PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada Hiking Trail

The PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada Hiking Trail has 11.2 km, takes around 6 hours, begins near Pico Ruivo and heads west along the central mountain range to Encumeada, with views of the volcanic cliffs and surrounded by the Laurissilva.

The PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada Hiking Trail has 11.2 km, takes around 6 hours, begins near Pico Ruivo and heads west along the central mountain range to Encumeada, with views of the volcanic cliffs and surrounded by the Laurissilva.

This trail follows the path of Pico Ruivo, from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo Shelter (PR1.2 Vered Pico Ruivo). Begins at Shelter Here are the signs referring to the following routes: PR 1 – Vereda do Pico Areeiro or PR 1.1 – Vereda da Ilha.

Along this route we have passed two types of ecosystems included in the European Community Interest Sites Network – Natura 2000, which are the Central Mountainous Massif and the Laurisilva Forest.Species such as the Altitude Urzal are found in areas above 1400m and Laurissilva forest species such as the tilde (foetens Ocotea), Loureiro (Laurus novocanariensis), the puff pastry (Clethra arborea), the Sanguinho (Rhamnus glandulosa), the (Echium candicans), the Orchid (Dactylorhiza foliosa) and Mandon (Argyranthemum pinnatifidum).

With the proximity of Encumeada the feeling of being in the center of the island increases, as you can admire the panoramic view over the majestic valleys of Curral das Freiras, landscapes South (Serra D’Água) as the valley of São Vicente to the north.


Distance: 11,2 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6 hours
Start/Finish: Pico Ruivo Shelter house / Encumeada
Highest point/Lowest point: 1761 m / 1000 m
Warning tips: The Climate is very variable, take warm clothing.