We start with the pick-up at your accommodation, following towards Pico do Areeiro, where we will have the opportunity to watch the sun rise over the mountains of Madeira, if the weather allows. Then we begin the walk along one of the island’s most iconic trails, crossing deep valleys, sharp peaks and the imposing central mountainous massive, always accompanied by stunning views. Along the way, the island’s fauna, endemic flora and history will always be present, making this experience even richer and more authentic. The great goal will be to reach the peak of Pico Ruivo, the highest point of Madeira, a conquest rewarded by absolutely unique panoramas. Go down to the Achada do Teixeira and then return to the hotel. The walk will be guided by me, Paulo Jesus, born and resident on the island of Madeira, a mountain guide certified by Tourism of Portugal.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $275.
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 21 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
Pick-up and drop-off ; (Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Caniço, Machico, Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz), starts at 06:00 am but may be changed due to distance.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 574 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hike : Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo - Private Guided lasts about 7 hours.
Prices start at $160 per person for this Funchal experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $275. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 1:30 PM.
It can: 21 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-up and drop-off ; (Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Caniço, Machico, Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz), starts at 06:00 am but may be changed due to distance. Pickup points include The Editory Garden Funchal, Pestana Vila Lido.
The experience is available in PT, EN, ES.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 4 travellers can book together.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Madeira Local Guide.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Despite the weather at the top, this hike was incredible. The views were breathtaking. Our guide, Paulo Jesus, was fantastic and made us feel completely safe throughout. It was comforting having all the arrangements (pick up, taxis, passes) taken care of for us. All in all, a wonderful experience.
We had a wonderful private hike in Madeira with Paulo Jesus. He is a certified guide, very warm and fun, and extremely knowledgeable about the island, in our case the PR1 and PR1.2 trails. Paulo knew exactly what time to start the hike to avoid the crowds and give us the best possible views and weather conditions. He also made all the necessary arrangements so that we could reach the peak in time to enjoy the sunset, which made the experience truly unforgettable. I very much appreciated Paulo’s friendliness, professionalism and the quality of our conversations throughout the hike. He made us feel safe, comfortable and well looked after while also sharing fascinating information about Madeira. I would absolutely recommend Paulo to anyone considering a private tour or hike in Madeira. He offers a genuinely personal experience and knows how to make the day special, which is a good value for the money.
Hiking with Paulo was the best thing we did on our trip to Madeira. We particularly enjoyed our hike to Pico Grande! The views were phenomenal and there would have been parts we were nervous to do on our own but felt very safe with Paulo as our guide. If you’re reading these reviews - don’t look any further. Book with Paulo. He will tailor the trails to suit your level and your interests so that you can have the best possible time!
We did a second hike with Paulo through beautiful volcanic scenery! We really enjoyed our secret trail with amazing view points. The hike included some steep hikes but we felt safe every step of the way! Paulo has fantastic knowledge of the region and great local recommendations. We even finished off with a Nikita at the end!
Excellent sunrise on Pico and then very pleasant hiking with beautiful views. Paulo full of hospitality and took tea and cake for the early breakfast, took care during the hike and told a lot of interesting things about the country. Strongly recommend!
Had the best time with Paulo during the Pico De Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike! He was really helpful answering my questions before the hike and he was really kind during the hike. He explained everything about the island and we had lots to talk about. Definitely recommend booking a hike with Paulo. Going on a second one tomorrow!!
Paolo is an excellent guide, with much knowledge of the entire island. He is an extremely experienced hiker and guide, and had great awareness of our group’s needs and abilities. He sensed when to take breaks and when to push on, and made the hike feel enjoyable and not rushed. We had a full day with him, and will absolutely book him again for other nature exploration when we return to the island next year.
It was an amazing day! Thanks Paulo for the professionalism,for support and help. You are the best guide! Paulo made our day! Our the first hiking experience was very good.
Me and my sister had a full-day tour with Paulo. It was such a pleasure to spend the day with him, and he picked the best possible places to visit is such a short time. We have definitely had an unforgettable day with beautiful memories.
Absolutely incredible and unforgettable hike through breathtaking mountainous scenery. We began with a beautiful sunrise at Pico do Areeiro (jacket recommended due to the strong winds) and finished at the highest point on Madeira island at Pico Ruivo, taking in sights of the various peaks and infamous Nuns Valley below, among others. Our local guide Paulo looked after us from the early morning pick up at the hotel right throughout the day, answering all our questions knowledgeably on the flora and fauna, and taking extra care and patience when the trail became challenging. His passion for the mountains was clear to see, going as far as clearing litter left behind by other walkers. Having a certified guide carrying additional safety equipment provided us with peace of mind to focus on enjoying our day out. It was definitely worth booking this private tour with Paulo for that personal touch, more so when watching those on the larger group tours (often with non-local guides) more or less being left to their own devices! Highly recommended, especially to those with less experience needing the extra encouragement!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hike : Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo - Private Guided | 7 hours | 5.0 (13) | $160 | |
 Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group | 6–8 hours | 5.0 (151) | $115 | View |
 Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço | 7 hours | 4.8 (932) | $77 | View |
 Pico Arieiro To Pico Ruivo/With Trail entry Fee Included PR 1 + 1.2 | 8 hours | 4.6 (68) | $74 | View |
 Pico do Areeiro and Balconies Tour East | 7 hours | 4.8 (13) | $44 | View |
 PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer | 8 hours | 4.8 (337) | $56 | View |
 Madeira Sunset at Pico do Arieiro and PR1 Stairway To Heaven | 4 hours | 4.9 (162) | $38 | View |