Fees and prices for 2026 - Decree No. 801/2025, of December 10 - Decree establishing the fees and respective amounts to be charged by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, IP-RAM
Decree No. 48/2026, of 13 February - Introduces the first amendment to Decree No. 801/2025, which defines the fees and corresponding amounts charged by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), IP‑RAM.
1. How the system works
1.1. What is the purpose of the new fees and booking model?
The new model aims to improve the management of the Classified Hiking Trails by controlling carrying capacity and distributing visitor flows throughout the day, in order to ensure the environmental sustainability of the area and the conservation of its natural values.
1.2. How does it work?
Each day is divided into entry time windows, known as slots or timeslots. Users book the slot in which they wish to enter the trail. After entry, they may complete the trail within an appropriate amount of time, allowing them to enjoy the area and the surrounding landscape and nature.
Slots have different capacities for visitors, residents and economic operators, and places cannot be transferred between these categories.
1.3. Are the entry times strict?
We understand that unexpected situations may sometimes occur, particularly for users completing several trails in sequence. As such, we generally allow a reasonable tolerance for entering the trail before or after the scheduled slot (around 15 minutes, and a little more for hikers doing trails in sequence).
Please note that the purpose of this system is to distribute users throughout the day and avoid overloading the trail, so we cannot allow greater tolerances.
1.4. Where can I make a booking?
Bookings must be made EXCLUSIVELY online via the SIMplifica Portal. For carrying-capacity management and safety reasons, registration is mandatory for all users, including those who benefit from an exemption.
Bookings and fee payments are not made at IFCN premises.
1.5. Is it possible to book for the following day? And for the same day?
Yes. Bookings can be made on the SIMplifica Portal, subject to availability at the time of booking.
1.6. I am having problems with the SIMplifica Portal. I receive error messages or I cannot pay with my credit card.
IFCN does not manage the SIMplifica Portal. Therefore, for matters related to its operation, you should contact the SIMplifica Contact Center, whose role is to provide information and support in the event of difficulties when making bookings, through the following channels:
SIMplifica Contact Center
Available on working days, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Telephone: +351 800 29 90 90
WhatsApp: +351 926 155 465
1.7. The trail I want to do is not available for booking on the SIMplifica Portal. Why?
There are two possible reasons for this. The first is that you intend to undertake a trail that is not subject to the booking and fee-payment system, such as non-classified trails or, in the case of a classified trail, one managed by an entity other than IFCN. In such cases, the trail is not available for booking on the Portal. You can consult the list of classified trails and their respective managing entities on our website.
The second reason is that, if the trail is classified and managed by IFCN, it is not available for booking whenever, for whatever reason, it is closed.
1.8. The trail is open, but I cannot book a certain slot. Why?
Slots are automatically blocked once their carrying capacity has been reached. After that point, the slot is automatically blocked.
2. Fees
2.1. What fees apply in 2026?
In 2026, the following fees apply to visitors (without a protocol):
- Individual trail (except PR1): €4.50;
- PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro –trail up only to Pedra Rija Viewpoint: €4.50;
- PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro – full trail after reopening (includes PR1.1 – Vereda da Ilha, PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo and PR1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada (the last one only when it reopens)): €10.50;
- 1-Day fee for combined trails (two or more trails in a day, excluding PR1):
€9.00;
- 3-day fee for combined trails (two or more trails in 3 days, excluding PR1): €22.50;
- 7-day fee for combined trails (two or more trails in 7 days, excluding PR1): €52.50.
Economic operators with a valid protocol with IFCN are subject to different tariffs. The applicable amounts are set out in Portaria N.º 801/2025 of 10 December, as amended by Portaria N.º 48/2026 of 13 February.
2.2. How can I pay the daily or multi-day fee (3 and 7 days)?
At present, there is no separate option on the SIMplifica Portal for direct payment of the daily or multi-day fee.
To benefit from the most advantageous tariff, the user must select the trails they intend to do and proceed with the booking process. At the end, the system automatically applies the most economically advantageous option, whether per individual trail or as a daily or multi-day fee, as applicable.
2.3. Does the 1-day, 3-day or 7-day fee allow free access to the trails during that period?
NO. The 1-day, 3-day and 7-day fees do not correspond to free access or unlimited use of all Classified Walking Trails during that period.
