PR 1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada

The High Mountain Traverse

Distance

11.2 km (One Way)

Duration

5h – 6h

Difficulty

Hard

Status

⛔ CLOSED

⛔ TRAIL CLOSED The route between Pico Ruivo and Encumeada is currently unsafe due to multiple landslides and damaged railings along the exposed ridges. Do not attempt this hike until official reopening.

🕐 Best Time to Visit

Sunrise

Epic

Mid-Day

Good

Afternoon

Clouds

💡 Pro Tip: This trail is notoriously prone to “Encumeada Cloud,” where the pass gets socked in by fog by 14:00. An early start (08:00) is essential for visibility.

⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating

Vertigo Risk High 🔴

Physical Effort Hard (Endurance) 🔴

Path Surface Uneven Stone 🟠

Isolation High 🔴

Why Hike Vereda da Encumeada?

The PR 1.3 is for serious hikers. It connects the highest peak (Pico Ruivo) to the mountain pass of Encumeada, traversing the spine of the central massif.

You will walk past ancient volcanic dykes, through the eerie dead trees of recent fires, and enjoy dual views of both the North (São Vicente) and South (Ribeira Brava) coasts simultaneously.

Trail Map

Linear route from Pico Ruivo Shelter to Encumeada Pass.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Pico Ruivo Shelter (Start)

Start near the shelter (1700m). Instead of going up to the summit or down to Ilha, take the path marked “Encumeada” heading west.
2

Pico das Torrinhas

The path winds around several peaks. This section is dramatic, with sheer drops into the Curral das Freiras valley.
3

Pico do Jorge

You traverse the flank of Pico do Jorge. The path is often cut directly into the vertical reddish rock face.
4

Encumeada Descent

The final section is a long series of stone steps descending into the Laurisilva forest, ending at the snack bar on the road (ER 104).

📸 Best Photo Spots

🌋 Volcanic Dykes

Natural walls of rock standing vertical like castle ruins. Found near Pico das Torrinhas.

🌫️ The Cloud Spill

Encumeada is famous for clouds spilling over the ridge from North to South like a waterfall of fog.

🌲 Dead Forest

The white, skeleton trees (Urze) contrasting against the green ferns and blue sky make for striking photos.

Facilities & Amenities

🚌 Bus None

☕ Cafe At Start & End

🚻 Toilets Pico Ruivo (Start)

🅿️ Parking Difficult Logistics

How to Get There

This is a linear trail with difficult logistics. You start at one peak and end at a mountain pass 11km away.

🛑 Transport Strategy

Do NOT take two cars (it’s a 1.5h drive between start and finish). Best option: Park at Achada do Teixeira, hike to Pico Ruivo, hike to Encumeada, and pre-arrange a taxi to pick you up at Encumeada Snack Bar.

The Driver’s Perspective

🚘 Mountain Pass Driving

Encumeada is a major crossroad.

Road Condition Excellent (Paved)

Views Spectacular

Parking Easy at Encumeada

Our Rental Recommendation: Driving up to Encumeada from Ribeira Brava involves a long, steep ascent. An automatic car prevents constant gear shifting on the hairpins. This is Madeira Island offers great automatics for this route.

Find Your Perfect Car

Essential Gear

Hard-Shell Jacket: Weather changes fast here. You are exposed to winds from both North and South.
Water (2L+): There is NO water source on the 11km ridge.
Sun Hat: High UV exposure with zero shade for most of the hike.

🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?

Snack Bar Encumeada

You literally finish the hike at its doorstep. It is famous for its Poncha (you will earn it!) and simple Prego sandwiches. The view from the terrace down the Serra de Água valley is the perfect finish.