Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

Name: Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 75.20 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.94 (408 reviews)

4.9 (408 verified reviews)

Sunburst over the ridge seen from the summit of Pico Ruivo

The stone summit path above the cloud layer in the first light of day

Hikers climbing by headtorch in the dark before dawn

The guided group at the summit at first light, with snow patches beside the path

Pre-dawn colour over the peaks, with headtorches moving on the trail below

About This Experience

The highest-rated experience on this site, and a genuinely different proposition from the Arieiro transfers: a guided night climb to Madeira's actual summit, timed so you are standing on Pico Ruivo when the sun comes up.

Pickup is from your accommodation, then about an hour's drive to Achada do Teixeira. You set off in darkness with a head torch, and on a clear night the Milky Way is visible before you start — the operator builds in time to look at it. The climb is 260 metres of ascent over roughly 2.5 kilometres on a made path: real effort, but far less than the PR1 traverse.

You reach the 1,862-metre summit for first light, with a cup of tea and a granola bar while the island below turns gold. Then it is back down the same way to the car park and a comfortable ride home.

A guide, head torch, tea and snack are all included, which is why it prices above the self-guided shuttles. Hiking boots, waterproofs and a water bottle are not. At 4.9 out of 5 across 400-plus reviews, it is the option to pick if you would rather not navigate a dark mountain alone.

Highlights

Begin your day with an invigorating guided trek up to Madeira's highest peak
Set out in the dark and gaze at the starry night sky while you make your ascent
Hike with a local guide and slowly make your way to the very top of Ruivo Peak
See the sunrise and watch as the world below is bathed in a warm golden glow
Sip on a warming cup of tea and refuel by snacking on a healthy granola bar

What's Included

✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✓ Early-morning hike
✓ Guide
✓ Head torch
✓ Granola bar
✓ Tea

Not Included

Water bottle
Hiking boots and waterproofs

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing
Hiking shoes
Water
Rain gear

Good to Know & Caveats

This tour involves a climb of 260 meters over 2.5km to reach the top of Ruivo Peak. 4,5 eur per person for the trail maintenance to deliver to the Ranger, will be demand at the end of the trail, which you can pay by card

Not Suitable For

Pregnant women
People with heart problems
Wheelchair users
People with respiratory issues
People diving up to 24 hours prior
People over 230 lbs (104 kg)
People with low level of fitness

Meeting Point

Hotel pickup from Funchal, Caniço, Machico, Santana or Santa Cruz, followed by roughly an hour's drive to the Achada do Teixeira car park where the trek begins.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.9/5 by 408 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

The excursion was incredibly beautiful! The two guides, Adrian and Carlos, were very nice. They shared their knowledge, and you felt very safe during the hike. With regular stops, we then reached the destination with perfect timing, and a breathtaking sight awaited us. There was tea and a snack. Communication on site as well as before the tour via chat worked smoothly and quickly, so that we had all the important information about the tour, the weather, the pickup, and the things to bring. I can only highly recommend this tour and the team to everyone! Thank you for everything!
— Natalie, August

The punctuality and helpfulness of the guide
— Robert, August

Fabulous! The sunrise was breathtaking. The Pico Ruivo is just incredible …with the clouds and views of surrounding Picos on the way up & down. The landscape is unusual … so worth the hike. Unlike other hikes. Our guides were great: Andrea drove us skilfully there & back. Carlos was very interesting & thoughtful. We had plenty of stops to get our breath back on the way up. Lovely touch added with the tea & biscuit too. Thank you x
— Nina, August

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the climb to Pico Ruivo?

Moderate. The operator quotes 260 metres of ascent over about 2.5 kilometres on a made path — considerably gentler than the PR1 ridge traverse, though you are doing it in the dark and at altitude.

Is a guide included?

Yes, and it is the point of this tour. A local guide leads the ascent, sets the pace and provides the head torch, tea and granola bar.

Why does it start so early?

You need about an hour of driving plus the climb itself before sunrise, so pickups fall in the small hours. The reward is the starry sky on the ascent — the operator deliberately allows time for it.

What isn't included?

Hiking boots, waterproofs and a water bottle. Bring proper footwear with grip; the summit path is stone and can be wet.

Do I need a trail permit for this route?

The Pico Ruivo path from Achada do Teixeira is a classified PR trail requiring a SIMplifica reservation, at the standard €4.50 fee rather than the PR1's €10.50. Check the listing for whether the operator books it for you.