Pico do Arieeiro

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is the kind of day. You climb a difficult Levada walk with big exposure, lots of stairs, and views above the clouds that feel rare on Madeira. The route connects the second, first, and third highest peaks, so the scenery stays dramatic the whole time.

I especially like the hotel pickup and drop-off, because it saves you the hassle of figuring out transport on a long day. I also like that you get a serious guided experience, plus insurance, not just a casual stroll. The icing on the day is a stop in a coffee shop at the end for a real drink, before you head back.

The trade-off is real: this walk is difficult and not for everyone. If you fear heights, or if you have asthma, this is not something to treat lightly. Come prepared, because it is not flat and it asks for solid walking feet.

Key highlights you will feel on the day

• Three top peaks in one Levada route, including Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, and Achadas da Teixeira
• Long hours with big effort, roughly 9 to 16, starting with pickup at 9:10
• Stairs and non-flat terrain, so you need stamina, not just motivation
• Insurance plus guides, with a guide approach that takes safety seriously
• Weather-driven walking, with appropriate dress needed even when it looks calm in town

Why Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is more than a “walk”

This is not the kind of Levada experience where you mostly follow a gentle channel and call it a day. You start at Pico do Arieiro, then work your way toward Pico Ruivo, and finish via Achadas da Teixeira, all while moving through terrain that is clearly described as difficult and demanding.

What makes it interesting is the combination of high altitude views and Levada-style walking. You are up where the clouds sit low, so the world opens up under you. Even when the route is physically tough, the payoff keeps arriving in waves, with wide views that feel special because you do not get them from typical sightseeing stops.

Also, this is a route with character. There are lots of stairs, it is not completely flat, and it can include sections that make you aware of your footing. That is why the guided aspect matters. You are not only paying for scenery, you are paying for structure, pacing, and someone who knows the ground.

Price and value: $41.77 for a long, guided peak day

At about $41.77 per person, the headline price looks friendly for a full day on Madeira’s highest peaks. The better way to think about value here is what you actually get included.

You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal
• Driver/guide and local guide, plus a professional guide
• Insurance included in the experience
• A guided route that is tough, so the guide is not an optional add-on

What you do not get included is the hard stuff you would otherwise have to buy yourself, like food and drinks. You are expected to bring your own picnic, and plan for water and snacks. You also pay attention to clothing and footwear, because the tour will not provide what you need on the ground.

If you were trying to DIY this, you would still need reliable transport back and forth from Funchal, someone with local route know-how, and a plan that accounts for weather. For many people, that is where the cost stops looking like a bargain and starts looking like a reasonable package.

The day’s rhythm: pickup at 9:10, long walking hours, end at 16:00

This is a full-day plan. The walk runs roughly from 9:00 to 16:00, and the pickup is at 9:10 in Funchal. That means you start early, you walk for a long stretch, and you finish with a small reward.

Group size can vary based on bookings, and it can be as many as 16 travelers. That matters because on a strenuous route, smaller groups can feel easier to manage. Still, the tour is capped at 16, and the presence of multiple guides supports the idea that they keep it organized.

The ending is practical: you stop in a coffee shop so you can have a drink, then the tour brings you back to your hotel at about 16:00. That last part matters after a hard day. You do not want to be stuck thinking about transport when your legs are tired.

Pico do Arieiro start: the second-highest peak sets the tone

Your day begins at Pico do Arieeiro, which is the second highest peak. Starting there is a statement. You are not easing into altitude or views. You come into the hike already surrounded by dramatic terrain, and that early exposure is part of why the views can be so impressive.

Because the route is described as difficult, you should assume the first stretch is where you start feeling the day’s effort. It is also where proper footwear is non-negotiable. Sturdy walking boots help with grip on uneven ground, and they reduce the stress in your ankles and calves when the route turns more demanding.

This is also where you can set your own pace. A good guide will keep you moving safely, especially on routes with stairs and height. Use that early time to settle in, take a breath, and focus on steady steps rather than speed.

The walk toward Pico Ruivo: stairs, height, and that big view moment

Next comes Pico Ruivo, the first highest peak. This is the part of the day that most strongly defines the experience as difficult. The route has lots of stairs and is not completely flat, so your legs do a lot of work.

The height component is also a key consideration. The guidance is very clear: clients who are afraid of heights should not take this walk. If you know that you get tense at exposed sections, this will probably be more than just uncomfortable. It becomes mentally draining, and that can affect your ability to keep good footing.

Asthma is another clear no. If breathing is sensitive for you, do not gamble on a high, demanding day. Even if the views are perfect that day, the physical load could still be the wrong fit.

On the positive side, this is exactly why people love high-peak days. When the weather is sunny and clear, the views above the clouds can be spectacular. That is the kind of scenery that makes a hard route feel like it was worth it, even if you arrive tired.

