Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 in Funchal
Funchal, Portugal

Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11

Outty Ranking 70 5.0 · 20 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $40

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

70/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 worth booking?

Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 is a 3-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $40 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
70 / 100
Rating
5/5 (20)
Duration
3 hours
From
$40 per person

Once having been collected from your Madeira accommodation, drive through the mountains before arriving to Ribeiro Frio. Following a short but grandeur walk through the beautiful Laurisilva Forest, arrive to the fabulous

What you get

    About this experience

    Once having been collected from your Madeira accommodation, drive through the mountains before arriving to Ribeiro Frio. Following a short but grandeur walk through the beautiful Laurisilva Forest, arrive to the fabulous Balcões’ belvedere. From this belvedere it’s possible to contemplate the many peaks of Madeira Island, from which Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro stand the highest. Pico do Gato, Pico das Torres, and the well-known Penhad’Águia also constitute part of this breathtaking scenery. This area is also ideal for bird watching, due to the fact that it is home to a huge variety of different species. These birgs include the firecrest, the chaffinch, grey wagtails, blackbirds, robins, buzzards, and the very rare Madeira's long-toed pigeon.

    What's included

    Included

    • Driver/Local guide
    • Private tour
    • Hotel/Port/Apartment pickup and drop-off
    • Free WIFI onboard
    • Insurance
    • Flashlight (when applicable)
    • Transport by private vehicle

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Clothing

    What you'll see and do

    1. Balcoes de Ribeiro Frio

      Beginning in Ribeiro Frio, hike towards the Balcões’ belvedere between the typical greenery of Madeira’s forest. Throughout your hike it’s possible to contemplate the many peaks of Madeira Island, as well as encounter many species of birds.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Funchal, Canico, Cma Lobos

      Private Walk Duration: 3 hours Funchal, Canico, Cma Lobos: Price from Funchal, Canico, Camara de Lobos. NO FUNCHAL PORT. Pickup included

    • South West Madeira

      Price from Calheta, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava area. Private Walk Duration: 4 hours Pickup included

    • Funchal Port Meeting Point

      Price from Funchal Port Harbor Private Duration: 3 hours Pickup included

    • North/South East Madeira

      Price from Machico, Santa Cruz, Santana, Faial, Porto da Cruz and Caniçal area Private Walk Duration: 3 hours Pickup included

    • North West Madeira

      Price from Porto Moniz, Seixal, Sao Vicente area Private Walk Duration: 4 hours Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Pearl of the Atlantic

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • You are responsible for your all your clothing for the activities.
    • We have an optional Lunch available after the walk for a fee.
    • Children must be accompained by an adult.
    • • Please note that you are responsible for your all your clothing for the activities

    Photos

    Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 in Funchal, photo 2Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 in Funchal, photo 3Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 in Funchal, photo 4Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 in Funchal, photo 5Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 in Funchal, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    20 verified traveler reviews for Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    20
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    anderssoaresg · November 2025

    A friendly and excellent private guide

    Duarte was an excellent guide on this light but beautiful hike with a stunning view at the end. On the way from Funchal to the beginning ofThe route demonstrated Duarte a deep and general knowledge of Madeira’s history, focusing on the functioning of the levadasystem and its construction when we started the hike. During the entire hike, Duarte attracted attention to interesting places and revealed important information to improve our understanding of what we saw. He also knew the best places to take photos and videos. Since Duarte is himself from the island, he also knew the best places to try local food and beverages. In addition, Duarte always showed courtesy and careful attention to detail, which was a great advantage during the trip. Can highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Relax13140579305 · October 2025

    Happy day!

    Perfect service. A Very kind guide and driver! There was very joyful. The guide gave us very useful and interesting information!

    via Tripadvisor

    FrequentFlier326862 · April 2024

    Levada from the balconies - spectacular

    The tour was wonderful, very accessible, and the views were unbelievable. Duarte, our guide, is an exceptional person, I recommend this tour.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Angel57 · March 2023

    Great short hike

    Easy short hike which, weather depending, gives fabulous views at the end. Due to a flare up with my knee I had to abandon ideas of doing PR10, but this alternative was doable for me.

    via Tripadvisor

    Vitor12346 · November 2022

    Walking through the forest

    Very beautiful walk by the wood laurissilva. The guide was very informative and the Enterprise was extremely professional.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
    Price range
    $40 to $200
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 70

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)36
    Value for money (12% weight)67
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.

    How much does Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 cost?

    +

    Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.

    Is Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11?

    +

    Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11 start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Funchal?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Funchal?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Funchal?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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