Arieiro Peak and Santana Biosphere Reserve: Full Day Open Roof 4x4 Tour from Funchal
4.9
128 Ratings
Funchal
Embark on a full-day open roof 4x4 tour from Funchal to Arieiro Peak and Santana Biosphere Reserve. Experience breathtaking landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage forests, traditional houses, a rum distillery, and stunning viewpoints.
Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Pico do Arieiro - Pico do Arieiro with stunning panoramic views from 1.818m high
  • Ribeiro Frio - Ribeiro Frio, surrounded by Laurissilva Forest and beautiful evergreen mountains.
  • Santana - Santana, The “Biosphere Reserve” by Unesco, with its typical houses
  • Pico do Facho viewpoint - Visit a very traditional Rum Distillery in Porto da Cruz and Pico do Facho Viewpoint
What's Included
  • Local Taxes
  • Free pick up and drop off in Funchal’s central area and port
  • Professional guide
  • Safety Instructions + First Aid
  • WiFi
  • All insurances in accordance with Portuguese Law
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Our journey from Funchal ascends to the impressive height of Pico do Arieiro, situated at 1818 meters. As we ascend, dramatic landscapes will open up before us with panoramas stretching to Ponta de São Lourenço, Paúl da Serra, Curral das Freiras, and Porto Santo (weather permitting). As we transition to the island’s northern region, our path takes us through the lush Ribeiro Frio, enveloped by the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a variety of exotic flora and verdant mountains that elicit tranquility. Our journey progresses through an engaging off-road segment as we approach Santana, the Biosphere Reserve. This iconic town is recognized for its distinctive triangular dwellings that have been serving locals as homes and stables for centuries. After a lunch break (cost not included), our tour proceeds to a quintessential Rum Distillery in Porto da Cruz. Our excursion concludes at Pico do Facho viewpoint, where breathtaking views of Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico Bay await. Machico, the first capital of Madeira, was the original landing place of the island’s earliest explorers.

  • Pick-ups and drop-offs outside Funchal´s central area have an extra fee
Location
Funchal Ecological Park
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(128 Ratings)
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Northstar30218412173
May 13, 2024
Simple amazing! Highly recommend! - Most amazing experience in Madeira! The views are breathtaking! And special thank you to our guide Tony - a true gentleman and his great humour made the day full of laughter and truly unforgettable! Would repeat it all again 100%!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tzanhifigeneia
May 1, 2024
Excellent - It was an amazing experience! Romero was such a good guide! He told us so much about the places we visited and has a great sense of humour 😃 the places were fantastic! I would highly recommend it!
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Exploreculture108
Apr 30, 2024
Lasting impression of Madeira - Diago C. What a great guide and individual for a superb day, sharing his local knowledge and connecting with us, sharing his deeper level of kindness. Complements!!
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Eddy
Apr 25, 2024
Great outing with Gil! - Had a very nice day with an enthusiastic guide Gil. Adjusted the route because it was far too busy at Pico do Arieiro. However, we found this a relief because our experienced guide Gil knew a great alternative route. With few to no other tourists. He also took the time to tell us in detail about the island. The local lunch was also simple but tasty!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcella987654321
Apr 8, 2024
Amazing tour - Amazing trip, the tour guide Diogo C Shared a lot of knowledge and was clear what we Would do :). Saw a lot of beautifull places. Would recommand! Thank you
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33shaunk
Apr 3, 2024
Fantastic day - Our Driver Gil was very passionate and full of information about the island, and went out of his way to make the trip special for my son. Lots to see, love the vehicles food was great, best birthday I have had in years
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Monifried
Mar 30, 2024
Great tour with Jill - Fantastic tour of the east of Madeira in a jeep! Incredible views and pure adventure on the off-road roads. The planting of a tree and Jill's good explanations of Madeira's flora underline the sustainability that gives this tour its name: Sustainable 4x4 Tour! Highly Recommended!
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Carinasc4580ow
Mar 30, 2024
Excellent! No typical tourist crap. - It was a great trip. Our guide told us a lot about the local customs, for example picking local fruits along the way and explaining them. We weren't always on the highways, but also on the roads and off-road. This gave us the feeling that we were learning a lot about the culture. Although the weather was very changeable, our guide changed several stops so that we had a nice day. We can only recommend the trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
222smac
Mar 28, 2024
Fantastic day - Picked up promptly at our hotel by Gil. We set off up to Arieiro Peak, stopping off on the way to plant a little tree which was great fun. Unfortunately the weather did not allow for views once at the top. Gils enthusiasm is amazing. His knowledge of his homeland is second to none. He goes above and beyond to make the day memorable. He showed us fruits we never heard of before and took us to this beautiful valley that was abundant with all sorts of different fauna. There was some great off roading as well. Santana was excellent. We had a look in one of the oldest houses and were treated to a shot of liqueur coffee. Gil suggested we stopped at the water mill which was fascinating. There we were offered biscuits and a shot of home made wine . We finished off at Machico beach after stopping off at some great view points. A fantastic day.
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Marak690
Mar 27, 2024
Off road journey - Really friendly driver and nice views. We had a beautiful day , every question can be answered and they will try to make you happy
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June 2024
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