PR 1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada
The High Mountain Traverse
Afstand
11.2 km (One Way)
Duur
5h – 6h
Moeilijkheid
Hard
Status
GESLOTEN
Beste tijd voor een bezoek
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.
⚠️ Technische moeilijkheidsgraad
Why Hike Vereda da Encumeada?
De 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.
Parcours Kaart
Linear route from Pico Ruivo Shelter to Encumeada Pass.
Stap-voor-stap handleiding
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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.
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2
Pico das Torrinhas
The path winds around several peaks. This section is dramatic, with sheer drops into the Curral das Freiras valley.
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3
Pico do Jorge
You traverse the flank of Pico do Jorge. The path is often cut directly into the vertical reddish rock face.
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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).
Beste fotoplekken
Natural walls of rock standing vertical like castle ruins. Found near Pico das Torrinhas.
Encumeada is famous for clouds spilling over the ridge from North to South like a waterfall of fog.
The white, skeleton trees (Urze) contrasting against the green ferns and blue sky make for striking photos.
Faciliteiten & voorzieningen
Hoe er te komen
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.
Het perspectief van de bestuurder
🚘 Mountain Pass Driving
Encumeada is a major crossroad.
Onze huuraanbeveling: 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.
Essentiële uitrusting
- 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.
- Zonnehoed: High UV exposure with zero shade for most of the hike.
🍹 Na de wandeling: Waar eten?
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.
