SANTANA Combo Expedition (Jeep & Levada Walk) – Shared Tour

Jeep tracks and a levada walk in one day. This shared Santana combo is one of the easier ways to see Madeira’s wild north, combining 4WD access with a guided nature walk through the Laurisilva. I also like the free round-trip hotel pickup, which means you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time looking at the views.

I love the fact that you get a real mix of Madeira styles in one go: high viewpoints, a classic village, a quick rum stop, and then a levada walk on foot. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s packed with short-to-medium stops, so if you prefer slow travel, you may feel a bit rushed.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Free hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal makes the day run smoothly without planning
• Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) time with admission included, giving you real altitude views
• Santana village with lunch break plus free admission to the thatched-roof heritage area
• A guided levada walk at Referta in the Laurisilva, designed to feel easy on your legs
• 4WD Jeep off-roading to reach spots regular roads do not reach easily
• Small-to-medium group size, max 99 travelers, with a guide that can switch languages

Santana Combo Expedition: Jeep and Levada on Madeira’s North Side

This is a full north-island day built around two main modes. First you ride in a 4WD Jeep to get to viewpoints and rural areas that are hard to reach. Then you walk a levada, Madeira’s famous irrigation channels, with a guide who helps you read the terrain and stay on track.

You’re based in Funchal, but the itinerary keeps bouncing you to places that feel like they belong to different Madeira worlds. You’ll go from dramatic height at Pico do Arieiro, to the heritage village of Santana, and then into the green, damp-feeling atmosphere of the levada walk.

Price and Logistics: What $78.10 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

At $78.10 per person, you’re paying for a guided, timed circuit that lasts about 7 hours 30 minutes. The best value piece is not the Jeep alone, it’s that they handle the ground transportation for you with free pickup and drop-off from central Funchal areas and the port zone.

Here’s what’s included:

• hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off
• driver/guide
• insurance (required by Portuguese law)

Here’s what you should plan to pay separately:

• lunch is optional and costs 15€ per person (fish, meat, or vegetarian)
• alcoholic beverages are not included
• food and drinks are not included during the Santana and Porto da Cruz stops

For my money, this price works best if you would otherwise rent a car or spend time piecing together multiple half-day activities. If you’re already moving around the island independently, this combo is still convenient, because it strings together multiple north highlights without you driving.

Your Day at a Glance: Timing That Shapes the Experience

The tour starts at 9:00 am. Pickup happens roughly between 8:45 and 9:00 in central Funchal areas, and between 8:40 and 8:50 if you’re near the port. You’ll use a mobile ticket and get confirmation at booking.

The pacing is structured:

• short viewpoint stop
• longer village and lunch break
• quick distillery visit
• easy levada walk
• final scenic coastal headland moment

This is a good format for first-time visitors who want variety. It’s also a format that rewards smart expectations. If you know the stops are brief, you’ll enjoy the “see a lot in one day” feel instead of wishing you had more time at each place.

Stop 1: Pico do Arieiro, 1,818 Meters of Panoramic Views

Pico do Arieiro is your early big hit. You’ll spend about 20 minutes at 1,818 meters, with admission included. This is the kind of altitude that changes how the island feels. Even in short time, you can get a sense of Madeira’s scale, with ridgelines, valleys, and a lot of sky.

Practical note: at this altitude, conditions can shift fast. The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it’s still smart to dress for mist or wind. If you see clouds rolling in, keep your eyes open and be ready to enjoy what the moment offers rather than waiting for perfect visibility.

Stop 2: Santana Village and Its Thatched-Roof Houses

Next you head to Santana for about 1 hour 30 minutes, with free admission. This stop is famous for Madeira’s oldest thatched-roof houses, and the key detail is age. These homes have been standing for over 250 years, which makes the village feel less like a theme stop and more like a living heritage pocket.

You’ll also have a lunch break here. Food and drinks are not included, and lunch is only optional as a specific paid add-on (15€ per person) if you choose the included lunch meal option.

What I like about this stop is the pacing. One hour 30 minutes is long enough to walk a bit, take photos, and actually absorb the village layout instead of just snapping one picture and rushing back to the vehicle.

Stop 3: Porto da Cruz Rum Distillery Visit

Porto da Cruz is shorter, around 20 minutes, with free admission. You’ll visit the rum distillery and learn about the traditional sugar cane rum production that made this area well known.

Food and drinks are not included. So think of this as a quick, focused cultural stop rather than a long tasting session. If rum is your thing, plan to savor the story and the process more than expecting a full experience here.

If you’re the type who likes souvenirs, this is also usually the moment where you can pick up small bottles or local items, since it’s the kind of stop that naturally leads to shopping. Just budget for it separately because it’s not part of the tour price.

