Pico to Pico, or PR 1, is the most iconic hike in Madeira. Possibly in Europe, perhaps the world. Naturally, adventurous parents traveling with their babies and toddlers have reached out to me and asked,
Can you hike Pico to Pico with a baby or toddler?
Short answer? Yes, you can hike parts of the Pico to Pico Trail with an infant or toddler. Long answer? 👇
I hiked this trail three times, once with an 8-month-old, once with an 11-month-old, and once with a 15-month-old.
Each of those experiences was a humbling lesson in adventure parenting. We learned to interpret our baby’s moods, to observe the weather, and to accept that we’re no longer in our “completing amazing hikes” era.
We’re in our “at least we tried” era.
What Is the Pico to Pico Trail?
The Pico to Pico trail, also known as PR1 (Vereda do Areeiro), connects Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira.
Quick trail overview:
- Distance (one way): approximately 7 km
- Elevation gain: significant and continuous
- Typical hiking time: 5–7 hours round trip for adults
- Terrain: steep staircases, narrow paths, tunnels, exposed cliffs
This trail is one of the few social media trends that’s worth the hype. It’s gorgeous, stunning – and hidden in the clouds. PR 1 is also one of the most demanding hikes I’ve ever attempted.
As of 2026, hiking PR 1 is only possible with a reservation using Madeira’s new Simplifica system.
How to Get to PR 1 With a Baby or Toddler
There are several ways to get to P.R. 1 with your family.
The most comfortable way is to hire a private driver. These drivers will chauffeur you up the mountain and wait at the trailhead, allowing you to relax after a strenuous hike.
If you’re interested in a more independent tour, I recommend renting a car. As of 2025, parking on Pico do Areiero can be confusing, costly, and far away from the trailhead. Make sure to ask the local parking attendants if your family can park closer to the trailhead; they sometimes make exceptions for families.
We always rent cars on Madeira with Discovercars. They compare rates across most rental companies on the island and offer optional insurance for peace of mind.
There are also group tours, semi-private tours, and public buses that run every day (except on Christmas) to Madeira’s most famous hike.
Can You Hike Pico to Pico With a Baby or Toddler?
The short answer: partially, yes. Fully, no (for most families).
We started this hike with extensive hiking experience on Madeira, a high-quality baby carrier, solid fitness level, and stable weather.
Even with all that, it became clear early on that we were not completing the full hike—the first attempt ended at Miradouro do Ninho da Manta. The second attempt ended at the parking lot – my son refused to go in his carrier. The third attempt ended at the iconic Stairway to Heaven. My parents completed the entire hike, whilst baby and I headed back to the carpark and met them at Pico Ruivo 4 hours later.
Traveling and hiking with a baby and toddler means listening to your parental intuition. If something in you is saying it’s time to turn back, turn back!
I’d rather end every hike early and on a positive note, than push through and injure myself.
Why I Do Not Recommend Hiking All of PR 1
The beginning section of Pico do Areeiro is accessible. The path is wide, the views are stunning, and the exposure is minimal. You can get a taste of the trail without committing fully.
As PR 1 progresses, the dangers become more obvious. The trail narrows, the staircases begin to feel endless, and after the Stairway to Heaven, there are multiple tunnels. My carrier is too high for tunnels in Madeira, meaning I’d have to remove my baby and carry him through the tunnel – not ideal.
Wind exposure is another issue. Strong gusts of wind can affect your balance when baby-wearing. Larger babies, like a 15-month-old, can also shift your balance during a tantrum in the carrier. Narrow trails mean there are few spots where I can take the carrier off, and almost no spots where my toddler can walk independently.
Baby vs. Toddler on PR 1
Hiking With a Baby
Babies (under 2 years old) are easier than toddlers on demanding trails. Babies, in general, are happier to stay in carriers than wiggly toddlers. However, carrying a baby for long stretches with dramatic dropoffs and up steep stairs is physically demanding and mentally draining.
Hiking With a Toddler
The definition of toddler is loose. My son was an early walker, and at 15-months, he hiked the first section of PR 1 solo before climbing into the carrier for a nap. As he grew older, he became more opinionated about when he wanted to wander solo and when he’d rather be in the carrier. For toddler parents, I recommend:
- Only hiking the very beginning of the trail and turning around before the Stairway to Heaven.
