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Pico Ruivo Sky Walk

Duration: 2 days

Trails: T3 trails

Distance: 0 - 10 km per day

Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ

> 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.

Itinerary

Day

Casa das Queimadas - Achada do Teixeira

Duration: 04:00 h

Distance: 9.1 km

Ascent: 990 m

Descent: 300 m

From the traditional Madeira house Casa das Queimadas, that now serves as a museum, you start hiking along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Walk along the levada until you are at the entrance of a tunnel. Don't go through the tunnel but turn right and over the tunnel, and continue climbing on the Vereda Ilha Pico Ruivo. It's a long climb through the forest to the top of the ridge called Encumeada Alta at around 1700 meters. Turn left and descend for about 1.5 km to your fantastic spot for the night, Achada do Teixeira.

Achada do Teixeira

Info

Day

Achada do Teixeira - Pico do Arieiro

Duration: 03:55 h

Distance: 8.3 km

Ascent: 670 m

Descent: 470 m

Achada do Teixeira is just 3 kilometers from the summit of Pico Ruivo. Hike back to where you came from yesterday and continue at the junction (waymarks). Pico Ruivo is signposted. Quickly you will arrive at the hut, Casa do Ruivo where you can grab a cup of coffee or tea. It's only 15 minutes from the highest point. Head back to the hut and just after turn right on the mind blowing hike to Pico do Arieiro. Expect brilliant views, steep drop offs and tunnels. It is one of the most exciting hiking stretches on Madeira. When you arrive at Pico do Arieiro you can have a last view on Pico do Juncal before heading back to Funchal.

Included

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodation on the Madeira Trail in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.
Full travel guide

We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide which includes a route description, interactive Madeira Trail hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek.
Breakfast

Breakfast is, if possible, included in this trek and it will be provided every morning at your accommodation.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.
Transfers

Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas etc.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

Destinations

Trekking Type

Pico Ruivo Sky Walk