Two trails and off-road views in one day.

This shared Jeep & Levada combo mixes a 4WD drive (for tough-to-reach lookouts) with a guided walk through the Laurisilva forest. I love the 4WD ride for getting to viewpoints without wasting hours, and I love the levada walk for easy nature time without needing training. The main trade-off: lunch and drinks cost extra, and snacks aren’t included at some stops.

The schedule is built for a full day without feeling rushed—about 7.5 hours from the 9:00am start, with pickups in central Funchal or near the Port area. A big plus is that the guide keeps the group included, including switching between languages like Portuguese, English, and German, and the off-roading feels fun and still well-controlled.

One thing to weigh: you’re on a shared day tour, so the time at each photo stop is short. If you hate crowds, or if you’re sensitive to bumpy roads, you’ll want to plan accordingly and dress for weather changes.

Key takeaways before you go

• Free hotel pickup/drop in Funchal keeps you from wrestling taxis and parking.
• Two admission-paid scenic stops are covered (Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço).
• Santana’s thatched houses are the cultural anchor, with about 1.5 hours there.
• Referta levada walk is easy and short—around 30 minutes—so it’s doable for most people.
• Porto da Cruz rum distillery stop is brief, more “see and learn” than a long tasting session.

The Jeep + Levada format: why it’s such a smart combo

Madeira’s north side can feel scattered. Views are up high. Trails start in tight places. Roads can be twisty. This tour fixes that by bundling two different ways to explore: drive by 4WD when roads get awkward, then walk a levada (a traditional irrigation channel path) with a guide when you want slower, greener time.

That mix is what makes the day feel “complete.” You get the hit of big open views at places like Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. Then you switch to a gentler rhythm on the levada walk where the forest feels close and calm. For many people, it’s the best use of limited vacation time.

And because it’s a shared tour, you also get the benefit of a guide actively managing the group—especially helpful on a day that runs in real mountain conditions.

Price and logistics: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

This tour runs about $78.10 per person and lasts around 7 hours 30 minutes. For that price, you’re not just buying a seat. You’re paying for:

• Round-trip hotel/accommodation pickup and drop-off
• A driver/guide
• Required insurance
• Admission for select stops (Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço)

Food is the one area where the budget can drift. Lunch is optional and costs 15€ per person (fish, meat, or vegetarian). Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, and snacks/drinks aren’t included at the Porto da Cruz stop. You can absolutely keep costs under control—you just need to treat lunch like an add-on, not a given.

The tour uses mobile tickets, which is handy, and the group size can be up to 99, so you should expect a shared-day vibe.

Pickup timing: how to avoid the morning scramble

The start time is 9:00am. Your pickup windows are spread out by location:

• Central Funchal pickup: 8:45–9:00
• Port area pickup: 8:40–8:50

This matters because Madeira mornings can move fast. If you’re trying to squeeze in coffee, breakfast, and a quick outfit change, start thinking early. I’d aim to be waiting 10–15 minutes before your pickup window when possible.

Also, if you’re staying outside the central zone, confirm where they pick you up. The tour includes pickup in Funchal’s central area and the Port zone timing listed above.

Stop 1: Pico do Arieiro for panoramic views at 1,818 meters

Your first named stop is Pico do Arieiro at about 1,818 meters. The time here is short—around 20 minutes—but it’s a classic “take it in, then take photos” moment. The altitude and the exposed viewpoint are what make this kind of stop so memorable.

Admission here is included, so you don’t need to budget extra for entry. The key is to dress smart. Even on days that look fine in town, the temperature and wind up high can be a shock.

Practical move: keep your “viewing layer” easy to grab. A light jacket you can pull on fast beats trying to improvise with a hoodie you forgot you wore.

Stop 2: Santana’s thatched houses and a real break

Then you head to Santana, a charming village known for Madeira’s oldest thatched-roof houses, some standing for over 250 years. The stop lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is long enough to wander, take photos, and reset before the next drive.

This is where the tour leans more cultural and slower. It’s also your lunch window. The tour does not include food there. Lunch is optional (15€ per person) and you’ll have choices listed as fish, meat, or vegetarian.

One drawback to plan for: the schedule gives you time, but not “all day.” If you love deep village wandering, you’ll still feel the day moving on. Use the time well—pick a couple streets to explore and don’t burn the whole hour circling for the perfect angle.

Stop 3: Porto da Cruz rum distillery stop (short but interesting)

Next up is Porto da Cruz, with a visit to the rum distillery. You get about 20 minutes here, and admission is marked as free.

This stop is more about seeing how Madeira’s sugar cane rum tradition fits into the island’s story than it is about a long, hands-on tour. Snacks and drinks aren’t included, so if you’re hungry, plan a quick bite elsewhere or keep small snacks handy.

If you’re into food and drink culture, this is a good palate moment. If you’re expecting a full museum-style experience, keep your expectations modest—time here is limited.

Stop 4: Referta levada walk through the Laurisilva forest

Now you shift from road to trail at Referta, described as an easy and beautiful levada walk. The walking time is about 30 minutes.

