Aug 6, 2024
Great views - Who ever said 70+ people can do this are lying unless they are super super fit. Expect to climb a lot of stairs. It was a great experience over all. You can definitely see how far your limit is with this hike. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 12, 2024
Breathtaking Views - We had so much fun with Nestor, he was funny, very knowledgeable about the mountains and made sure everyone was safe at all times. I loved how he would speak in different languages to have everyone understand what was going on. Nestor took breaks in between for everyone to catch up, and for those who had harder time, he went back and helped them out. The hike is only difficult in the last part ( before the picnic place, it's a small house/shop with snacks to buy) because of the endless stairs but that was it. Once you arrive in the small house for a break ( 1 hr) it is super easy. The hike was slow and steady so I believe you don't need to be in super shape to do it. Thank you Nestor and the driver for the amazing time, this hike was the highlight of my trip!! We will come back and visit you! Cheers
Review provided by Viator
Jul 9, 2024
Great guided hiking! - I recommend Feeling Madeira highly. It was easy to book a hike, and the instructions and communication regarding pickup and dropoff were great. Gabriel, our guide, was great. He was good with hikers with vertigo and/or claustrophobia (some of the tunnels are long!), and had a good mix of conversation and hiking.
You don't *need* a guide to walk, the hikes, but having one was great to get the local flavor, some nice conversation, and that extra layer of safety. We did see several people who got lost on the trails...
Finally, having the bus from Funchal to the trailheads is very much worth it. Parking is a pain at the trailhead.
We enoyed it so much we did two hikes with them (Pico Ruivo and 25 Fontes).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 1, 2024
Take to the skies! - As part of the tour of the East organized by Feeling Madeira Tours & Walks, our mini-bus made a long stop at Pico do Arieiro which is the third highest peak on the island.
-
On the contrary, its 2 neighbors: Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo are wild places that require trekking experience.
-
In the heart of the eastern part of Madeira, this exceptional place is very popular.
On the winding road, you may come across a few cows in complete freedom.
The parking lots can accommodate many vehicles.
Crowds are in full swing for sunrises and sunsets.
For this reason, tour operator mini buses avoid these magical moments.
-
A vast slate gray building in two parts with a solarium balcony welcomes tourists. You can eat there, drink, buy souvenirs and island products.
-
The views are exceptional, with a sea of clouds hovering above the fantastic rock formations.
When the sky is clear, it is possible to see the southern coast of Madeira, the village of Curral das Freiras and even the island of Porto Santo.
-
On the way to Pico do Arieiro, you can contemplate a covered stone well (8 meters deep), resembling an igloo, known as “Poço da Neve”.
In fact an icehouse which was built in 1813 by an English family to store and preserve mountain ice, at a time when Madeira did not yet have electricity.
In 2011, a white radome air defense radar was installed atop the peak.
From Pico do Arieiro (1818 m, 3rd summit) which is one of the most visited places on the island thanks to its easy motorized access, trails that lead to Pico das Torres (1851 m, 2nd summit at 12 km return walk, for very experienced hikers) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m, 1st summit, 16 km return walk, also for very experienced hikers) await the sporty and intrepid.
-
There is no doubt, you will enjoy the excursion to Pico do Arieiro which will then take you back down to Funchal with lovely panoramas at the bend of the road.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 29, 2023
Very good - The view is so amazing and the whole trip is very hard and refreshing. A trip to remember rest of my life, but its was very windy
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 2, 2023
Amazing experience - Excellent walk and guide Johnny kept the group together and kept the pace nice and steady
Would highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Jul 12, 2023
EPIC day canyoning! - Amazing and unforgettable experience. We were complete beginners but with Pedro and Lucas explaining everything and being with us the whole way we felt really comfortable. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 2, 2023
Disappointment with the guide on a spectacular excursion. - Spectacular tour, with a significant deficit on the part of the company organizing the excursion. They offered a guide in Spanish and did not utter a word in that language throughout the entire tour. Disappointing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 27, 2023
Not worth paying for - Mmm. They say free pick up from all hotels and houses but that is not true.
The guide smoked a lot throughout the hike which was off putting.
I’d suggest hiking on your own and arranging transit from either side to save time and money.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 31, 2024
Not what I wanted or expected - We never got to do this. We were told the weather wasn’t good and too foggy. It’s difficult as at home this is normal and I would have gone up but in a group you are dealing with people wearing jeans and trainers - they should not be allowed on these hikes. We were taken a different walk which was fine. But nowhere near the same and a very large group meaning it was slow and not the experience I expected. The guide was great and it’s not his fault but with people who actually hike in all weathers this could have gone ahead. Hikes are not just about the views, it’s also conquering the hill/ mountain.
Review provided by Viator