These options are simply a way of applying a more advantageous rate for users who wish to book several trails within a given time frame.
Therefore, even when the user benefits from a daily or multi-day rate, it remains ALWAYS mandatory to make a prior reservation for each trail intended, through the SIMplifica Portal, and such reservation is always subject to availability for the selected date and timeslot.
2.4. Does the daily or multi-day fee include PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro?
No. According to the fees currently published, the 1-day, 3-day and 7-day fees for combined trails do not include PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro (including the Pico do Areeiro – Pedra Rija Viewpoint only section).
2.5. Do the fees apply to all hiking trails in Madeira?
No. The fees apply only to the Classified Hiking Trails managed by IFCN and covered by the corresponding booking and fee system. Not all trails in the Autonomous Region of Madeira are Classified Hiking Trails and, among those that are, not all are managed by IFCN. You can consult these trails on our official website.
2.6. Are there specific rules for economic operators?
For economic operators with a protocol concluded with IFCN, there is a specific system for pre-booking, management, invoicing and payment established by protocol, in accordance with Portaria N.º 801/2025 of 10 December, as amended by Portaria N.º 48/2026 of 13 February.
For other economic operators that do not have a protocol, the same rules as those applicable to individual visitors apply.
2.7. Do residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira pay a fee?
No. Access is free of charge for residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, provided they prove this status through their resident card (which may be obtained on the SIMplifica Portal) and citizen card. Even so, for carrying-capacity control purposes, registration and booking remain necessary on the SIMplifica Portal.
2.8. Do children pay a fee?
Minors aged 12 or under, whether residents or non-residents, are exempt from payment, although registration/booking is still required.
2.9. Are there other exemption situations?
Yes. Persons with a disability of 60% or more, and their legal guardians (1 per person with a disability), when accompanied by them, are also exempt, upon presentation of documentary proof of that condition, although registration/booking is still required.
2.10. Are there people exempt from booking a timeslot?
Yes. The following are exempt from the booking and fee regime (they do not need to book or pay): owners, lawful possessors or other holders of real rights or other acquired rights over properties crossed by the hiking trails covered by the regulations, or adjacent to them, when travelling through them in the exercise of those rights.
Also excluded from the scope of this regime are individuals and entities who need to use the hiking trails in the context of the provision of essential public services, whenever such use is related to the exercise of their duties, as well as other services intended to safeguard fundamental rights or the population’s basic needs.
3. Rescheduling, refunds and documentation
3.1. Are rescheduling or refunds possible?
Yes, but ONLY when the trail is officially closed or restricted by decision of the competent authorities/IFCN. Outside these situations, in accordance with the legislation in force, rescheduling or cancellation at the user’s initiative entails ALWAYS the loss of the amount paid.
Economic operators with a protocol with IFCN are subject to different rescheduling and cancellation rules arising from that same protocol.
3.2. Can rescheduling or a refund be requested when the visitor decides not to do the hike for personal reasons, because they chose the wrong date / the wrong PR / would rather go at another time / it is raining?
NO. Rescheduling or a refund can only be processed when the trail was officially closed or restricted by decision of the competent authorities or IFCN on the booking date.
Outside these situations, failure to undertake the hike for personal reasons or at the user’s initiative entails the loss of the amount paid.
3.3. Can rescheduling or a refund be requested when the visitor cannot do the trail due to flight cancellation / illness / missed transport / other?
NO. Rescheduling or a refund can only be processed when the trail was officially closed or restricted by decision of the competent authorities or IFCN on the booking date.
Outside these situations, failure to undertake the hike for reasons unrelated to IFCN entails the loss of the amount paid.
3.4. What should I do if the trail for which I have a booking is closed?
In such cases, rescheduling or a refund must be requested from IFCN by email:
3.5. How long do I have to request rescheduling or a refund for my booking?
You have 10 WORKING DAYS from the booking date to submit a rescheduling/refund request. After this period, we will not be able to process the request.
3.6. If I am entitled to a reschedule, can I reschedule to another classified trail?
NO. However, in the case of a prolonged closure of a PR, IFCN may analyse a request to reschedule to another PR, subject to availability.
3.7. If I am entitled to do so, can I reschedule a group hike to another group with more or fewer participants than the original, or split it into several groups?
