PR1.2. Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira Hiking with Transfer
Self-guided hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo (highest peak in Madeira). Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and Machico areas. Forest permit (IFCN) is not included; operator sends instructions after booking. Minimum fitness required; not suitable for children under 12.
In Collaboration with Do It Madeira. Updated on July 8, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Do It Madeira, inspired by the tour PR1.2. Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira Hiking with Transfer . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Self-guided hike to Pico Ruivo (highest peak on Madeira)
- Scenic mountain and coastal views (Porto da Cruz, Santana, Faial on clear days)
- Door-to-door transfer from Funchal/Caniço/Santa Cruz/Machico areas
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Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day self-guided hike: pickup in the Funchal area, transfer to Achada do Teixeira, hike to Pico Ruivo and return, then transfer back to drop-off.
Pickup & quick briefing (Funchal area)
Meet driver for pickup. Operator will confirm exact pickup time and location within Funchal/Caniço/Santa Cruz/Machico areas in advance. Short briefing and paperwork check before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup location and estimated pickup time by the evening before the hike; driver may collect guests across several nearby hotels.
- Have the hiking-permit confirmation or the operator's email instructions handy on your phone so you can complete any required steps quickly.
- Wear hiking shoes and a light daypack from the start — there won't be time to return to the hotel between pickup and the trailhead.
Transfer: Funchal → Achada do Teixeira
Scenic drive up to the Achada do Teixeira trailhead. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours depending on traffic and pickup route.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect winding mountain roads — take motion-sickness precautions if needed and keep jackets handy (higher elevations are colder).
- Save battery on your phone before departure; mobile signal can become limited as you ascend.
- Use the restroom before leaving the vehicle — facilities at the trailhead are limited.
Self-guided hike: Achada do Teixeira ↔ Pico Ruivo
Follow the marked PR1.2 trail to Pico Ruivo and return to Achada do Teixeira. Trail distance and duration vary in the listing (distance 5.8 km, typical hiking time 2–3 hours). Total ascent ~351 m. Permit (IFCN) is not included — operator will provide instructions to buy the 4.5 EUR permit for selected timeslots.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy or have ready the IFCN forest permit before the scheduled trail time (operator provides purchase instructions); the trail requires a timeslot for entry.
- Bring at least 1–1.5 liters of water, layered clothing, and a windproof jacket — weather at 1,800 m changes quickly.
- Stay on the marked PR1.2 path, keep a steady pace, and allow extra time for photography and short rests on exposed ridge sections.
Return transfer and drop-off (Funchal area)
Return drive from Achada do Teixeira to drop-off locations within the agreed pickup areas (Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Machico). Operator will drop guests as close as possible to their original pickup location.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep small snacks accessible for the return journey; there is limited time between the trail and vehicle departure for extended stops.
- Expect slightly different drop-off times for each guest depending on the hotel sequence — the operator will confirm an approximate arrival window.
- If you need a later drop-off at a specific address, confirm this with the operator in advance so routing can be planned.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 1 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor |
