---
title: Stairway to Heaven Pico do Areeiro in Madeira Island
lang: en
alternate_de: https://guidekin.com/de/portugal/madeira/tours/stairway-to-heaven-pico-do-areeiro-in-madeira-island/
type: tour
city: Madeira
country: Portugal
price: 48
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.92
reviews: 40
duration_minutes: 240
duration_max_minutes: 300
languages: [de, pt, en, fr, es]
free_cancellation: "true"
rank_in_category: 8 of 24 (Hiking Tours)
schedule_checked: 2026-09-02
data_updated: 2026-10-04
canonical: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/stairway-to-heaven-pico-do-areeiro-in-madeira-island/
---

# Stairway to Heaven Pico do Areeiro in Madeira Island

**Guidekin's take:** 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 (table below).

## Overview

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!

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: from 49 pickup points
- Starts 08:30: one departure a day
- Food not included: bring or buy your own
- Fitness notes apply: see additional information
- Age 8+: minimum age to join

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup from 49 pickup points

## Key facts

- Price: from €48 per person
- Duration: 4h–5h
- Rating: 4.92/5 from 40 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: Madeira Adventure Kingdom
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
- Start times: 08:30
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-09-02

## Reviews

4.92 from 40 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 40 of 40.

- 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 (2024-12-29 to 2026-09-02); last checked 2026-10-04.

## What's included

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

## Not included

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

## Itinerary

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

## Schedule

- Runs: Wed, Sat
- Departures: 08:30
- Schedule last checked: 2026-09-02
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

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

Pickup points listed by the operator: 49

## Good to know

- 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.

Booking asks for: dates of birth

## Compared with other Hiking Tours

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #8 of 24** | €48 | 4h–5h | 4.92 (40) | shared |
| [Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours](/portugal/madeira/tours/real-life-mountains-sea-cliffs-lunch-levada-walk-6-hours/?format=md) | €385 per group | 6h | 5.0 (72) | private |
| [Gastro hike (Private Tour)](/portugal/madeira/tours/gastro-hike-private-tour/?format=md) | €80 | 5h | 5.0 (54) | private |
| [Walk with a local](/portugal/madeira/tours/walk-with-a-local/?format=md) | €55 | 4h | 4.96 (67) | shared |

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.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/hiking-tours/?format=md

## More in Madeira

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- This page as HTML: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/tours/stairway-to-heaven-pico-do-areeiro-in-madeira-island/

Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/portugal/madeira/?format=md