The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe. If you are lucky, at the start of the hike at Pico do Arieiro at 1818 meters altitude, you will first see a beautiful sunrise above the clouds. After this, you walk around a corner every few minutes and have another stunning view of all the mountain peaks. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to walk to Pico Ruivo, which is tough but SO worth it! Below you can read all about this wonderful hike in Madeira.
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Different routes from PR1 Pico Do Arieiro -> Pico Ruivo
As mentioned above, there are several routes to get to and from Pico Ruivo.
Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo → Pico do Arieiro
If you decide to make the hike return, the duration of the hike will be about 7 to 8 hours. The total number of kilometers is 13 and the altitude difference is 1,700 meters. This is a very tough hike and you need to be in good shape for this.
Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo → Achada do Teixeira
If you have arranged to be picked up at Achada do Teixeira, the hike will take about 5 to 6 hours. The total number of kilometers is then 8 and the altitude difference is 1000 meters. This is the hike most often recommended. You have the beautiful views on the way out. After the highlight of Pico Ruivo, take a leisurely walk to the parking lot.
Achada do Teixeira → Pico Ruivo → Achada do Teixeira
It is even possible to take the walk alone from the Achada do Teixeira parking lot. Then the duration of the walk will be 3 hours. The total number of kilometers also 3 and the altitude difference 250 meters. This hike does miss the beautiful views at Pico do Arieiro and the beautiful mountains along the way.
Preparation for the hike PR1 Pico Do Arieiro -> Pico Ruivo
The day before you plan your hike, it’s smart to buy some things in advance so you’re as prepared as possible. The items you should bring anyway are:
- Enough food (preferably also something with sugars such as bananas and energy bars)
- At least 2 liters of water per person
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Long pants and sweater for morning, shorts and top for later in the morning when it gets warmer
- Good walking shoes
- Photo camera or phone
- Cash money
Should you be using a bolt or cab, make sure you have everything well arranged with your driver the day before. What time you will be picked up at your hotel and if he can also pick you up again at Achada do Teixeira in the early afternoon.
Start of the hike
The sunrise on Pico do Arieiro is beautiful to see. It’s actually a shame to skip this one. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at Pico do Arieiro between 07:00 and 07:15. If you are staying in Funchal you will have to leave around 06:00 to arrive here on time.
From the parking lot walk to the large round building. If you walk to the right here you will see a path leading over a mountain. If you follow this path you will arrive at the Miradouro Juncal viewpoint. From this viewpoint, in good weather, you can see a beautiful sunrise over the clouds. A real goosebump moment.
After half an hour, it’s time to start the hike. Walk back to the big round building and here you will see a sign “Pico Ruivo, 7 kilometers. From then on there is one path that leads you to Pico Ruivo. You start right away with first a good drop and then you immediately go up significantly. So prepare for a fierce start.
After several breaks and beautiful viewpoints, you will arrive at a café. Here you can buy a refreshing cold drink or ice cream. You do need cash for this. There are also toilets here and you can fill your bottle with cold water. From the café, it is another half-hour steep climb uphill to reach Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest point. You have a 360-degree view here at an altitude of 1862 meters, how cool is that!
After thoroughly enjoying the views here, it’s time to descend to the café. From the café you will see two signs and routes: one to go back to Pico do Arieiro and the other to go to the Achada do Teixeira parking lot. This is also the point where you can call your cab driver that you will be in the parking lot in an hour.
Upon returning to your hotel, it’s time for a well-deserved drink and a good meal. Tomorrow you will feel your sore calves. Therefore, it is advisable not to plan any strenuous activities the following day. For example, do a day of sightseeing in Funchal or relax by a pool or beach. When you are sufficiently rested, it is time to go on the island’s other three beautiful hikes: the PR 8 Vereda Ponta de São Lourenço, PR6 Levada de 25 Fontes and the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
