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An absolutely stunning hike through Madeira's highest peaks.


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.5

KM

Point to Point

6,035' 1,840 m

High

5,091' 1,552 m

Low

2,009' 612 m

Up

2,689' 820 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

57%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

Family Friendly This would be a fantastic hike for OLDER children (I'd say 10+). Not appropriate for toddlers due to the steep drops and the climbs.

Always check the Madeira website to ensure the trail is open as it is subject to closure due to rockslides.

Overview

An amazing tour of some of the highest peaks in Madeira with outstanding views along the way.

Need to Know

This route is mapped as a shuttle, so plan on leaving a car at the end, or having someone pick you up. Alternatively, you can make this a much longer day by doing it as an out-and-back.

Description

This trail starts at Pico do Areeiro (second highest mountain in Madeira), which is already stunningly panoramic. The trail is very, very easy to follow and is super well-marked. It continues along a crest (and eventually through tunnels) to Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain in Madeira, where you can hike right to the peak of Ruivo. The views throughout are absolutely stunning, with steep drops next to the narrow trail.

The trail is not super difficult, but does have a good amount of climbing, so you should be in decent shape before starting out. Trekking poles are helpful for the descents. The trail is also under repair, so there are portions with no guiderail, and thus I would not recommend the trail to people who suffer vertigo.

Flora & Fauna

Beautiful endemic wildflowers and plants.

Shared By:

Leslie Meerburg

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#2

in Madeira

#4947

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
33%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Madeira

#4

in Portugal

#4,947

Overall
21 Views Last Month
13,277 Since Jun 10, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
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0%
33%
67%
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Photos

Madeira.
Jul 29, 2016 near Curral…, PT
View from Pico Ruivo
Jul 29, 2016 near Curral…, PT
Pico do Arieiro.
Jul 29, 2016 near Curral…, PT
View from the footpath from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
Jul 29, 2016 near Curral…, PT
Pico Ruivo.
Jul 29, 2016 near Curral…, PT
Flowers along the trail.
Jul 29, 2016 near Curral…, PT
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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Apr 4, 2018
Ian Budd
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