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Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo - Achada do Teixeira Walk

6 Reviews 4.33 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Madeira, Portugal

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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, German, Spanish

Overview

This walk starts at Pico do Areeiro, at approximately 1818 meters above sea level and we make our way to the highest point of Madeira, Pico Ruivo, around 1861 meters.

It is possible to witness panoramic views of Madeira over the central
mountain range that are absolutely breathtaking.

This is the only known breeding site in the world of Zino’s petrel (Pterodroma madeira), an endemic species considered to be the most endangered seabird of Europe.

In this area, the vegetation of altitude is predominant, mainly of Centenary endemic Urzes; these large trees predate Madeira’s discovery.

To reach Pico Ruivo, we must go around Pico das Torres up a steep incline of steps carved in the rock and then descend, the most difficult part of this trail being the final climb to the Shelter at Pico Ruivo. But the thought of reaching the highest point of the island is a driving force.

Near the Pico Ruivo shelter, we take footpath, which leads to Achada do Teixeira, where we finish our journey.

What's Included

  • Live commentary
  • Insurance
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We have two meeting points in the center of Funchal City. One is by the cable car station located in the old town. The other is located in the roundabout so-called "Rotunda do Infante".

OR
Meeting point

Estrada Monumental 284
9000-096 Funchal, Portugal

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Pico do Arieiro

This hike begins at Pico do Arieiro, located at 1818 meters above sea level, within a short distance we come upon the Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) belvedere. From this platform where this bird of prey is supposed to have bred, one can see the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, where some Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinnus) breed, São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central Mountain Range.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Pico Ruivo

At an elevation of 1861 meters, the Pico Ruivo Viewpoint, situated in Santana, is located at the highest point of the Madeira Archipelago. This is the third highest mountain in Portugal. On a clear day, you can see Curral das Freiras, in the Câmara de Lobos municipality, the various plateaus of Santana and the deep valleys of Ribeira Grande and São Jorge. It also offers great views of the Ponta de São Lourenço, Paul da Serra, Porto Santo and the Desertas Islands.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia (tunnels).
  • Not recommended for children under 10 years old
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixeira Walk?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-257466P12

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.33
6 reviews

Average 4.33 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

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  • Live commentary
  • Insurance
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with severe vertigo.
  • Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia (tunnels).
  • Not recommended for children under 10 years old
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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