Stop 4: Referta Levada Walk, Easy and Scenic

Referta is the walking part: about 30 minutes on an easy levada walk, with free admission. This is where Madeira shifts from village culture into the channel-world of greenery, rock, and steady footing.

“Easy” matters here. It signals that the walk is meant to be doable for most people, and that’s one reason the combo works so well. You get the levada experience without turning the day into a full hike.

A levada walk also changes your perspective. Instead of looking out across the island, you look along the water channel and study the way the landscape is managed. It’s one of those things that makes Madeira feel practical, not only dramatic.

Stop 5: Ponta de São Lourenço for Final Scenery Time

At the end, you get 15 minutes at Ponta de São Lourenço, with admission included. This area is known for striking, coastal scenery. You’re getting a brief taste of the dramatic nature there, the kind of place where the island’s edges look sculpted.

Fifteen minutes is short, but it’s also the right length for this last stop. By then, you’ve already spent much of the day moving, and a quick viewpoint moment is a smart wrap-up.

The Jeep Ride: Off-Road Fun With a Safety Mindset

One big reason people choose this combo is the 4WD portion. Off-roading in a Jeep can feel exhilarating because it gets you to places regular cars cannot reach comfortably, and it also adds a bit of adventure to the day.

In practical terms, you’re not just sitting back. The ride is part of the experience, and you’ll likely feel the changing roads, turns, and terrain. I recommend treating it like part thrill ride, part transportation, and bringing patience. Your best view moments come when everyone is ready and the group stays on schedule.

Also, the Jeep is described as comfortable and clean, so you’re not dealing with an unpleasant vehicle to start with.

Guide and Language Support: Staying Included Without Stress

English is offered, and the tour may also be guided in multiple languages. In one consistent highlight from past days, the guide has switched between Portuguese, English, and German to keep everyone included.

That matters more than you might think. When a group is mixing languages, it’s easy to lose information or feel left out during key moments. The good sign here is that the guide adapts so the whole vehicle can follow along.

If you’re traveling as a solo person or you’re not fluent in Portuguese, that language support is one less worry on a day that already has several moving parts.

What to Bring: Small Prep That Makes the Day Easier

Since the tour runs in all weather conditions, pack for changing conditions. Madeira can surprise you with wind and mist, especially around viewpoints and coastal headlands.

I’d bring:

• a light rain layer or windbreaker
• comfortable walking shoes for the levada walk
• water (even if you plan to buy nothing else)
• a small snack just in case the timing between stops doesn’t match your appetite

Also, plan your lunch decision before you get to Santana. If you choose the optional 15€ lunch, remember it’s fish, meat, or vegetarian. If you skip it, you’ll need to buy food and drinks on your own during the village break.

Food Reality Check: Lunch Is Optional, Not the Main Event

The tour does not include food at Santana or during the rum stop, so your day revolves around scenery and guided stops. Lunch at Santana is optional, and the 15€ meal is a convenient add-on.

If your priority is gourmet dining, treat this lunch as practical fuel. You’re paying for access and time on the island, not a cooking show. For most people, that’s exactly the right trade.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is ideal if you:

• want to see multiple northern Madeira highlights without renting a car
• like a mix of viewpoints, heritage, and one guided nature walk
• prefer a structured day with pickups and built-in timing
• value language support that keeps the group included

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate rushed schedules and want long stays at each stop
• are hoping for an all-day hike (the levada is only about 30 minutes)

Should You Book the SANTANA Combo Expedition (Jeep & Levada Walk)?

Book it if you want the easiest route to north Madeira highlights in one day, with free hotel pickup, a guided levada walk, and Jeep access that adds real adventure. At $78.10, the price makes sense because it bundles transportation, guiding, and multiple major stops that would be time-consuming to coordinate on your own.

Skip or consider alternatives if you prefer slower travel or you dislike tight stop timing. Also think carefully about lunch, because it’s optional and you’ll otherwise be on your own for food and drinks at key points.

Overall, this is one of those tours that feels designed for real vacation schedules: you get a lot of Madeira, with enough structure to keep the day smooth.

FAQ

What time does the Santana Combo Expedition start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup is offered in Funchal’s central area around 8:45 to 9:00, and around 8:40 to 8:50 near Funchal’s Port. Drop-off is included too.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll visit Pico do Arieiro, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Referta (for the levada walk), and Ponta de São Lourenço.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. A lunch meal is optional for 15€ per person, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

Are tickets included for each stop?

Admission is included for Pico do Arieiro and Ponta de São Lourenço. Santana and Porto da Cruz are listed as free admissions, and Referta is also listed as free admission.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and you should dress appropriately. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 99 travelers and is a shared tour.