Madeira: Pico do Arieiro & Santana 4x4 Jeep Safari Full-Day

Mountain Peaks, Hidden Villages & Levada Walks in an Open Jeep

You ride in an open jeep from Funchal up to Pico do Arieiro's cloud-wrapped peak, descend through ancient forest and isolated villages, visit a traditional Santana house, walk a levada water channel if weather allows, and finish with a homemade Poncha drink. Hotel pickup is included, and the route stays off the main tourist roads. Lunch is optional but recommended; bring a jacket for the altitude.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day private safari tour

• Transfer from hotel in UMM jeep
• Drive from Funchal to Poiso via back roads
• Stop at photo viewpoints on hillside
• Ascend to Pico do Areeiro with photo stops
• Explore Pico do Areeiro peak
• Drive to Ribeiro Frio and Faial via royal footpath
• Stop at Laurisilva forest water springs
• Descend through Ribeiro Frio forest
• View Penha d’Águia rock formation
• Stop at local bar with local prices
• Enjoy spectacular off-road scenery
• Cross mountain towards Santana with photo stops
• Stop at Pico das Pedras and descend to Santana
• Visit traditional Santana house
• Lunch at local restaurant (optional)
• Drive back via north coast with photo stops
• Optional 30-40 minute levada walk
• Return via eastern coast passing Maroços and Machico
• Finish with freshly homemade Poncha drink

The Experience

The moment you climb into that open UMM jeep — a classic ex-army Portuguese vehicle with a canvas cover for weather — you realize this isn't a standard tour bus route. The driver takes the back roads out of Funchal, climbing through Shoupana Hills and protected natural areas, stopping whenever the light hits right or a valley opens up below. You're heading for Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island at 1,818 meters, and the road gets narrower and older the higher you go. Most days you'll find yourself above the clouds up there, looking out over both the south and north coasts at once.

From the peak, the route drops into the heart of the island — through the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO-protected woodland that's been here for millennia, past water springs where you can taste the mountain runoff if you're game, and down toward villages most visitors never reach. You'll pass Penha d'Águia, a dramatic rock formation that rises like an eagle's wing, and cross terrain that requires some serious off-road driving. There's a stop at a local bar with local prices, then a longer pause in the middle of the off-road section just to sit with the view. The whole descent takes you toward Santana, where the landscape changes completely — terraced fields, scattered houses, and then the distinctive A-frame structures that have stood for about 240 years. You visit an actual Santana house, not a museum version, and have the option to eat lunch at a local restaurant (around €12, not included but worth it for espetada or fresh tuna).

If weather cooperates, there's a 30- to 40-minute levada walk — one of Madeira's famous water channels, just enough to stretch your legs and feel the forest close around you. Then it's back via the eastern coast, past Machico where the Portuguese landed in 1419, and the tour ends with a homemade Poncha drink, the local spirit that tastes like discovery. The whole day runs without rush — you're not herded through checkpoints or kept to a tight schedule. It's eight people max in the jeep, so there's room to breathe, and the driver knows which roads lead somewhere worth seeing.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in the open 4x4 jeep.
• stops at Pico do Arieiro peak, Laurisilva forest, Penha d'Águia rock formation, and traditional Santana village.
• entry to a genuine Santana house.
• a 30–40 minute levada walk (weather permitting).
• a homemade Poncha drink at the end.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Miguel Is Here

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Madeira's mountains, hidden villages, and forest in one day without renting a car or navigating mountain roads themselves — the open jeep and small group size (max 8 people) mean you get both the views and the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye.

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Top questions

How long is the full-day Madeira jeep safari?

The itinerary covers a full day from hotel pickup through return, with multiple stops for photos, a levada walk of 30–40 minutes, and a lunch break. Exact duration depends on traffic and weather, but plan for a long day.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, the jeep tour with all stops, entry to a traditional Santana house, and a homemade Poncha drink at the end. Lunch at a local restaurant is optional and costs around €12 extra.

How high do we climb?

You ascend to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters above sea level. Bring a jacket — it's cooler at altitude, and weather can change quickly.

Is the levada walk difficult?

No. It's about 2 kilometers along one of Madeira's water channels and takes 30–40 minutes. It's optional and depends on weather, but it's designed to be accessible for most fitness levels.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes. The minimum age is 3 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with very small children.

What if I'm vegetarian?

A vegetarian option is available for lunch. Let the operator know when you book.

Is the jeep covered if it rains?

Yes. The UMM jeep has a canvas cover for all-weather conditions, though it's an open-sided vehicle, so you'll feel the elements.

Can I do a different route if I'm staying outside Funchal?

Yes. If you're staying in Garajau or Caniço, you can switch to the Northwest, Southwest, or Southeast route instead.