This Sunday morning, dozens of tourists expressed their frustration after a gate installed at Pedra Rija, on the walk connecting Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, remained closed past 8:20 am.
Many hikers had arrived early in hopes of witnessing the sunrise, which occurred shortly after 7 am, before setting off on their trek. Those waiting at the gate found the delay particularly disheartening, noting that their tickets specified an entry window between 8:00 am and 8:30 am. Some remarked that this lack of punctuality showed little consideration for visitors who had paid the required €10.50 fee and were attempting to follow the established rules.
This is not the first instance of such delays, which have previously led some frustrated tourists to climb over the gate. In this most recent incident, the situation resulted in logistical chaos, with visitors holding tickets for later time slots (08:30 – 09:00) accidentally gaining access to the trail section beyond Pedra Rija before those who had arrived for the earlier slot.
The section between Pedra Rija and Pico Ruivo had reopened on the 25th of April, albeit with restrictions, nearly two years after the devastating fire of August 2024 caused significant damage. Currently, the full trail is only open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, though officials aim to make it accessible throughout the week soon.
Responding to the complaints, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) released a statement clarifying the current operational model.
The IFCN emphasised that the “official entry point for authorised routes is Pico do Areeiro,” where public access officially opens at 8:00 am. The Institute clarified that there is no “autonomous path” between Pedra Rija and Pico Ruivo, and that this specific section is not part of their standard tourist offering. They stressed that all tickets clearly identify the authorised routes and correct access points.
Regarding the gate at Pedra Rija, the IFCN explained that it was installed as a “temporary management and security measure” due to ongoing works and current restrictions on the trail. Its operation does not alter the official start time of 8:00 am at Pico do Areeiro.
Furthermore, the IFCN announced that the Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo route is set to fully reopen from the 26th of June, at which point the current constraints related to ongoing works will be lifted and normal circulation will resume.
The Institute concluded by reaffirming its commitment to visitor safety and the management of pedestrian flows, urging all hikers to consult official channels for up-to-date information on schedules and trail conditions before setting out.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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