Stairway To Heaven Pico Do Areeiro In Madeira Island

We had proper "Wales" weather - high winds, full cloud and for a while, driving rain. So the views were non existent. But being experienced walkers, we know the score and really enjoyed the trip. The precipitous final part is amazing, truly eerie in the mist, and high winds added to the mild peril. We thought we'd be walking for longer though, only 6.5k, admittedly 600m elevation gain, but I'd have preferred more. Our guide Marta was great, pickup and everything was good, and I like the local flora and fauna stuff. Would be a very different experience in good weather.

This is a great tour. Minibus picked us up on time & we were greeted by Darya who was a brilliant guide. The walk was very challenging but well worth it. Unfortunately the weather turned and we got very wet, with no views but the experience & knowing we had completed the hike was a great achievement. This tour is well recommended

Our tour started with a relaxed drive to the starting point of the hike. After we arrived, our guide Marta explains very well what to consider. She was also very friendly and helpful and made sure that everyone reached the destination. The hike has been quite challenging at some points, but it is all the more rewarding if you have completed the first section and can enjoy the view. Then we continue to the actual attraction: the "Stairway to Heaven." The view into the adjacent valleys is breathtaking and really highly recommended. The whole trip takes around 5 hours with a hiking time of about 3 hours, depending on how fast you are going. The price of 48 € plus 4.50 € per person is reasonable and justified for the experience you are offered. I can recommend this hike to anyone who is well on their feet and wants to see the insane landscape of Madeira with their own eyes. Finally, I would like to thank you once again for this unique experience and our fantastic guide.

Our guide Philip did a great job of ensuring we had a safe and enjoyable trip. The low cloud and high winds on the Pico meant that the Stairway to Heaven was not safe so we did a very pleasant walk downhill to a different rendezvous instead. The bus was modern, clean and air-conditioned; the driver did a great job of navigating the narrow bendy road in the fog. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip and would recommend this company. Visitors should remember that the weather conditions in the mountains can be very different to the coast, and dress accordingly. It was cold and damp and very windy on the day we visited.

This hike is the sole reason I came to Madeira! Couldn’t have gone with a better guide! 10 stars! However, be prepared, it’s mostly stairs - killer workout though! The views are worth the climb!

We had a wonderful time. Our guide was great. The itinerary was perfect. We had a great experience. We highly recommend this tour.

Absolutely incredible. Loved Martha!! She had such great energy. Handled the different speed levels of the group wonderfully. Would highly recommend. Great communication- prompt pick up.

We had a wonderful day with Nadia, she was very attentive, knowledgeable and considerate of everybody in the group. The walk was challenging, especially in the heat, but there were many opportunities to stop for a break and no sense of rushing so we could go at our own pace. The views are very rewarding and the hike was very memorable. Definitely one to do with a guide if you are wanting to hike up instead of driving.

First, our host, Nadia greeted us warmly. Pickup was on time. She explained everything well on the drive up. She noted all of the best viewers and stopped at perfect moments (when we were exhausted) to give us great history of the area/island. It was a very tough hike at times (for me, 45 y/o male, average fitness). Lots of steep uphill climbs. Ultimately the payoff was at the end. You will be walking in the clouds.

We had an amazing time on this hike! It was a highlight of our trip. Our guide Daria and driver were knowledgeable and organised. Would definitely recommend this experience.

Not for casual walkers quite steep and good footwear needed as rocky in most places , bring protein snacks and water

Everything was as scheduled , our guide was great, middle section of the hike was the most challenging. Well worth it

Marta was an amazing guide! It was challenging but we stopped along the way for water breaks and to take pictures of the amazing views.

I did not know that I could suffer from altitude sickness at Pico de Areeiro, but that is what happened to me :-( I am super sensitive, so I think most people who suffer from altitude sickness do not yet get it here. Unfortunately, I was feeling very dizzy and could not take the trip. I stayed at the café while others (my husband included) took the trip. My husband really enjoyed the trip. Martha was great at taking care of us.

For the most part a difficult hike but very rewarding. Ben prepared us well, and stopped regularly to allow us breaks at appropriate stops. Once you arrive at the stairway to heaven, we were able to return at our own pace. Overall, would highly recommend as an experience!

The hike was so beautiful and Ben was the best guide. He was so informative and knowledgeable. He was also very kind and attentive to all of the people in the group. I highly recommend this tour and ask for Ben!!

So worth it! I'm 65 years old and exercise regularly. It was a challenging hike, but it was easy to go at your own pace. Not sure how someone my age not in shape would do (in that case, you might want to rethink this hike). Views were spectacular and everything worked with Madeira Adventure Travel as promised.

AMAZING EXPERIENCE. My wife and I decided to do this excursion having done Mount Sinai in Egypt. We were picked up on time and our guide Ben explained everything up front. He was very conscious of the whole group and informative. My wife suffered from knee problems before the trip and Ben was very considerate to ensuring the trip up the mountain was not rushed. It’s a must do trip and the stairway to heaven was really exciting to see and walk up and down. We hope to do both peaks trip next time we are back. Thankyou Ben, you were great.

