Hiking Above the Clouds: Madeira's Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Trail
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo in Madeira, Portugal is absolutely breathtaking. The trail, known as Vereda do Arieiro, takes you along narrow pathways, challenging staircases, and through dark tunnels, all while offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.
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The hike begins near the weather station after the parking area, and initially, the trail is easy to follow with clear signposts and a paved pathway. Pico do Areeiro is the third highest peak in Madeira, while Pico Ruivo is the highest at 1861m. The round-trip hike covers a distance of 11km and typically takes about 7 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace. While this trail can be challenging due to the nearly 1000m of elevation gain, I found it relatively safe thanks to the well-maintained track, including handrails and support.
The first kilometer of the trail is truly epic, with dramatic staircases hugging the ridgeline. When clouds descend, this section creates an otherworldly atmosphere. After 45 mins of hiking, you'll reach a steep staircase carved into the rock, that goes around Pico das Torres. The staircase leads to a connecting ridge, acting as a bridge to Pico Ruivo.
As you continue along this bridge-ridge, you'll encounter tunnels drilled into the mountains. Be sure to have a headlamp or phone torch to navigate through them, as the longest tunnel is around 150m. Along the trail, you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna, including the beautiful Red-Legged Partridge bird.
The climb to Pico Ruivo is the toughest part of the hike, with a long and steep set of stairs leading up a mountain pass. Weather conditions can change rapidly in Madeira, within 30 mins the whole mountain seems to be covered with dense clouds. Reaching the junction where the mountain hut Casa de Abrigo is located is a delightful milestone, as it signifies that the peak is nearby. From the cafe, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit of Pico Ruivo. Though the summit was covered in clouds, occasional clearings offer glimpses of the trail below.
On the return journey, the experience is completely different as clouds swiftly envelop the mountain and trail due to strong winds. It's a surreal sight to witness the flying fog rushing thorugh the mountain pass. One standout section of the hike is the incredible 'Stairway to Heaven.' On cloudy days, this part of the trail becomes incredibly moody and dramatic, making it my absolute favorite.
While the hike is intense, both in and out, it is truly an unforgettable experience. If you in Madeira hiking this trail is a must
Very well done video. The scenery is georgous! Thanks for sharing it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing Video. I already walked this amazing hike and it was so nice to watch your Video. It feels like I walked it again 😊
Thanks for watching. I watch my own video too, just miss the place wish i could travel there again
Thanks for sharing this video of these majestic views and helpful tips. I completed the hike last November and the views are truly breath taking!
Thanks for watching....One of the most impressive trail I ever been!
Beautiful trail especially with the fog and clouds
Thanks. The trail is truly unique
Thanks for sharing this beautiful hiking trail, wish I can go to visit Madeira one day!
The trail hikes into the jagged mountains is absolutely gorgeous, is it dangerous?
Its actually quite safe with paved trail most of the ways. It some steep parts there are handrails and support that you can rely. You wont regret going there
Thanks for your information. I wish I can go to visit Madeira one day in the future 😊
I really enjoyed your video, its the best Ive seen of the Picos. Did you just recently do this? I am going to Madeira this April but just recently last January I heard that part of this trail is closed due to a landslide. I really hope that we can do this part of the hike of your video.
We did it last December.. Heard that the PR1 trail has been opened recently. Got that info from a Madeira facebook group but did not verified them. Hope you will have a great trip in April
Hi beautiful video!
My question would be:
Did you guys follow the same path on your return journey? I didnt catch the stairway to heaven on your first part of the journey.
How can we get there?
Thanks!!
Yes we followed the same path for the return sector. My video quality for the first is not that impressive without the cloud so i did not include them on the video. You can reach the stairwell from Pico Ruivo weather station within 35 mins. That is the most scenic part of the hike.. Let me know if you have any other question
Thank you for you answer!
Me and my partner will arrive on the 6th of March to Madeira and we will be staying for about 10days.
I have a whole plan, but im intrested in your opinion about other hikes.
Did you guys do other hikes? Which one do you recommend?
Thanks in advance
@@dominikabarsony1898 definitely Verada da ponta sao laurenco... Its another gem ypu should not miss. Go earlier, catch the sunrise and hike all the way to the end. Around 7 hours round trip. Enjoy your trip