A demanding guided hike from the Ecological Park of Funchal up the Vereda do Burro to Pico do Arieiro, with a mountain guide, transport from Funchal and Caniço and insurance included.
Expect several hours of climbs and stairs; a small trail fee is paid to the guide in cash and snacks are your own. 4.92 from 40 reviews at €48 per person.
In our comparison: #8 of 24 in Hiking Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
A 3€ cash fee, paid to the guide, helps preserve and maintain the trail and its natural surroundings
Snacks
Bottled water
Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 2 September 2026.
Reviews
4.9
40 ratings Viator 23 · Tripadvisor 17
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 40 of 40
Star breakdown of all 40 ratings
5 stars
37 · 93%
4 stars
3 · 8%
3 stars
0 · 0%
2 stars
0 · 0%
1 star
0 · 0%
What reviewers say
Reviewers value the attentive guides and mountain views; steep climbs and repeated stairs make this a demanding walk.
Praised
Knowledgeable, attentive guides who keep the whole group in mind
Mountain and valley views that reviewers find worth the climb
Regular rest stops and a pace that accommodates different walking speeds
Punctual pickups and well organised transport
Complaints
Steep climbs and repeated stairs make the hike physically demanding
The route can be uncomfortable for walkers prone to vertigo
Bad weather and trail closures can lead to a different route
Written by Guidekin from the 36 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (29 December 2024 to 2 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.
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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Departure
08:30 on Wed, Sat; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Pickup
Hotel pickup from 49 pickup points (49 pickup points listed by the operator, 46 of them hotels)
Operator
Madeira Adventure Kingdom; booking and payment are completed on Viator
Itinerary
1
Begin your adventure at Pico do Arieiro, through the diverse terrains of Funchal Ecological Park, immersing in rich vegetation and endemic wildlife along the way1h
2
Make a brief stop at Poço da Neve, an historical site once used for ice production, offering a unique glimpse into Madeira’s past amidst natural beauty5 min
3
Pico do Arieiro
Madeira’s third highest peak, where sweeping panoramic views await to take your breath away right from the start.
2h
4
Where the rugged cliffs offer awe-inspiring views over the valley—perfect for reflection and photos5 min
5
Pause at Miradouro Pedra Rija for a quick photo session against the backdrop of Madeira’s dramatic landscape and azure skies, after passing "The Stairway to Heaven"5 min
About this tour, from the operator
Embark on an adventure through Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes, starting in the Ecological Park of Funchal, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse terrain. The trail leads to Poço da Neve, offering unique views over Funchal harbor. Continue along the PR3 Vereda do Burro trail to the majestic Pico do Areeiro, the island’s third-highest peak. From here, the path guides you to the stunning Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, where you’ll witness Madeira’s rugged beauty. Then, head to Pedra Rija viewpoint, another breathtaking stop. Next, tackle the challenging yet rewarding “Stairway to Heaven,” where the ascent promises awe-inspiring vistas. After conquering this iconic climb, return to Pico do Areeiro to complete your hike. This route is perfect for seasoned hikers and nature lovers, offering some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer. Experience the island's wilderness and let it captivate your soul!
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 involves a 4 hour challenging hike with numerous ups, downs, and stairs. It requires a high level of fitness and is not suitable for individuals with severe health issues or limited mobility.
Rain or Shine: This tour is subject to the unpredictable weather conditions typical at high altitudes. We will proceed as long as it's safe to do so. However, due to rapidly changing weather, we may need to cancel or make an alternative hike if conditions become too hazardous. Your safety is our priority.
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
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
Age 8+ minimum age to join
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 #8 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