Stairway to Heaven, Pico do Areeiro, PR 1&3 - Sunrise Option
About This Experience
The cheapest way onto the mountain at dawn, and the fullest day of any tour here — a rare combination that explains the 4.8 rating across 366 reviews.
You start high, watching the sun break through the cloud at Pico do Areeiro, then walk the celebrated PR1 section out to the Stairway to Heaven, where the path runs along a knife-edge of rock with drops on both sides. The operator deliberately does not rush this part; the pacing is the thing reviewers mention most.
From there the day turns towards the PR3, the old Donkey Trail once used to move goods between the mountains and Funchal — a quieter, more agricultural side of Madeira, with resident donkeys along the way. A lunch stop at a local coffee shop follows, and the day can finish with a drop-off at Monte for the famous wicker toboggan ride down towards Funchal.
The distinguishing feature is administrative rather than scenic: the operator arranges every hiking ticket for the group, including the €4.50 access ticket, and asks you specifically not to buy your own so they can put everyone on the correct time slots. For anyone put off by the SIMplifica booking process, that alone is worth the fare.
Highlights
- Sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Areeiro
- Hike the legendary Stairway to Heaven on the PR1 trail
- Walk the historic PR3 Donkey Trail and meet friendly donkeys
- Relax with a lunch break at a local coffee shop
- Optional Monte drop-off for the famous Madeira toboggan ride
What's Included
- ✓ We will arrange all necessary HIKING TICKETS
- ✓ Pick-up and drop off in the Funchal
Not Included
- 4.5€ Hiking Tax Ticket
- We will arrange your tickets
- We will send all the payment details to you before the tour or alternatively you can pay the driver for the tickets on the day
- Please DO NOT buy any tickets . We will arrange the tickets for everyone and at the right timeslots
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Food and drinks
- Hiking shoes
- Flashlight
- Charged Smartphone
Good to Know & Caveats
- Weather in the mountains can change quickly. In case of unsafe conditions, timing or routes may be adjusted to ensure your safety and the best possible experience
- Very Important
- 4.5€ Forest Fee Ticket - IFCN (Forest Department) - is not included in the price
- We will send all the payment details to you before the tour
- Please DO NOT buy any tickets . We will arrange the tickets for everyone and at the right timeslots
Not Suitable For
- Children under 5 years
- People with back problems
- People with motion sickness
- Babies under 1 year
- People over 309 lbs (140 kg)
Meeting Point
Pickup and drop-off within Funchal. The day starts with sunrise at Pico do Areeiro and ends with an optional drop at Monte for the toboggan ride.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 366 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We came with our own car, and the communication for the meeting point was flawless from the start :) Our guide, Nelio, was very competent, knowledgeable about the area, and helpful, and he stayed in contact with us the whole time. The hike itself was spectacular and in reality even more breathtaking than in the photos! We would book it again at any time. Thank you very much for the great experience! :)
— Shirley, August
It was a wonderful experience. The professional guide was punctual, very polite, always available, and attentive to details. Highly recommended!
— Inga, August
A great trip, but PR3 is a poor trail with little to see. It's just downhill through the bushes. As for the service, it was great. The contact was very helpful. He explained everything. I highly recommend it!
— Weronika, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiking tickets included?
The operator arranges all necessary hiking tickets for the group, including the €4.50 access ticket, and asks you not to buy your own so everyone is booked onto the right time slots. Payment details are sent before the tour or settled with the driver on the day.
Do I walk the full PR1 to Pico Ruivo?
No. This route covers the PR1 as far as the Stairway to Heaven, then switches to the PR3 Donkey Trail. If you want the complete Arieiro-to-Ruivo traverse, book a dedicated PR1 hiking transfer.
What is the Donkey Trail?
The PR3, a historic path locals once used to carry goods between the high mountains and Funchal. It is quieter than the PR1 and you will usually meet the donkeys that give it its name.
How long is the day?
Five to eight hours depending on group pace and whether you take the optional Monte toboggan drop-off at the end.
Is lunch included?
A lunch break at a local coffee shop is built into the itinerary, but what you order there is at your own cost.
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
Funchal: PR1.2 Pico Ruivo & Achada Teixeira Hiking Transfer
