> Hike to the highest peak on Madeira
> Spend the night in one of Madeira's highest guesthouses
> Enjoy breathtaking views across the island
This short but truly spectacular hike traverses the highest parts of the island Madeira, including the ascent of its tallest mountain Pico Ruivo. In all fairness, the route is not for the faint-hearted. The ridge from the hut, Casa do Ruivo, to Pico do Arieiro is steep on either side but you're well-protected by the barriers that were put in place.
Doing multi-day treks is not for everybody. But the best way to experience the mountains is to spend at least a night in them. Especially in a place like Achada do Teixeira, perched on top of a high ridge you can marvel at the lush landscape down below and the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon. It also enables you to take late evening or early morning photos from Pico Ruivo, as it's less than an hour's walk from the guesthouse to the summit. On the second day the hike traverses the exciting ridge to Pico do Arieiro, after passing other peaks, you end your trek at the Pico do Juncal viewpoint.
