Ribeiro Frio, Portela Walk

Ribeiro Frio, Portela Walk
Excursion Highlights:
  • Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva forest, an ancient, magical ecosystem teeming with biodiversity.
  • Skip the crowded cruise line excursions for an intimate, small group tour, offering a more personalized experience.
  • Enjoy a moderate, peaceful 11-kilometer walk among towering trees, vibrant plants, and birdlife including the endemic Trocaz pigeon.
  • Gaze up at towering Mahogany trees, stretching 131 feet high, and appreciate the beauty of wild orchids and geraniums.
  • Benefit from an experienced local guide revealing the forest's 20-million-year history and showing you unique flora and fauna.
Price: $59.00
Ages 4 and under are free.
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Walking Tour
Shore Excursion Duration 7 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier.
Food/Beverage Provided Not included.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes (no flip-flops, or sandals) or hiking boots. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are suggested. You should bring a bottle of water, granola bar and light snack and a light weight, waterproof jacket. The weather can change quickly.
Restrictions Guests must be able to walk a roughly 6.85 miles (11 kms) over 4 to 4.5 hours with varying terrain with inclines and steps. Due to the quick pace, this tour is not suitable for any mobility restricted traveler including guests who need to sit and rest periodically. Parents with small children should take the terrain into consideration and use a baby carrier instead of a stroller since the paths are not all accessible to baby carriages. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Skip the over crowded bus tours the cruise lines offer when you book this full day adventure excursion, that brings you up close and personal with the natural beauty of the Laurissilva forest.

The ancient forest in Madeira is around 20 million years old and a natural UNESCO World Heritage site. During this 11 kilometers (6.84 miles), moderate walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela, you will enter a magical forest, full of lush moss and a wide variety of plants and beautiful birds.

Your fully qualified, local and knowledgeable mountain guide will lead you past Laurel, Mahogany, Barbusan and many other trees reaching up to 40 meters (131 feet) into the sky while sharing the forest's history and secrets with you. Keep an eye out for orchids and geraniums, as well as the endemic Trocaz pigeon as you walk along the levada and enjoy the peaceful ambience. The total time you will walk is approximately 4 hours.

Go ahead, this is your chance to take a walk on the wild side when you book this small group tour that provides an intimate and up close experience in the countryside.