A guided levada hike from Paul da Serra down into the Rabaçal valley through the laurel forest, with the Risco waterfall added and a return through a long old tunnel to the south side, by minivan from Funchal and Caniço.
The trail fee, water and snacks are extra; it runs rain or shine. 4.7 from 206 reviews at €48 per person.
Best for: Start with the guided Twenty Five Fountains hike with Funchal transfers: 7h total at €48 per person, 4.7 from 206 reviews; long return tunnel. Hiking Tours comparison
Trade-off: Long return tunnel; trail fee extra.
In our comparison: #24 of 24 in Hiking Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
Editorial check: September 15, 2026How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.
Price and inclusions
One price for every traveller: €48 per adult.
Included and not included
Local professional guide
Transportation (Center of Funchal and Caniço)
Insurance
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Trail fee set by local authorities, applied to visitors accessing official routes to support conservation, maintenance, safety measures, and the sustainable management of Madeira’s natural trails
Snacks
Bottled water
Children from €34 (ages 8 to 11). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 31 August 2026.
Reviews
4.7
206 ratings Viator 120 · Tripadvisor 86
93% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 191 of 206
Star breakdown of all 206 ratings
5 stars
165 · 80%
4 stars
26 · 13%
3 stars
12 · 6%
2 stars
1 · 0%
1 star
2 · 1%
What reviewers say
Reviewers praise the forest scenery and knowledgeable guides; crowding on the paths and around the waterfalls is the main caveat.
Praised
Guides' explanations of local plants, wildlife and levada history
Forest paths, flowing levadas and waterfall scenery
Attentive guides who explain hazards and keep the group together
A measured walking pace with breaks and time to take in the scenery
Well organised transport and reassuring driving on mountain roads
Complaints
Crowds on narrow paths and at the fountains leave little room to stop and enjoy the falls
Some find the hike easy, while others find its many, sometimes slippery steps harder than expected
Some enjoy the tunnel, while others find its darkness and enclosed space unsettling
No toilets along much of the walking route
Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (5 March 2023 to 3 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.
Latest reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Departure
08:30 on Fri, Sun; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Pickup
Hotel pickup from 53 pickup points (53 pickup points listed by the operator, 49 of them hotels)
Operator
Madeira Adventure Kingdom; booking and payment are completed on Viator
Itinerary
1
Laurissilva Forest
Our official guide will tell you everything about our endemic Laurisilva forest.
4h
About this tour, from the operator
Starting in the serene Paul da Serra and descending into the stunning Rabaçal Valley, you'll walk through the lush Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike other tours, we include a visit to the magnificent Risco Waterfall, adding an extra layer of awe to your journey. Plus, our return route takes you through a 500-meter ancient tunnel, ending on the south side of Madeira, providing a unique and memorable conclusion to your adventure.
Walking, children and accessibility
The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.
Walking and health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Health and Fitness: This tour envolves a 4h30 hike (approximately) and it requires a moderate level of fitness and is not suitable for individuals with severe health issues or limited mobility.
Breakfast: Ensure you have a hearty breakfast before embarking on the activity to keep your energy levels high throughout the hike
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Rain or Shine: This tour will take place regardless of weather conditions (if it's possible to do it safely)
Cancellation Policy: No refunds are provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the activity's start time
It might be possible to buy food and drinks before the hike, but this is not guaranteed. Please bring your own refreshments and do not count on purchasing them along the way
Multilingual Guide: Your tour may be led by a guide fluent in multiple languages. While we do our best to provide a guide who speaks your preferred language, this is not always guaranteed. In such cases, the tour will be conducted in English.
Good to know
Food not included bring or buy your own
Fitness notes apply see additional information
Children from €34 ages 8 to 11
The booking form will also ask for: dates of birth
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Ranked #24 of 24 in Hiking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €31 to €109, median €48; typical length 7h 15m. 3 of 24 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 24 Hiking Tours