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Stairway to Heaven Pico do Areeiro in Madeira Island

4.9 Excellent 40 reviews
|
4h–5h
|
German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
40 reviews
5
37
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

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.

From the guide

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!

Compared with other Hiking Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #5 of 11€484h–5h4.92 (40)shared
Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours€385 per group6h5.0 (72)private
Madeira Sunset at Pico do Arieiro and PR1 Stairway To Heaven€334h4.88 (155)shared
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR 1) - Hiking Tour in Madeira€536h4.94 (34)shared

Ranked #5 of 11 in Hiking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €33 to €53, median €46; typical length 7h. 1 of 11 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 11 Hiking Tours

Schedule & Availability

Runs Wed, Sat
Departs: 08:30
Available year-round

This tour runs Wed, Sat, departing at 08:30. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 2, 2026.

What's Included

Mountain guide
Transportation (Center of Funchal and Caniço)
In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Insurance (according with the Portuguese law)

What's Not Included

A 3€ cash fee, paid to the guide, helps preserve and maintain the trail and its natural surroundings
Snacks
Bottled water

Itinerary

Begin your adventure at Pico do Arieiro, through the diverse terrains of Func... Stop 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 way.
1h
Make a brief stop at Poço da Neve, an historical site once used for ice produ... Stop 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 beauty.
5 min
Pico do Arieiro Stop 3
Madeira’s third highest peak, where sweeping panoramic views await to take your breath away right from the start.
2h
Where the rugged cliffs offer awe-inspiring views over the valley—perfect for... Stop 4
Where the rugged cliffs offer awe-inspiring views over the valley—perfect for reflection and photos
5 min
Pause at Miradouro Pedra Rija for a quick photo session against the backdrop ... Stop 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

Departure & Return

Pickup included

Pickup is included for guests staying at the designated hotels. We advise you to be ready and waiting in the hotel reception area 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Our guides will wait approximately 5 minutes for each guest. Look out for our vans, which can be either white (smaller) or grey (larger). We strive to ensure a smooth and timely start to your adventure, though external delays can occur. If that happens, you will be updated on the day. One day before the activity, we may adjust the pickup time for your convenience.

Additional Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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.
  • Cancellation Policy: No refunds are provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the activity's start time
  • Breakfast: Ensure you have a hearty breakfast before embarking on the activity to keep your energy levels high throughout the hike.
  • 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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 48 / person