Exploring Madeira: Hike From Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

If you are looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, Madeira has something that will take your breath away: the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike. I'm going to tell you all tips and recommendations to take into account for this route on Madeira Island. I will guide you through my personal experience.

Parking Pico do Arieiro: How to get there

If you want to enjoy the sunrise on Pico do Arieiro and have a plce to park your car, it is essential to arrive with at least half an hour in advance to the sunrise (parking is free). This starting point is popular due to its impressive observatory and the panoramic views it offers. The best way to get here from Funchal is by car, and travel time is approximately 1 hour by road.

However, if you don't make it in time to park at the main site, don't worry. There are other parking spaces available near the beginning of the route and the observatory. In this case, please note that they are located about 10 minutes from the observatory.

Magical Morning at Pico do Arieiro

It all starts early at the top of Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest points of Madeira. The reason for getting up early is simple: witnessing the sunrise from this peak is an experience you will never forget. As the first rays of sunshine tinged the sky with warm, golden hues.

In this case we witnessed the sunrise at 6 am. If you come to Madeira, this is a mandatory stop. Even if you are not going to do the route in the end, just for the sunrise is worth it.

Preparations: Hiking route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is known for its beauty, but also for its challenge. It is essential to be well prepared. I recommend you to carry sunscreen, plenty of water and an energy bar. Essential for this route is wear a windbreaker. During the route the winds can be very strong. This is especially true at the beginning of the route, when you do not have the protection of the rocks.

Also, just before reaching the peak you will find a cantina. There you will find public restrooms and they also sell food and water.

What is the route to choose?

When you face the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruibo hiking route, you have several routes to choose from, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Some of the popular routes include:

1. Main Route (Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo): This is the best known and most direct route that will take you from the top of Pico do Arieiro to the top of Pico Ruivo. It offers spectacular views, but be aware that it can be challenging.
2. Encumeada Variant (Pico do Arieiro - Encumeada - Pico Ruivo): This route is longer but less steep compared to the main route. It will take you through Encumeada, another beautiful spot on the island.
3. Achada do Teixeira Variant (Pico do Arieiro - Achada do Teixeira - Pico Ruivo): This variant is ideal if you prefer to avoid the steepest parts of the main route.

I recommend that you use the AllTrails to download route maps. AllTrails provides you with detailed maps, reviews from other hikers and useful data to plan your Madeira hiking adventure.

I also recommend you to read the complete guide on levadas in Madeira.

The Main Route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

In our case, we opted for the Main Route. Here are some facts to keep in mind about this route:

• Distance: The route is approximately 6 kilometers in each direction, which adds up to 12 kilometers in total.
• Difficulty: Considered moderate to moderate difficult due to its steep terrain and some exposed areas.
• Duration: The route can take from 5 to 6 hours total, depending on your pace and stops. The normal thing is to stop to rest at the viewpoints. There are a lot of them along the route and they are very worthwhile.
• Altitude: Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira, with 1,862 meters above sea level. This means that you will have to control your breathing well on the route. You should not take an accelerated pace if you are not used to these heights.

How is the trail: from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo?

The trail will take you through a varied terrain, from dirt roads to wooden walkways and, yes, many stairs. The panoramic views are breathtaking, with dizzying cliffs and deep valleys stretching out all around you. As I hiked on, I realized why this route is so popular; each pass offers a more impressive view than the last.

Crowd on the Route

As I mentioned before, this trail is very popular, specially during the high season. In my experience, it was best to leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds. This way I had the opportunity to enjoy the peace and serenity of the landscape more quietly. In addition, leaving early allows you to see the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro, a truly magical experience.

For the adventurous, there is the possibility of camping at Pico Ruivo. If you are interested, see my article on how to camp in Madeira to get information on how to apply for a camping permit.

The footwear: Hiking route from pico do arieiro to pico Ruivo

A crucial piece of advice: Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Hiking boots with good grip are essential due to the rocky terrain and steep stairs. It is also important to carry enough water and some energy bars to keep you fueled along the route.

The Reward at Pico Ruivo

After a few hours on the path, I finally reached Pico Ruivo, the summit of Madeira. The views from here are incomparable. You can see the island stretching out in front of you, with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. It's the perfect place to take a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic.

My experience on the Route to Pico Ruivo

The route from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Madeira. The natural beauty and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit make the effort worthwhile. If you are you are nature and hiking lover, this is a trip you won't want to miss.