📍MADEIRA - PR1 route: Pico do Arieiro TO Pico Ruivo - 12.1km hike highlights in 3 min - 4K quality

Let's talk about PR1 hike (Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is the most famous hike on the island of Madeira in Portugal). Why this place is so special and 1000% worth visiting?
Pico do Areeiro (1818m) - third highest peak in Madeira, while Pico Ruivo (1861) is the highest peak on the island, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This tunnel route leads hikers along narrow pathways, up and down ominous staircases, and through dark tunnel chambers. It is an adrenaline filled test of endurance with steep inclines, causing some serious quad and calf burning on the trek.
First, let's give you few numbers:
Hike distance: 6.1 km one way, 12.2 km return.
Duration: 4 - 6 hours for the return hike, depending on fitness and how long you spend photographing the scenery or catching a breath after all those steps!!! :)
Hike Difficulty: Difficult due to the almost 1000 m of incline throughout the return trip. Trail relatively safe because of the well-maintained track including the handrails and support. However, it is quite technical with lots of steps, uneven surfaces, dark tunnels, and other factors that make it a little tougher.
*WE WILL GIVE YOU ONLY DRIVE IN OPTION - because that was our experience.
Car park, when to arrive? Where to start hike? What to take with you? What to wear?
1. CAR PARK and when to arrive?
To avoid crowds and secure a good parking spot, it is advisable to arrive at Pico do Arieiro early in the morning (***). If you're driving, there is a paid parking lot at the summit, which can fill up quickly during peak season. If the lot is full, there is a secondary parking area located about 1 km down the mountain, which can also be used.
***We arrived 6:45 am and it was no space left in a car park, had to leave car on a yellow line - oh well, all hikers did :D - thanks God no ticket.
2. WHERE TO START HIKE? AND WATCH SUNRISE?
There are a couple of different ways you could start off the hike and all of them are pretty epic. The first option is to watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with the rest of the crowd before embarking on the trail in the post-sunrise golden hour. From the parking lot, it is just a 2-minute walk to the main sunrise viewpoint.
The second play is to start the hike before sunrise (you choose - 0,5 hr, 1hr ...) and catch the sunbursts and colors in the sky while you are on the trail - this is pretty epic as well. Because the most beautiful colours while sun is still not out. You will then arrive at Pico Ruivo a bit after sunrise but there will still be some golden light. This is a great idea if you want to avoid lots of crowds on the trail going forward - unfortunately on the way back you will meet loads of people (actually we never met on a same route some many different cultures from all around the world).
3. WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU AND WHAT TO WEAR?
Keep this hike for a good weather day. The ideal conditions are when low cloud sweeps into the valleys, but most important is to avoid the higher level clouds that engulf the trail, leaving you seeing very little indeed. The current weather can be checked via this great webcam.
During the summer months, it can get quite hot, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Wear layers of clothing - morning is very chill (can drop to 0 degrees) and later on once sun out - it can get very hot.
Head torch or phone light is good enough to pass tunnels.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but there are some steep sections and uneven terrain that can be challenging. Hikers should be in good physical condition and wear appropriate hiking shoes with good grip.
At the Pico Ruivo summit, hikers can enjoy a 360-degree view of the island and take in the fresh mountain air. There is also a small restaurant at the summit where hikers can enjoy a meal or a hot drink while taking in the view.
Overall, the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo hike is a must-do for anyone visiting Madeira who enjoys hiking and stunning natural landscapes.
#travelguide #madeira #travelitinerary #madeiraisland #visitmadeira #bucketlisttravel #igme #droneshot #instaravel #travel #visitportugal #madeirabest #visitportugal #hiking #hikingadventures #like4likes #djimini3 #influencer #exoticdestinations #trekking #discovermadeira #azores #europe #mountainlovers #explore #beautifullandscapes #beautifuldestinations #earth #naturelovers #hikingtrails

[@ervinslens]

What a spectacular presentation, what a magnificent atmosphere! Hats off! Amazing video, so much effort has been put into this video that it is easy to see in every shot and scene.

[@VPtravel]

Appreciate your comment a lot. As a starters on youtube, your comment does give a bit of hope that we are noticed. Travel is our passion, and we just try to share our experiences with others 😊