Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before booking your hike
Bookings & Payments
How do I make a booking?
You can book via
WhatsApp, email or the contact form.
To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit of
the total price of the hike is required. After payment,
you will receive a confirmation email with all the details of the experience, including
point and time, information about the equipment you need
and other important instructions.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel or change your booking free of charge up to 7 days before the hike. Between 3 and 7 days before, the 30% deposit is non-refundable. With less than 72 hours notice, no refund is given.
See the Terms & Conditions for full information.
Is the insurance included?
Yes. All hikes include civil liability insurance and personal accident insurance, applicable during the activity.
Groups & Transport
Are the walks done in large groups?
No. Hikes are run in small groups, to ensure a more personal experience, a comfortable pace and more time to enjoy the trail.
What is the minimum number of participants?
The walks are organized for private groups and require a minimum of 2 participants. We do not group participants from different reservations.
Where is the pick-up and is transport included?
Transport is included on all hikes for groups of up to 4 people, with pick-up in central Funchal. Before departure, we will confirm the pick-up point and time with you.
For pick-ups from hotels or accommodation outside central Funchal, an additional charge may apply. For larger groups, if a van or other additional transport needs to be hired, extra costs may also apply.
Preparation & Equipment
What level of physical condition is required?
It depends on the trail you choose. On each hike’s page you will find the distance, duration, elevation gain and difficulty level. For long or demanding trails, it is important to be in good physical shape and used to walking in the mountains.
What should I bring?
After your booking is confirmed, you will receive an email with the full list of recommended equipment and everything you need to bring for your chosen hike.
Do I need hiking experience?
For the moderate hikes, no technical experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain. For the longer and more demanding trails, previous mountain experience and good physical preparation are recommended.
On the Trail & Safety
Do the hikes go ahead in the rain?
Madeira has microclimates, and rain is part of the mountain experience. Light rain alone does not mean the hike will be cancelled; the route can go ahead with suitable equipment. However, safety always comes first. If the weather conditions or the state of the trail are not safe, we will contact you to discuss an alternative.
Are there stops during the hike?
Yes. The pace is adjusted to the group, and there are stops to rest, drink water, have a snack, take photos and enjoy the most special points along the route.
What happens if the hike has to be changed?
For safety reasons, weather, trail conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to change the route, the starting point or the duration of the hike. Whenever possible, a suitable alternative will be offered.
Are the levadas and tunnels safe?
Routes are chosen and assessed according to the conditions on the day. Some hikes pass through tunnels, wet areas, narrow paths or uneven terrain, so it is essential to follow the guide’s instructions, wear suitable footwear and respect the safety rules.