What a great tour! Martha, our guide, was very friendly, knowledgeable, and motivated. She made sure we maximized our chances to enjoy the area's beauty, given the rapidly changing conditions.

You will be well cared for and no worries. Superb support and advice from the guides who have your pleasure at their heart. Superb hike to through the mountains with spectacular views. Do it!

The tour was good. The route just challenging enough, and there was an option for those who felt it was too much. Our guide Reuben did a good job. This was a good sports activity.

Friendly tour guide, nice driver, good Mountain View! It took me about four hours hiking, but it deserved! The only pity is that it was frosty and raining a bit, I believe the sceneries would be better if we hiked in a sunny day.

This hike was fantastic! Guide was superb and the scenery breathtaking. A pity half the trail was shut but maybe nextime?

This was a stunning walk with some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever come across. It was well led by Martha. It was only 4.3 miles but it's a steep ascent of more than 2000 feet, so isn't easy. There is an option to get transported for the most difficult part. I'm 78 and was able to climb it without a problem. The final section to the Stairway to Heaven is a bit narrow and is a steep up and down and needs approaching with caution if you suffer with vertigo. I found it exciting and the views were worth it - just stunning.

No good if you get vertigo. Options to make walk easier if needed. Well paced walk with friendly guide. Lucky with sunny weather and light wind. More rewarding than just driving up!

Pickup and travel was all very easy and well-organised. Our guide was helpful and took us up the trails which were really fantastic. It rained a bit during the hike but was still very beautiful and scenic. Would recommend!

Challenging hike. The guide was excellent! He gave us a bathroom break before starting out and gave clear expectations of the hike.

Professional service from pick up to drop off. Our guide was excellent. The route was challenging, but we had plenty of stops to rest and refuel. The final stairway to heaven was amazing and our guide helped to make sure everyone made it safely out to the view points and back again. Brilliant day out.

Brilliant place to visit and climb the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ - the views are fantastic. Beware though - you have to contend with the Heat, height and thin air. It’s quite a cheeky climb in a number of places along this route. Do not wear flip flops, sandals or crocs. Trainers or walking shoes will do and boots during bad weather. The irony is the ecological park has signs up stating take your litter home with you. The bins at the visitor centre were over flowing and litter was blowing everywhere and onto the park - go figure. The toilets are disgusting too and they charge 1€ for the privilege

What an amazing day. Marta our tour guide was very knowledgable and attentive to the whole group. Quite a tough ascent for some but worth the effort. Fantastic views and amazing to be hiking above the clouds.

Amazing view. Really worth doing and you will not regret it. The guide was great. Very nice trip and everyone can do it.

My teenage son and I recently did the Stairway to Heaven – Pico do Arieiro hike with Marta, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The trail is marked as challenging, and while it does involve a fair number of stairs and some steep uphill sections, it was totally manageable for anyone reasonably active. We were lucky to have beautiful weather (clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine) which made the already stunning views absolutely breathtaking. You’re surrounded by rugged peaks, dramatic drops, and a sense of being on top of the world. Pictures really don’t do it justice! Marta was an exceptional guide, knowledgeable, engaging, and full of positive energy. She struck the perfect balance between keeping us informed, motivated, and entertained throughout the hike. She really helped make the day special and brought our group together. If you're visiting Madeira and enjoy a good hike with jaw-dropping scenery, don’t miss this. Highly recommended!

The views were amazing! We had a wonderful trip. The guide adapted the trip to the weather, so we hiked down to the Ecological Park of Funchal instead. Highly recommend!

Marta and Juben where AMAZING. Juben answerd all my annoying questions about the island ecosystem expertly and Marta was a PRO driver. The hike through the broom in the ecopark was beautiful and the views literally took our breath away! This trek was beautiful and challenging- walking up to PR1, since the full PR1 was closed. MANY steep steps so be prepared! Waking sticks help. I had to be at a friends wedding at 4pm and I didn't get back to the hotel until 3pm - Marta prioritized my hotel and thanks to her and Juebn I was able to make the wedding! Highly recommend. Solo traveler from USA

Amazing hike! Wonderful views, some difficulty in hiking, and an unforgettable experience! Hide was knowledgeable and helpful.

This was a really enjoyable hike with amazing views. It was mainly uphill which was ideal for someone looking for a more challenging walk. It was made all the more enjoyable by our friendly, knowledgeable local guide Marta.

We did another route as PR1 was closed. The route was quite challenging with uphill/stairs. It was doable for all ages with good basic condition. Nice guides, who told about Madeiran nature. It was possible to go on your own pace. Definitely worth going with a guide!

Great tour guide, wonderful experience and thank you very much Daria and Carlos. Pickup from hotel was included and everything explained well.

Great hike in a dreamlike landscape above the clouds. Not exactly easy. Maria is a very good and nice guide with a lot of knowledge and super English and German.

Condition is advantageous :-) We were there in May, and it is advisable to bring a thick jacket, gloves, etc.

I award 5 stars because of Martha and the great information she told us. She was very punctual and professional during the hike. With 3 stars I would have rated the sky staircase, as very touristy. It is a pity that you can travel by car to the summit and the sky staircase to be climbed afterwards becomes very touristy. Notwithstanding everything.