Follow the freeway R101 from the airport to the west. At the exit "Gaula" get off on ER 206, direction Camacha. The road ends at an intersection (ER 102) where you turn right, direction Santo da Serra. At Ribeiro Joao Goncalves turn left onto ER202 which leads you straight up to Pico Arieiro.

Route Description

Altitude Gain: 800m
Duration: 2h 30min
Trailhead: Pico Arieiro (1818m)

Whatever you do, whenever you come to Madeira - this trail is a MUST! It is perfectly secured since otherwise it would be very exposed. The trail follows the ridge between Pico Arieiro and Pico do Gato (don't miss out the Buzzard's nest - a panoramic viewpoint in the wall below Pico Arieiro). Before reaching Pico do Gato it drops steeply into a shoulder, goes through a small tunnel and then splits into two trails.

The first of them circles around Pico das Torres whereas the other one virtually heads through the walls of the summit. There is a long tunnel so bring your torches. In order not to have to decide which trail to take, take 'em both, one for each direction.

After the trails join again the main ascent towards the summit of Pico Ruivo starts. First you climb northward through the eastern face of the summit and later turn right (and west) to get to the top.

Essential Gear

Hiking gear and a torchlight (there are two tunnels). Be prepared for an easy but exposed trail.

Images