The walk was quite accessible with a relatively flat and even surface for most of the journey. There were some steep declines and inclines but these were brief each time. The tour guide was reassuring to all who had less than an easy time with the heights. The tour guide also provided exceptional background into the local flora and views. I’d recommend to prepare for multiple weather systems with a warm jumper, a rain coat, and something light for the warmer moments of the trek. Bring at least 1.5 L of water and some snacks. There’s a stop- off point about 1 hour from the end with restrooms and a shop that sells additional snacks. The views will live with me forever. As the hike ended I was immediately planning a return trip to redo it.

This hike was breathtakingly stunning from start to finish, a challenging hike for sure, but a must do when in Madeira. We were extremely lucky with the weather and managed to reach the end with no hiccups. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, with a good sense of humour. Our driver was also great and expertly navigated the sharp bends. Highly recommend going with a tour, rather than on your own. We saw a few people who had to walk from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, then back again to their start point, and I can honestly say that feels like an impossible task, it is a tricky hike, my sister and I are very physically active ordinarily but we struggled on the inclines, to do it both ways would be a really exhausting challenge.

The Pico to Pico hike is a can't miss! While I don't typically go on guided hikes, this particular hike is either a very long out and back hike, or you have to arrange for transport from the end of the hike back to your car, which can be upwards of 70 euro! A guided tour is definitely the way to go. Our guide was on-time, very accommodating to all guests of varying ages and skill levels and checked in regularly to make sure that everyone was comfortable. He was also very knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and history of the mountain throughout the hike. We unfortunately had a pretty cold and windy beginning to the hike and a very rainy and foggy end to the hike, but that's not uncommon with the ever changing weather in Madeira. I'd still do it again 100 times over. Come prepared!!