No. Rescheduling due to the closure of a PR is carried out for groups with the same number of participants. In the case of smaller groups, the tickets may be used, but there will be no refund for participants who do not use them. In the case of a larger group, it will be necessary to pay the fee for the additional participants (subject to availability).
3.8. What documents should I send to request the rescheduling or refund of a booking?
Rescheduling or a refund is only possible if the trail is officially closed or restricted by decision of the competent authorities/IFCN. Outside this situation, cancellation or rescheduling for reasons not attributable to IFCN entails the loss of the fee paid. The request will be analysed by IFCN in accordance with the reason presented and existing availability.
For the analysis of a rescheduling request, the following must be sent with the request:
- the tickets;
- the corresponding invoice;
- the indication of the new requested date and slot.
For the processing of a refund request, the following must be sent with the request:
- the tickets;
- the corresponding invoice;
- a bank document indicating the IBAN and SWIFT/BIC;
- the full name of the account holder;
- the address.
At present, refunds are processed EXCLUSIVELY by bank transfer.
3.9. I received an email from the SIMplifica Portal informing me that my booking had been cancelled due to inactivity/non-payment. But I have tickets and an invoice. Can I be refunded?
If you received an email from the SIMplifica Portal indicating that your booking was cancelled due to inactivity/non-payment, but you have already received tickets and an invoice by email, in the vast majority of cases that message refers to an earlier booking attempt that was not completed and was automatically cancelled by the system.
If you have issued tickets and the corresponding invoice, this means that your booking was successfully completed and is valid. To verify this, compare the reference numbers in the email you received with those on your tickets/invoice:
If they are different, the message refers to an earlier incomplete attempt and can be ignored;
If they are the same, you should forward the email received to IFCN for analysis.
4. Trail status, notices and restrictions
4.1. Who decides the closure or restriction of a trail?
The closure or restriction of a Classified Hiking Trail is determined by the competent authorities, namely IFCN, taking into account safety reasons, weather conditions, risks on the ground, work in progress or other relevant circumstances.
4.2 Do weather warnings automatically mean that all trails are closed?
NO. The issuance of weather warnings does not automatically determine the closure of all Classified Hiking Trails. Any closure or restriction of a trail depends on assessment by the competent entities and on the information officially disclosed for each specific case.
4.3. How do I know if a trail is open or closed?
Information on the status of the Classified Hiking Trails should be consulted on the official IFCN page dedicated to the trails, where the status of each PR is indicated. This information is kept up to date.
4.4. Where can I consult the latest notices and restrictions affecting the trails?
On the official IFCN page dedicated to the Classified Hiking Trails and their notices.
5. PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro and PR1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada
5.1. Has PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro already fully reopened?
Yes. The full reopening of PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro took place on 1 May 2026.
5.2. Where does the complete PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro trail to Pico Ruivo begin?
The complete route to Pico Ruivo begins at Pico do Areeiro. The gate area at Pedra Rija does not constitute the start of the route, and hikers should begin entering at the time of the first slot of the day in the Pico do Areeiro area and not near the gate.
5.3. Does PR1 remain bidirectional along the entire trail?
NO. The trail remains bidirectional between Pico do Areeiro and Pedra Rija Viewpoint. From that point to Pico Ruivo, the trail operates on a one-way basis, in the direction Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo.
5.4. Which route should be used to leave from Pico Ruivo?
Departure from Pico Ruivo must be made via:
- PR1.1 – Vereda da Ilha (Ilha);
- PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira);
- In the future, also via PR1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada (Encumeada), after its reopening (currently closed).
5.5. Does IFCN ensure hikers’ return to Pico do Areeiro?
NO. Hikers are responsible for their own transport logistics, and IFCN is not responsible for the return to Pico do Areeiro.
Users should therefore plan in advance how they will return to the starting point, and it is their responsibility to arrange the necessary logistics to return to the place where they left their vehicle, should they choose to travel in their own vehicle.
5.6. Which trails does the fee for the full PR1 give access to?
The fee for the full trail (€10.50) allows access to the whole of PR1, as well as to trails PR1.1 – Vereda da Ilha, PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo and, when reopened, PR1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada, without the need to pay an additional fee for these trails.
