Madeira's Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, known as IFCN, has ordered the closure of all classified hiking trails this Sunday, November 8. The online booking platform, SIMplifica, is still accepting reservations for that date, including issuing payment references.
The gap has confused tourists who planned to hike Madeira's trails this weekend. Many have sought answers in online hiking groups on the island.
All Classified Trails Close This Sunday, Nov. 8
The IFCN's order covers every classified trail in the region, not just a few routes. The institute's own notice does not spell out why the trails are closing that day.
Forest Road to Pico do Areeiro Also Shuts
A related report from the same outlet said the forest road linking Eira do Serrado to Pico do Areeiro will close on Sunday too. That closure is for safety reasons, separate from the trail order.
Visitors Say They Paid Late on Nov. 6 Anyway
Some tourists say they booked trail slots and paid for them late on Friday, Nov. 6 - after the closure had already been decided. They are now asking in hiking groups whether their Sunday bookings still stand.
DIÁRIO, which first reported the story, tested the system itself. A simulated booking for a non-resident, made for Sunday, November 8, went through, and the portal issued a payment reference for it.
Refund Window Lasts Ten Business Days
Madeira's access rules for classified trails allow a refund or a new date when IFCN itself cancels a booking. Travelers get ten business days from the original date to request rescheduling, subject to availability within one year, or a full refund.
The institute did order Sunday's closure itself. But it is not clear if that counts as a cancellation attributable to IFCN under those rules. The report notes the doubt applies most when the real cause is adverse weather, not a choice by the institute alone.
That leaves open whether affected visitors get an automatic refund, or must request their money back or a new date themselves.
Source: dnoticias.pt
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