At one point we stopped for water and I remember just hearing nothing but our own breathing and some distant bird. There’s this stretch near Vereda do Pico Ruivo where you walk under these twisted old heather trees — Paulo said some were older than Columbus himself. Their bark felt almost soft when I touched it (I know you’re not supposed to touch everything but… couldn’t help it).

The last push up to Pico Ruivo is all legs and stubbornness. My knees were complaining but honestly, when we finally reached the top, every ache faded out for a second. The whole island was laid out below us in layers of blue and green — clouds drifting past like they didn’t care about borders. Someone shared their orange slices (thank you, whoever you were) and we just sat there quietly for a while. It wasn’t even about taking photos anymore. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic or scrolling my phone too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madeira's mountain and forest

• Walk among giant rock formations
• Enjoy breathtaking island views
• Discover unique local plants
• Hike through oldest heather forest
• Reach Pico Ruivo summit
• Admire panoramic island views

Top questions

How long is the Madeira Peaks mountain walk?

The walk covers around 10 km between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira hiking tour?

Yes, hotel or meeting point pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included.

What should I bring for the Madeira Peaks hike?

You need sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, weather-appropriate clothing, and a picnic lunch since there are no food stops on the route.

Is this mountain walk suitable for beginners?

No, travelers should have high physical fitness; it's not recommended for those with mobility issues or fear of heights.

Are guides provided during the hike?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the entire walk.

Can children join this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available but due to difficulty it's best suited for fit adults; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with health issues.

What happens if there’s bad weather on the day?

If canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal or your meeting point, all taxes and fees covered, plus a 10 km guided mountain walking tour led by a local expert—just remember to pack your own picnic since there aren’t any shops along the way.