Stairway to Heaven, Pico do Areeiro, PR 1&3 - Sunrise Option
About This Experience
At $21 this is less than half the price of anything comparable on the mountain, and it still includes pickup and drop-off in Funchal. The day starts early, climbing into the mountains for sunrise at Pico do Areeiro — the clouds breaking below one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island.
From there the route joins the PR1 as far as the Stairway to Heaven, the ridge section that put this trail on postcards worldwide, before continuing onto the historic PR3 Donkey Trail, where you will likely meet the donkeys the path is named for. There is a lunch break at a local coffee shop rather than a rushed turnaround, and an optional drop-off in Monte at the end for the famous wicker toboggan ride.
The ticketing arrangement is the standout. This operator books every hiking ticket itself, at the correct time slots, and asks guests explicitly not to buy their own. Payment details are sent before the tour, or you can settle with the driver on the day.
The €4.50 IFCN forest fee is not included in the headline price — it is the ticket the operator arranges on your behalf. Mountain weather can change fast, and timings or routes may be adjusted for safety.
Highlights
- Watch the sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Areeiro
- Hike the legendary Stairway to Heaven on the PR1 trail
- Walk the historic PR3 Donkey Trail and meet friendly donkeys
- Relax with a lunch break at a local coffee shop
- Choose an optional Monte drop-off for the famous Madeira toboggan ride
What's Included
- ✓ Pickup and drop-off in Funchal
- ✓ All hiking tickets arranged by the operator, at the correct time slots
- ✓ Sunrise stop at Pico do Areeiro
- ✓ Guided walking on the PR1 to the Stairway to Heaven and the PR3 Donkey Trail
- ✓ Lunch break at a local coffee shop
- ✓ Optional drop-off in Monte for the toboggan run
Not Included
- The €4.50 IFCN forest fee — the operator books the ticket, you settle the cost
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Food and drinks
- Hiking shoes
- Flashlight
- Charged Smartphone
Good to Know & Caveats
- Weather in the mountains can change quickly. In case of unsafe conditions, timing or routes may be adjusted to ensure your safety and the best possible experience.
- Very Important
- 4.5€ Forest Fee Ticket - IFCN (Forest Department) - is not included in the price
- -- We will send all the payment details to you before the tour --
- Please DO NOT buy any tickets . We will arrange the tickets for everyone and at the right timeslots.
Not Suitable For
- Children under 5 years
- People with back problems
- People with motion sickness
- Babies under 1 year
- People over 309 lbs (140 kg)
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in the Funchal area before dawn, starting at the Pico do Arieiro car park.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 460 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
It was certainly worth every penny (well, euro cents) to have entry to the park area in order to catch the sunrise. Nelio was a very relaxed guide who gave clear instructions so we all didn’t die!
— Kim, August
We came with our own car, and the communication for the meeting point was flawless from the start :) Our guide, Nelio, was very competent, knowledgeable about the area, and helpful, and he stayed in contact with us the whole time. The hike itself was spectacular and in reality even more breathtaking than in the photos! We would book it again at any time. Thank you very much for the great experience! :)
— Shirley, August
It was a wonderful experience. The professional guide was punctual, very polite, always available, and attentive to details. Highly recommended!
— Inga, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book my own trail ticket?
No — and the operator is emphatic about it. It arranges tickets for the whole group at the right time slots. Buying your own risks paying twice for the wrong slot.
Is the hiking fee included in the price?
No. The €4.50 IFCN forest fee is separate. The operator sends payment details before the tour, or you can pay the driver on the day.
Do I walk the full PR1 to Pico Ruivo?
No. This route covers the PR1 as far as the Stairway to Heaven and then joins the PR3 Donkey Trail, rather than crossing the full ridge to Pico Ruivo.
What is the Monte toboggan option?
An optional drop-off in Monte at the end of the day, where the traditional wicker toboggans run down toward Funchal. It is an add-on, not part of the hike.
How long does it take?
Between five and eight hours depending on the group and the options taken, including the sunrise start, the walking, and the lunch stop at a local coffee shop.
Other Pico do Arieiro Transfers
From Funchal: Pico Arieiro Sunrise with Optional Breakfast
Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option
Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer
Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup
Stairways to Heaven: Walk at Pico Areeiro - Guided
Madeira: Sunrise Hike Transfer to Pico do Arieiro (PR1)