5.7. Does the fee previously paid for PR1, on the Pico do Areeiro – Pedra Rija section, allow the full trail to be done?
No. The fee previously paid for the Pico do Areeiro – Pedra Rija section (€4.50) is limited to that segment and does not allow access to the rest of the trail.
5.8. Will old Pedra Rija tickets be converted into tickets for the full trail?
NO. There is no ticket conversion. Users who wish to do the full trail must purchase a new ticket corresponding to that option.
5.9. Is it still possible to pay a fee only for the section up to Pedra Rija and back to Pico do Areeiro?
Yes. It remains possible to pay a fee only for access to Pedra Rija Viewpoint and return to Pico do Areeiro, in the amount of €4.50.
5.10. Is the complete PR1 up to Pico Ruivo, available every day of the week?
NOT AT THE MOMENT. The PR1 section between Pedra Rija Viewpoint and Pico Ruivo is undergoing maintenance work until June 26th. Therefore, due to pavement repairs, it will be operational in a phased and conditional manner, only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
5.11. Does this restriction apply to all of PR1?
No. This restriction applies only to the section between Pedra Rija Viewpoint and Pico Ruivo (one-way section). The section between Pico do Areeiro and Pedra Rija Viewpoint (bidirectional section) remains open throughout the week, without restrictions.
5.12. Are solutions being studied to allow crossing the island from north to south without depending on PR1?
Yes. A solution is being assessed that could allow this type of crossing without depending exclusively on PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro. However, this matter is still under consideration, and any decisions or concrete information will be disclosed in due course through IFCN’s official channels.
5.13. And what about PR3 – Vereda da Encumeada? When will it reopen?
As regards PR3 – Vereda da Encumeada, we do not yet have an expected reopening date, so the official information released by IFCN on that trail should be consulted.
5.14. If PR1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada is closed, are there no alternatives to cross the island from one side to the other?
At present, crossing between the Central Mountain Massif and Paul da Serra (east-west) is not possible through Classified Hiking Trails. Please note that IFCN cannot recommend trails that are not classified, as it is not responsible for their maintenance, monitoring or management.
6. Information and services provided by IFCN
6.1. Does IFCN make bookings or plan itineraries for visitors?
NO. IFCN does not provide personalised activity-booking services or trail-planning services. Visitors must make their bookings directly through the SIMplifica Portal and organise their visit in accordance with the official information available.
6.2. Can IFCN recommend trails that are not classified or not managed by it?
NO. IFCN only provides official information on the Classified Hiking Trails under its management or on other trails officially identified in the respective institutional list and cannot recommend or assume responsibility for trails that are not classified or not managed by this entity. The official list identifies trails managed by different entities, such as IFCN and some municipalities.
6.3 I want to follow the MIUT route / cross the island. What reservations do I need to make?
The IFCN does not recommend, organise or validate routes inspired by the MIUT or by other long-distance crossings. The IFCN only provides information on the Classified Walking Trails under its management, namely their status, access conditions, reservations and applicable fees.
Therefore, anyone wishing to undertake a crossing inspired by the MIUT must first define their own itinerary and check whether that route passes through any PR managed by the IFCN. Whenever the itinerary includes Classified Walking Trails subject to reservation, the corresponding booking must be made on the SIMplifica Portal, for the intended date and timeslot, subject to availability.
The same applies to official camping areas that require a reservation.
We also remind you that the IFCN cannot recommend trails that are not classified or are not managed by this entity, since it is not responsible for their maintenance, signage or safety.
6.4. Is it mandatory to hire a guide to undertake a Classified Hiking Trail?
No. At present, the use of a guide is not mandatory for any Classified Hiking Trail (PR) in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. However, being accompanied by a guide may represent added value, namely by contributing to a richer, more informed and safer experience and also allowing a better interpretation of the natural and cultural values associated with the trail. This decision rests exclusively with the hiker.
7. Legislation and contacts
7.1. Where can I consult the applicable legislation?
Information relating to fees and bookings should be consulted in Portaria N.º 801/2025 of 10 December, as amended by Portaria N.º 48/2026 of 13 February, as well as on the official IFCN page for the Classified Hiking Trails.
7.2. How can I contact IFCN in case of doubt?
If your question is not covered in these FAQs, you may contact IFCN by telephone on (+351) 291 145 590 or by email at (working days between 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30)
