Funchal: PR1.2 Pico Ruivo & Achada Teixeira Hiking Transfer
About This Experience
Madeira's highest point without the ridge traverse. This transfer serves the PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo — the short, paved approach to the summit from Achada do Teixeira — and it is the sensible choice if the PR1's five hours of exposed staircases do not appeal.
After an hour's drive from the coast you get a briefing at the trailhead and set off on a 5.8-kilometre round trip to the 1,861-metre summit. On a clear day the view takes in the surrounding peaks and, to the north, the coastal towns of Porto da Cruz, Santana and Faial.
The route is graded moderate and stays on a made path throughout, which makes it markedly more forgiving underfoot than the Arieiro traverse. You descend the way you came, and the same vehicle returns you to your accommodation.
Food, drinks, hiking gear and the trail fee are excluded. The operator asks you to book the PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo trail on SIMplifica yourself and to select the 10:30 am slot so it matches the transfer schedule.
Highlights
- Feel the thrill of hiking to the highest peak in Madeira, Pico Ruivo
- Enjoy a guided hike with breathtaking views of the island's landscapes
- Benefit from a roundtrip transfer from Funchal and surrounding areas
- Get hiking instructions from your guide and enjoy a moderate hike
What's Included
- ✓ Hike instructions from a guide
- ✓ Roundtrip trail hike to Pico Ruivo
- ✓ Pick and drop of at accomodation** (check pick up range)
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hiking Tax - Mandatory - select trail PR1.2. Vereda do Pico Ruivo for the 10.30am slot. Please book via SIMPLIFICA website
- WC ticket
- Hiking gear or clothes
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Water
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Charged Smartphone
Good to Know & Caveats
- 1. Eligible pick up locations: Funchal, Caniço, São Gonçalo, Santa Cruz, Machico
- 2. Circuit: Roundtrip hike
- 3. Format: Self guided hike
- 4. This experience involves a certain physical fitness level - guests must have this in mind and be able to finish the hike within the time provided
- 5. Policy of cancellation and reschedule: 24 hours before the date of hike
- 6. Mandatory IFCN ticket (hiking tax) - Select trail PR1.2. Vereda do Pico Ruivo
- 6.1. The timeslot to be chosen is the 10.30-11.00am;
- 7. Children under 12 years old are no admissible
Not Suitable For
- Children under 12 years
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
- People with vertigo
- People with respiratory issues
- People with altitude sickness
Meeting Point
Pickup from your accommodation in Funchal, São Gonçalo, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico, then roughly an hour's drive to the Achada do Teixeira trailhead.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 103 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Pedro was great, very nice and accommodating and was great to hear about the history of Madeira during the transfer! Would 100% recommend and the hike was very much worth it !
— Mase, July 31
A route with moderate difficulty at the beginning and end, but it's worth it for the breathtaking views throughout the entire route
— Beatriz Cano, June 12
We got picked up in Funchal at 8:15AM, by our driver Cristiano who was very knowledgable about all things Madeira. We were given 4 hours, which turned out to be about the right amount of time to walk at a leisurely pace, take a lot of photos, and visit the cafe (1 euro for WC). Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira, and when we visited we were above the clouds which was very cool (though the cloud level varies day to day). Close to the top there is another WC for 0.50 euro.
— Andrew, June 9,
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the PR1 hike?
No. This is the PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo, a 5.8 km round trip from Achada do Teixeira straight up to the summit. The PR1 is the longer one-way traverse that starts at Pico do Arieiro.
Which permit do I book and for what time?
Book the PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo trail on the SIMplifica platform and select the 10:30 am slot, which is what the operator's schedule is built around. The standard trail fee applies rather than the higher PR1 rate.
How difficult is it?
Moderate, on a made path the whole way, with roughly 5.8 kilometres of walking there and back. It is the most accessible route to Madeira's highest point.
What can I see from the summit?
On a clear day, the surrounding peaks of the central massif and the north-coast towns of Porto da Cruz, Santana and Faial. In cloud, considerably less — this is a mountain summit and the weather decides.
Is food included?
No. Food, drinks and hiking gear are all excluded, so bring water and something to eat for the summit.
Other Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo experiences
Madeira: Sunrise Hike Transfer to Pico do Arieiro (PR1)
From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast
Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option
Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer
Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup
Stairway to Heaven, Pico do Areeiro, PR 1&3 - Sunrise Option
