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Pico Ruivo Sky Walk
Duration: 2 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 0 - 10 km / 0 - 6 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
> 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
1
Casa das Queimadas - Achada do Teixeira
Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi
Ascent: 990 m / 3248 ft
Descent: 300 m / 984 ft
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
Day
2
Achada do Teixeira - Pico do Arieiro
Duration: 03:55 h
Distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 mi
Ascent: 670 m / 2198 ft
Descent: 470 m / 1542 ft
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.
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