THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride an open UMM jeep from Funchal into Madeira’s highlands—above the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, through Laurisilva forest and down to the traditional houses of Santana. A full day of off-road drives, short levada walking, local food, and panoramic photo stops.
Ride an open UMM jeep from Funchal into Madeira’s highlands—above the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, through Laurisilva forest and down to the traditional houses of Santana. A full day of off-road drives, short levada walking, local food, and panoramic photo stops.
You climb into a vintage UMM jeep at Praia Formosa as the Atlantic light skims the bay, the engine rumbling like a promise. The road quickly tightens, a ribbon of asphalt and earth that snakes up through terraces and laurel forest, and the island shifts beneath you—from seaside blue to the green hush of Laurisilva and then the wind-scoured heights of Pico do Areeiro.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Miguel Is Here · Funchal, Madeira
You climb into a vintage UMM jeep at Praia Formosa as the Atlantic light skims the bay, the engine rumbling like a promise. The road quickly tightens, a ribbon of asphalt and earth that snakes up through terraces and laurel forest, and the island shifts beneath you—from seaside blue to the green hush of Laurisilva and then the wind-scoured heights of Pico do Areeiro.
This day tour threads geology and history: volcanic ridges carved by ancient eruptions, human-made terraces tracing centuries of subsistence farming, and Machico’s sandy cove where Portuguese navigators first set foot in 1419. Culture surfaces in small mountain villages and at a stop in Santana, where A-frame homes—centuries-old and sharply angled—point like arrowheads toward the sky.
Expect a mix of smooth driving, back roads and purposeful off-road sections; the jeep reaches altitudes near 1,800 m and often sits above the cloudline for expansive views. A 30–40 minute optional levada walk stretches the legs along a 2 km water channel through UNESCO-protected laurel forest. Local flavors finish the day: optional lunch in Santana and a sample of homemade poncha.
Practical notes: the host provides a covered open jeep for up to seven guests; wear layered clothing for rapid temperature shifts, sturdy shoes for short walks, and bring water and sunscreen. The tour moves at a relaxed pace with frequent photo stops, but some rough tracks mean limited mobility is a consideration. For an immersive, off-the-beaten-track overview of Madeira’s northeast, this full-day safari balances comfort and exploration.
easy.
8 hours.
Suitable for people in general good health; light walking ability needed for short levada section and brief walks at viewpoints.
Lunch at Santana is optional and not included; the guide can recommend local restaurants and typical dishes like espetada or peixe-espada.
Yes — the jeep fits up to 7 clients plus the driver; infant seats are available and minimum age is 3 years.
Walking is minimal overall; there’s an optional levada section of about 2 km (30–40 minutes) and short strolls at viewpoints.
The meeting point is at Hotel Pestana Gardens (Praia Formosa) in Funchal; pickup arrangements may be possible—confirm during booking.
Machico bay nearby is where Portuguese explorers landed in 1419–1420, launching the island’s settlement; terraces visible on the route reflect centuries of agriculture.
Much of the route passes through Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO-protected ecosystem—stick to paths, avoid disturbing water springs, and follow local guidance to limit impact.
Miguel Is Here operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You climb into a vintage UMM jeep at Praia Formosa as the Atlantic light skims the bay, the engine rumbling like a promise. The road quickly tightens, a ribbon of asphalt and earth that snakes up through terraces and laurel forest, and the island shifts beneath you—from seaside blue to the green hush of Laurisilva and then the wind-scoured heights of Pico do Areeiro.
You climb into a vintage UMM jeep at Praia Formosa as the Atlantic light skims the bay, the engine rumbling like a promise. The road quickly tightens, a ribbon of asphalt and earth that snakes up through terraces and laurel forest, and the island shifts beneath you—from seaside blue to the green hush of Laurisilva and then the wind-scoured heights of Pico do Areeiro.
This day tour threads geology and history: volcanic ridges carved by ancient eruptions, human-made terraces tracing centuries of subsistence farming, and Machico’s sandy cove where Portuguese navigators first set foot in 1419. Culture surfaces in small mountain villages and at a stop in Santana, where A-frame homes—centuries-old and sharply angled—point like arrowheads toward the sky.
Expect a mix of smooth driving, back roads and purposeful off-road sections; the jeep reaches altitudes near 1,800 m and often sits above the cloudline for expansive views. A 30–40 minute optional levada walk stretches the legs along a 2 km water channel through UNESCO-protected laurel forest. Local flavors finish the day: optional lunch in Santana and a sample of homemade poncha.
Practical notes: the host provides a covered open jeep for up to seven guests; wear layered clothing for rapid temperature shifts, sturdy shoes for short walks, and bring water and sunscreen. The tour moves at a relaxed pace with frequent photo stops, but some rough tracks mean limited mobility is a consideration. For an immersive, off-the-beaten-track overview of Madeira’s northeast, this full-day safari balances comfort and exploration.