Madeira Sunrise Hike Review: Pico Ruivo with Hotel Pickup

Alright, getting up super early usually isn’t my cup of tea, you know, that is unless there’s a super good reason for it, like hiking up to Pico Ruivo in Madeira to watch the sunrise. Actually, I recently booked a tour that included hotel pickup, so too it’s why I want to give you the full rundown on what you might expect if you’re thinking about doing it. This trip, right, it promises epic views and, too it’s, conveniently, a hassle-free start. Anyway, did it live up to the hype? Let’s see.

What to Expect from the Hotel Pickup

Okay, the first thing about this tour that is really nice is that it offers hotel pickup. Anyway, in the dark of morning, the van, very it was punctual, pulls up right outside, actually making the super early start far less painful, I will say. Seemingly, you’re greeted by a guide, typically they’re very upbeat, even at that crazy hour, you know, and they get you settled with everyone else joining in from different hotels. Just a little tip, try and grab a window seat; the drive to the trailhead has views even in the dark, right? So too, this first part is smooth and really sets the tone, in a way, it feels so very organized. Just that initial comfort is super reassuring, mainly, especially when you’re half-asleep.

The Trail to Pico Ruivo

Okay, so, once you reach the trailhead, right, you will, with your guide, start walking the path, mostly to the highest peak on Madeira. Just a little, actually it depends on which route the tour decides to go with, though most, typically, choose the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) route, it’s very popular. More or less, expect rocky, uneven paths with quite a few steps. Now, arguably, the hike can be moderately tough, especially in the dark; so, I would advise a reasonable amount of fitness is needed. More or less, what made it really amazing were the views as the sky began to brighten, which really made the climb easier. Anyway, the landscape gradually reveals itself with each step you take, right, like an amazing curtain is lifting on this scenery that’s totally other worldly. Yet, it’s almost as though everything else you were worried about completely disappeared; what stays is just you with nature. First, the air is clean and crisp, too it’s almost something that is so different from anything else you breathe every day.

Alright, let’s talk about the terrain a bit more too it’s. Okay, parts of the route go, maybe, are pretty exposed, yet, arguably giving you these panoramic views, you know. The paths are typically well maintained but can, too it’s, be slippery especially, actually especially if it’s been raining so, I would suggest you watch your footing; you’re there to admire nature, I mean, literally, not become a part of it, you know? Okay, actually keep an eye out for the tunnels, just that added a totally unique touch to the whole hiking situation and experience. Now, even if they’re a little bit claustrophobic to pass by, those bits are kind of awesome, anyway.

Witnessing the Sunrise from Pico Ruivo

Okay, when you finally reach Pico Ruivo, especially if you’ve timed it perfectly, like your group should have done, you’ll probably witness a sunrise that, actually it’s like something you’ve probably only ever dreamed about. Seriously, when the sun, arguably, peaks above the horizon, it casts these rays of colors all throughout the sky, seemingly turning the clouds below into this beautiful, just glowing sea, very breathtaking. Now, there, actually there’s a viewing platform at the top where everybody sort of gathers. Bring a camera, of course, naturally, though truly nothing, actually nothing can truly prepare you for just seeing it. In a way, for all the effort you had to put in to reach that spot in time, this view arguably made everything totally worth it.

What to Bring on Your Pico Ruivo Sunrise Hike

Anyway, being prepared can, in a way, seriously impact your experience for sure. Arghably, here are a few things I advise you consider taking with you:

• Hiking Boots: Okay, literally, super important; these paths are a little bit uneven.
• Layers: Actually the temperature could change quickly; layer up so that is you could peel off or put on as needed.
• Water and Snacks: Okay, staying fueled and really hydrated is, I mean, seriously important.
• Headlamp or Flashlight: The beginning is kind of dark, actually really dark, I mean, really.
• Camera: You’re just gonna want to capture all of that, like your photos are going to blow up on social media, maybe

So, that gear, that gear, okay, that gear will basically make a huge difference for the better!

The Guide and Group Dynamics

The guide, okay, your guide has, I think is a hugely impactful part, seriously on whether or not you appreciate and take the most you can from the whole thing. By the way, I would describe my guide as being really friendly, you know, really knowledgeable, and really really happy to, by the way, talk all about the island with tons of info and historical tidbits. Usually, they can, really they keep the pace just spot on and basically that means they’re able to accommodate different levels of fitness in the group. Anyway, the small group setting, this actually added, you know, a community-type kind of feel too, really; too, it’s really encouraging as we all encouraged each other all the way to the peak.

Is the Hotel Pickup Worth It?

Basically, absolutely. The convenience the hotel pickup offered was, okay, basically amazing, particularly at that hour in the morning. Now, I thought not needing to worry about transport honestly, this really helped me prepare, to relax into enjoying that whole experience. Now, add that it makes everything simpler and totally stress free and is therefore totally the thing you wanna be looking for, probably. I thought so.