We will be in Funchal for one day when our transatlantic cruise comes into port. We are very experienced hikers and have no interest in doing a tour or shore excursion. We're hoping to be able to do the hike independent of a tour, but the obvious concern is making sure we get back to the port by 530pm (we can depart the ship at 8am). My understanding is that it won't be difficult to get a taxi to the parking area. But getting back, from what I've read, isn't as easy. The most common suggestion I've read is to get the contact number of a taxi driver (or taxi stand) and call them when we finish. i'm not inclined to trust this option, as taxis (at least in the US) are terrible, and I'd never put my trust in them. Perhaps the taxi industry is different here? If we can agree on being picked up by a taxi would you trust them? or, maybe there is a better, more reliable option?

We're thinking of booking tour transfers to hike from pico do arieiro, to pico ruivo and ends Achada do teixeira. The tour say it should take about 4 and half hrs. But I watch youtube, it say 6 to 7 hrs....is it really 4 and half hrs. I'm just concerned that we don't want the tour transfer wait for us too long.

Hi. I read your comment about the hike between pico ruivo and pico do arriero. I would like to ask you where (from which pick) and when should I start the trail to see the sunrise at July, and if its better to see the sunrise in one day and do the hike in another. Or should I do both in the same day? Thanks in advance