- If you want to hike more, hike down the Vereda do Burro nearby. The friendly donkeys are a hit with my toddler.
I haven’t attempted this trail with my 3-year-old. I’m not physically strong enough to carry him the whole trail, and he’s too unpredictable to let him walk on his own.
It may feel like you’re missing out on an adventure, but when you’re traveling with a toddler, do you really need more adventure?
Essential Gear For Hiking Pico to Pico With Kids
If you plan to explore this trail with a baby or toddler, there are a couple of essentials you need.
- A structured baby carrier
- Proper hiking shoes for parents
- Insulating layer for baby
- Wind/Waterproof layer for the whole family
- Sun protection
- Plenty of water and snacks
- A headlamp (even if you don’t plan to reach tunnels)
As of 2026, PR 1 is no longer freely accessible. Visitors must book a hiking slot on the Simplifica Portal and pay a fee to go on the hike. I recommend booking your slot ASAP.
Would I Recommend Pico to Pico for Older Kids?
I recommend attempting the early sections if:
- Your family is experienced in hiking and comfortable with heights.
- Your child is comfortable with heights and can accurately assess risks.
- Weather conditions are excellent
- You’re comfortable turning around early
I do not recommend hiking this trail with a toddler or young child.
The physical demand, exposure, and lack of breaks make this trail suitable for adults and older, more experienced children. Your toddler may be different. Mine is an unpredictable wild child, completely unbothered by sheer drop-offs and cliffs that go on for literally miles.
Family-Friendly Hiking Alternatives in Madeira
If you’re disappointed with this review, I have some good news. Madeira is filled with amazing trails, boasting incredible views and stunning waterfalls. Most of these trails are suitable for families with young kids – some of them, like Vereda dos Balcões, are even suitable for toddlers.
Here are some of my blogs on the best trails for families on Madeira
- Five Family-Friendly Hikes on Madeira
- Five More Family-Friendly Hikes on Madeira
- The Easiest Trail on Madeira
- The Best Family-Friendly Hikes on Madeira
You don’t need to push limits to have unforgettable adventures here.
Final Thoughts: Adventure With Perspective
Hiking with a baby or toddler isn’t an all-or-nothing decision. It means accepting your family’s new limitations and defining a successful hike as one you attempted together, not one you finished. Attempting part of the trail gave us breathtaking views, a sense of accomplishment, and a clearer sense of our limits.
At the end of the day, understanding and accepting our limits is what family adventure travel is all about.
This hike is a great reminder that turning back is not failing – it’s using good judgement.
As parents, our job isn’t to conquer trails and prove our strength. Our jobs are to assess risks in real time, and make informed decisions that keep our family safe, while allowing us all to explore and experience the wonders of our beautiful planet.
Don’t feel disappointed when you turn around. Feel proud of yourself. Proud that you attempted this hike. Proud that you made it to Madeira, and proud of your child for coming along for the ride.
If you’re traveling to Madeira with kids, choose hikes that support your confidence — not ones that test it.
More Guides to Exploring Madeira with a Baby or Toddler
Madeira is famous for it’s stunning views and friendly locals – both of which make it the ultimate family-friendly hiking destination.
We’ve spent 2 years exploring this island with a baby, now toddler, to find the best hikes, trails, and activities for your family.
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Pico to Pico, or PR 1, is the most iconic hike in Madeira. Possibly in Europe, perhaps the world. Naturally, adventurous parents traveling with their babies and toddlers have reached out to me and asked, Can you hike Pico to Pico with a baby or toddler? Short answer? Yes, you can hike parts of the…
FAQ’s on Hiking Pico to Pico with a Baby or Toddler
Do I need to hire a guide to hike Pico to Pico?
No, you do not need to hire a guide to hike Pico to Pico with your baby or toddler. Again, I do not recommend attempting the full 7 km trail, but hiking to and from the Stairway to Heaven is an exciting and challenging hike.
How can we get to the Pico do Areeiro Trailhead?
You can rent a car (we always use DiscoverCars.com for our rental needs), take the bus, or hire a taxi to take you to the trailhead. While a cab costs more, your driver can park directly at the trailhead, cutting your uphill hiking time in half. Plus, overcrowding at the trailhead means there are few parking spots, and park rangers have begun strictly enforcing parking codes.
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