Ready to conquer Madeira's highest peak? This trail kicks off at Miradouro do Picarouto in Santana, taking you to Pico Ruivo – towering 1,861 meters above the island. You'll get to soak up wow-factor views of rugged peaks like Pico das Torres and Pico do Areeiro along the way, plus glimpses of Penha d'Águia and the Ponta de São Lourenço rock formations. Pause at cosy shelters for a snack before continuing the climb. It's steep, but those 360° views from the summit? Pure Madeira magic.

Although it was raining and windy with bad visibility, it was still a great hike. The guide was friendly and looked after us well. The hike is challenging in places, but worth doing. There is a cafe near the top that has facilities and you can grab food and drink. It is cold at the top so layers are recommended and waterproofs if the weather turns.

The walk was challenging in places but not overly so. Tim the guide was expert in his knowledge of the flora and fauna of the mountain and the history of the region. And on what was a miserable day weather wise kept the group engaged and entertained. 10/10

Really enjoyed this hike. It can be challenging however it is around 700meters you are going up. You do need some change to pay for the route which I thought would have been paid for by TUI however it wasn’t. Incredible staff- really funny and stayed at a steady pace. Lots of stops along the way too! Need some level of fitness to do this hike.

The guide was funny, friendly and experienced; we felt safe in the bus and on the mountain. This is quite a challenging hike if you are not used to altitude. It would be arduous if the sun is out (it was quite cloudy so not too hot for us). 4.7miles and 2000ft of climbing.

A very good hike, with a very informative guide

Why you’ll love this…

Hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak
Snap shots of mountain views and landmarks
Tackle a 9km trail with chill stops along the way

Important to know

This trail includes steep inclines and descents and is not recommended for those with vertigo or physical limitations
The elevation ranges from 1200 metres to 1852 metres
The trail spans approximately 9 kilometres and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to complete
A local Access Fee may be applied, to be paid on the spot until 31.12.2025. From 1.01.2026 is included in the selling price
Not suitable for expectant mothers
Not suitable for guests with poor health
Not suitable for guests with cardiac or respiratory problems
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Not suitable for those with reduced mobility
Not suitable for families with small children
This tour involves extensive walking with little/no rest periods
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring suitable footwear
Bring money for extras or gratuities
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Guide

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI PORTUGAL

What people say about this experience

4.8/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 6 reviews

Review categories

Service

4.9/5

Value for money

4.7/5

Safety

4.9/5

Staff

4.9/5

All ratings (6)

5 stars (5)

83%

4 stars (1)

17%

3 stars (0)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

C
Carole
Solo traveller
26 December 2025
5
United Kingdom
Although it was raining and windy with bad visibility, it was still a great hike. The guide was friendly and looked after us well. The hike is challenging in places, but worth doing. There is a cafe near the top that has facilities and you can grab food and drink. It is cold at the top so layers are recommended and waterproofs if the weather turns.
I
Ian
Travelled with family
31 October 2025
5
United States of America
The walk was challenging in places but not overly so. Tim the guide was expert in his knowledge of the flora and fauna of the mountain and the history of the region. And on what was a miserable day weather wise kept the group engaged and entertained. 10/10
K
Kate
Travelled as a couple
17 September 2025
5
United Kingdom
Really enjoyed this hike. It can be challenging however it is around 700meters you are going up. You do need some change to pay for the route which I thought would have been paid for by TUI however it wasn’t. Incredible staff- really funny and stayed at a steady pace. Lots of stops along the way too! Need some level of fitness to do this hike.
R
Rosi
Travelled as a couple
19 June 2025
5
United States of America
The guide was funny, friendly and experienced; we felt safe in the bus and on the mountain. This is quite a challenging hike if you are not used to altitude. It would be arduous if the sun is out (it was quite cloudy so not too hot for us). 4.7miles and 2000ft of climbing.
F
Frank Jones
Solo traveller
17 January 2025
5
United Kingdom
A very good hike, with a very informative guide
E
El Milka
Travelled as a couple
25 December 2025
3.8
United States of America