This is one of the best-value parts of the day because it’s not just about looking at Madeira—it’s about walking through it. The tour overview specifically calls out the Laurisilva forest, and the levada setting is where that feels real: cooler air, shaded paths, and a steadier pace than the drive.

What to know:

• Easy doesn’t mean “no footing”—levadas can be slick. Bring shoes with grip.
• Because you’re only walking for about half an hour, don’t spend the whole time waiting for perfect photos. Watch your footing first; the scenery will still be there when you’re ready.

Also, levadas tend to change with weather. The tour says it operates in all weather conditions, so you should expect damp spots if it’s cloudy or misty.

Stop 5: Ponta de São Lourenço for the final view hit

The last stop is Ponta de São Lourenço, with about 15 minutes there. Admission is included.

This is the “wrap your day with coast and cliffs” moment. The headland is known for dramatic scenery, and with limited time, you’ll want to use those minutes well—choose a viewpoint quickly, take in the bigger view first, then zoom in for details.

If the weather is clear, this is the kind of stop that makes the whole day feel worth it. If it’s foggy or windy, it can still be atmospheric, just less photo-perfect. Either way, it’s a strong finish after the inland forest walk.

The guide and the off-road factor: fun, but with real safety control

The biggest praise in the experience comes from the way the day is run. The 4WD portion is described as exhilarating, and the comfort and cleanliness of the jeep matter here. What also stood out is that the guide worked hard to keep everyone included—switching between Portuguese, English, and German.

That language juggling isn’t just a nice detail. On mountain roads, people ask questions quickly. And it’s easier for everyone when instructions are clear, especially around safe driving and waiting points.

You should still plan for a bumpy ride. Jeep tours are not smooth-city driving. If you get motion sickness, consider bringing something you can take before the ride (and keep your water bottle accessible).

Food, drinks, and budget reality (so there are no surprises)

Here’s the truth about the day’s food setup:

• Lunch is optional and costs 15€ per person
• Snacks and drinks aren’t included at Porto da Cruz
• Alcoholic beverages are not included

So your budget will depend on what you choose. If you skip the lunch option, you’ll likely want a snack and water strategy. If you take lunch, it’s nice to have a planned meal choice with fish, meat, or vegetarian options listed.

Also, one note from the experience: the lunch restaurant experience isn’t guaranteed to wow everyone. If food quality matters a lot to you, plan to be okay with “simple, workable” rather than “wow.”

What this tour feels like in real time (pace and group vibe)

This is a packed day. You’ll be getting on and off the jeep multiple times, and you’ll feel the rhythm of “drive, pause, look, move on.”

The upside is that the day never feels like one long slog. The stops are short enough to keep energy up, and the levada walk is the break from sitting. The pacing also seems to work well for most people since the route is designed around quick viewing windows plus one longer village stop at Santana.

The shared group also matters. With up to 99 travelers, you’ll likely be in a bigger crowd than the intimate “private tour” feeling. Still, good guiding turns a big group into something manageable—especially when the guide is actively moving people through each step.

Who should book this Jeep & Levada combo?

You’ll likely love this tour if you want:

• North side Madeira in one day without planning transport
• A mix of driving + guided walking (not just one or the other)
• Short, high-impact viewpoints plus a gentler forest walk
• Time in Santana’s traditional thatched-roof village

It’s also a good choice if you’re not trying to do a full-day hike. The levada walk is only about 30 minutes, so you get nature without a big time commitment.

Consider skipping (or at least think hard) if:

• You really hate crowds
• You’re very sensitive to bumpy roads
• You’re expecting a long deep-dive into one place (the day spreads time across five stops)

Should you book the Santana Combo Expedition?

I’d book it if your goal is value and variety: viewpoints, a traditional village, a quick rum stop, and a guided levada walk through the Laurisilva forest—without having to coordinate rides yourself. The fact that pickup and drop-off are included removes a lot of travel friction. And the pricing includes key admissions, not just “transport and vibes.”

The decision hinge for you is food and time. Lunch is optional, drinks cost extra, and some stops are brief by design. If you’re the kind of person who likes fast, efficient touring and you’re okay with a packed schedule, this tour fits like a glove.

If you want a slower pace or you want to linger in places longer than the allotted time, you might prefer a different format. But for most people visiting Madeira for a limited number of days, this is one of the easier ways to get both roads-and-trails in the same day.

FAQ

How long is the Santana Combo Expedition?

It runs about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What does the $78.10 price include?

It includes hotel/accommodation pickup and drop-off, a driver/guide, insurance required by Portuguese law, and admission tickets for select stops.

Is pickup offered from hotels in Funchal?

Yes. There is free pickup in Funchal’s central area between 8:45–9:00 and near the Port area between 8:40–8:50. The tour starts at 9:00am.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. Lunch is optional and costs 15€ per person, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Which stops have admission tickets included?

Admission is included for Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Are there stops with free admission?

Yes. Santana, Porto da Cruz, and Referta are listed as free admission stops.

What if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The tour also notes you should dress appropriately for weather.

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