Hiking trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira

After much anticipation, I finally accomplished the long-delayed project of completing the hiking trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo on a fabulous day.

The path connecting Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo ranks as one of the most exhilarating and frequently traversed trails by regular hikers exploring Madeira.

Pico Ruivo, the highest peak of  Madeira‘s archipelago

With an altitude of 1862m, Pico Ruivo stands as the highest peak of Madeira’s archipelago, drawing many hikers to its summit.

However, the path linking these two peaks offers a far more magnificent experience than simply ascending the highest summit.

Walking from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo presents a landscape that can fill our chests and momentarily steal our breath.

The reconstruction of the walking trail and “what people say.”

I remember hearing about significant improvements made to this trail, making it more accessible.

Some criticized these changes, fearing they would diminish the trail’s charm.

While I cannot speak to how it was before the improvements, based on my experience and old photos, I can imagine what it might have been like.

The enhancements made this mountain trail more accessible to a broader range of people and significantly increased safety levels.

However, this doesn’t negate the need for necessary precautions while using the trail.

Nevertheless, now all hikers, with some practice, can venture onto the trail without significant risk.

Just because the trail has been improved doesn’t mean the world has become smaller in adventure possibilities for adrenaline seekers like myself.

That said, I was pleased with the work done on the track. However, as the saying goes, “There is no beauty without a but,” and the price of this improvement is the crowd.

Like me, countless hikers were on this path, resulting in dense lines at certain points.

Finding moments without anyone passing by wasn’t easy so I could take a picture, but it was still possible.

Despite the crowds, walking this trail was worth it.

Starting the hike

The trail begins from the commercial area of Pico do Areeiro, where visitors can utilize the facilities before their usual coffee break.

Being a bustling and accessible area, it attracts crowds of people, capturing selfies against the backdrop of the landscape, emblematic of modern times.

The starting point of the trail is easily discernible.

Clear day, all peaks visible, steep & rugged terrain adorned with wrinkles & ridges.

As I peer into the valley, my imagination takes flight. 

Nestled within some of the valleys ahead lie the famous aqueducts of Madeira. 

It fills me with anticipation knowing that in the days to come, I’ll be traversing those aqueducts—an exhilarating prospect.

Certain sections of the trail may pose a challenge for those sensitive to vertigo, although handrails are available to assist.

Portuguese often fall short in maintenance.

It’s disheartening to observe that some handrails are already showing signs of wear and are in need of repair.

Along the route, we pass through four tunnels, with two of them requiring the use of a headlight as they extend into darkness.

At the steepest points, a few steps have been carved out or metal ladders installed to facilitate progress.

A mountain shelter or a bar?

At a particular moment, you reach a house resembling a mountain shelter.

This structure appears abandoned, and while I lack all the details of its story, it pains me to witness such a fascinating building left to decay.

Tourists were asking about the abandoned place, unable to understand the reason.

As an entrepreneur, I couldn’t help but ponder the idea of opening a bar here.

If even half of these people purchased something at this location, it would make for a successful business day, providing excellent service for hikers.

We passed the shelter before ascending the final section towards Pico Ruivo.

Pico Ruivo lies just a few hundred meters beyond the shelter house.

As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details,” and the last leg of the journey is often the most challenging.

At the top

Upon reaching the summit, you encounter an unforgettable 360º view, a dream for any landscape photographer.

You find yourself above the clouds, with a thick blanket of white clouds obscuring everything below on the east side as if nothing else exists.

Other walks from here

Starting from the shelter, there is an intriguing walking trail.

While unfamiliar with this trail, I identified it as the “Vereda do Pico Ruivo” walking path.

I felt a sadness that I couldn’t explore at that moment, but perhaps another time.

To complete

At the highest peak of Madeira Island, I paused to contemplate the landscape.

These tranquil moments are truly priceless.

Being there was perfect.

David Monteiro

PS: The Vereda do Pico do Areeiro walking trail is marked as 5.6 km in length in one direction. Considering everything, I covered 14.5 km with an elevation gain/loss of 957m during this walk.