Achadas da Teixeira: finishing with the third-highest peak feel

From Pico Ruivo you move on to Achadas da Teixeira, the third highest peak. You are still in the same high-altitude mindset, so the scenery keeps the intensity. The advantage of adding a third peak in a single walk is that it keeps the day from feeling like you only get a great view at one photo stop.

Where this part can be tough is simple: by the time you are near the end, you are already working with tired legs. The route’s stairs and non-flat nature mean fatigue builds steadily. That makes the guide’s pacing and safety focus important, especially if weather changes.

Practical tip: plan to drink and eat on schedule, not only when you feel like it. Your picnic is not just for comfort, it is for maintaining energy over a long route. When you skip food, you feel it faster than you expect.

Weather reality: “operates in all weather,” but it still needs good conditions

One of the most confusing things about Madeira hiking is how weather gets described. This experience operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress for real outdoors, not just sunshine.

At the same time, the experience requires good weather, because the tour can be canceled due to poor conditions and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That means you should not assume that a gray morning guarantees the day goes as planned.

What you can control is your kit and your attitude:

• Bring a jacket, because wind at altitude can turn quickly.
• Wear hats, because exposure can be sun or cold, sometimes both.
• Dress appropriately for all conditions, since the route will still be rugged.

If you check the forecast and still go, go with the expectation that conditions can change. This is mountain walking, not a shopping-day stroll.

Packing list: what you should bring so the day stays fun

You are told clearly what to bring, and it is worth treating these items as the difference between a good day and a miserable one.

Bring:

• Your own picnic (lunch is not included)
• Water
• A jacket
• Comfortable clothes
• Walking boots
• Hats

If you only remember one thing, remember the boots. This route is difficult, has lots of stairs, and is not flat. Good shoes help you keep confidence with every step.

Also think about layering. You can start cooler and warm up, or the reverse, depending on cloud cover. A jacket is listed, so you know they expect you to handle changes.

The guide factor: Nester’s serious approach is a big deal on this route

The one review available highlights something I think you should take seriously: guide Nester is described as very knowledgeable and as someone who treats the walk seriously. That kind of approach matters on a route with heights and lots of stairs.

When a hike is tough, a guide is not just entertainment. They are pacing, safety, and decision-making in changing conditions. On a route like this, where fear of heights is a stated concern, having a guide who keeps you focused and managed can be the difference between enjoying the day and feeling overwhelmed.

If you are the type who wants clear instructions and someone who takes safety steps, this style fits that need. The same review also emphasized the importance of sturdy boots and the right gear. That matches the tour guidance, and it is a consistent signal from the experience itself.

Who should book, and who should skip this one

This hike is for people with moderate physical fitness who want a real challenge and can handle high-altitude walking. The walk is described as difficult and not suitable for everyone.

It is not recommended for:

• People afraid of heights
• People with asthma
• Children under 13 are not recommended
• Children must be at least 14 years old to do this walk, and they must be accompanied by an adult

If that describes you, you should strongly consider skipping or choosing a gentler Madeira option. You can still get dramatic views, but you do not need to stack stress on top of fear or breathing concerns.

If you do not have those risk factors and you enjoy mountain walking, this route can feel like one of the most memorable Levada days on the island, especially when the weather is clear.

Is it worth the effort? The payoff you are really buying

You are spending most of the day on a difficult route. So what are you truly buying?

You are buying:

• A big peak-to-peak walking day that connects multiple high points
• Views above the clouds, when weather cooperates
• A guided experience with pickup, insurance, and drop-off so you are not managing logistics
• A finished day with a coffee shop drink and a return to your hotel around 16:00

That last part matters more than people think. Long mountain days can leave you mentally tired. Having the transport handled helps you actually enjoy the ending.

Should you book the Pico do Arieiro highest-peaks Levada walk?

Book it if you:

• Want a challenging walk with high-altitude views
• Have solid walking boots and comfort with stairs
• Are okay with exposure and heights
• Can bring your own picnic and plan for a full day

Skip it if you:

• Are afraid of heights
• Have asthma or breathing concerns
• Want an easy Levada stroll instead of a tough mountain day
• Are traveling with kids who do not meet the minimum age guidance

If you are deciding last minute, ask yourself one simple question: do I feel confident on uneven ground with stairs, at altitude, with exposed surroundings? If the answer is no, save your energy for an easier route. If the answer is yes, this is the kind of Madeira hike that delivers big views for the hard work you put in.

FAQ

What is the meeting time and start time for this tour?

The pickup is at 9:10, and the start time is 9:00 am in Funchal.

How long is the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Levada walk?

The walk runs approximately 9 to 16 hours.

Where does the walk start?

It starts at Pico do Arieiro and the tour begins in Funchal, Madeira.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes driver/guide, local guide, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and insurance.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks, including lunch, are not included. You should bring your own picnic and water.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring a picnic, water, a jacket, comfortable clothes, walking boots, and hats. Wear gear appropriate for all weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children under 13 are not recommended. Children must be at least 14 years old and must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

What is the cancellation rule if weather forces changes?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, so if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.