HIKING TRAVEL GUIDE
The trails worth the airfare.
The 13 most popular self-guided tours. The trails that draw the most hikers, with the distance, the time on your feet, the cost and who guides them.
Hike Madeira’s highest peaks at sunrise with door-to-door transfer from Funchal or Caniço and clear route instructions.
Most Popular“The hike was absolutely incredible, and Diogo our guide was such a lovely bloke. Would definitely recommend!”
Self-guided 25 Fontes and Risco Levada hike from Funchal with transfer, early crowd-avoidance timing, and Laurissilva scenery.
“Excellent experience in all ways. Communication, pickup, driver was engaging and provided safe trip with excellent driving skills on the Madeira curvy roads in addition to great tips on trails. GO ON THE EARLY TRIP - worth avoiding the crowds!”
A self-guided hike in Madeira’s Laurissilva at Caldeirão Verde, with shared pickup and a levada trail of waterfalls and ancient trees.
“Amazing hike with spectacular views. Such a unique experience. Great service from the tour operator who couldn't have been more helpful - Logan and Ivan were absolutely brilliant!”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton to Ship Cove, then hike the Queen Charlotte Track section you choose, self-guided, scenic, and wildlife-friendly.
“This is a great trip and the Queen Charlotte Track is amazing and definitely a must do, we even saw dolphins on the way!”
Sunrise self-guided hike from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro with pickup/drop-off, flexible pacing, and PR1/PR3 mountain scenery.
“Fabulous trip, early start but you get a great spot for the sunrise. And the stars are amazing such a clear view of the sky. Great conditions so saw the sunrise above the clouds , amazing view. Take layers as it’s quite cool early on in the morning got to the top at 0615 and…”
Guided rainforest hike to 150-ft Manoa Falls from Waikiki, plus a Pu’u Ualaka’a lookout, in a small group for $79 per person.
“Love our tour guide Arlaine! She was friendly and informative. Would definitely recommend going on this tour!!”
Walk Waimangu’s geothermal valley at your own pace in Rotorua. Entry, guide sheet, and a shuttle back make it great value.
“It is a pleasant downhill short experience with vistas similar to many other locations. Expensive for what you see”
Ride Haleakalā downhill on custom Kona bikes from the summit area, guided on the way up, then self-paced through Makawao and Haiku.
“Kimo is fantastic! Exceptional knowledge of Maui including plant and animal life. Provided great safety and ride instructions. However, it was disappointing to learn during the pre-ride instructions that the section through Kula is closed to riders. I would have benefitted from being informed ahead of time. Other than that, Kona bikes are great to…”
Self-guided PR6 and PR6.1 hike from Rabaçal with pickup from Funchal, a map briefing, and big waterfall-and-levada views.
“Pedro picked us up on time to take us to the entrance of the lavada walk. We received all information and map instructions and set off. It's a really busy path but very pretty. We did PR6 first and had time to do PR3 before doing the PR 6.1 The latter was the easiest, the…”
Self-guided Caldeirão Verde levada hike in Madeira with shuttle from Funchal. Tunnel views, waterfall payoff, WiFi, small group, 4.5€ entry.
“Very good experience. Our driver was on time, provided clear directions about the hike, and was helpful sharing information about Madeira.”
Lift access to the Eiffel Tower summit and 2nd floor with phone audio, unlimited time, and Eiffel office moments plus 360 views.
“Pro: glad we prebooked. It was not busy and would've been faster to purchase tickets on site and go up the first lift. We went in spring but this may not be the case in peak season or summer. However had we not pre-purchased our summit ticket we wouldn't have been aRead more”
Self-guided Ravenna Gorge hike from Hinterzarten: Black Forest streams, oldest chapel, cuckoo clock photos, offline GPS, $5.
“This was a great tour and hike. Substantially more challenging than the description suggests, but completely worth it.”
Self-guided hikes from Stockholm Adventures. Grab lunch and gear at the Adventure Café, then hike A to B by public transit.
“Superbe expérience ! Je recommande !”
Every region we cover, and every kind of ground underfoot.
