The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro Hiking Trail is with 7 km length and 3:30 hours. This route connects two of the highest peaks of Madeira (Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro). The route includes tunnels, some steep slopes and fabulous central massif landscapes.
This route starts at Pico do Areeiro Viewpoint (1817 m), here you can see the valley of Nogueira da Fajã where the nest Patagarros (Puffinus Puffinus), São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central mountain range. ends at the viewpoint of Pico Ruivo (1861m).
In this area there is the nesting of the species endemic Zino’s Petrel (Pterodroma madeira), considered the most endangered seabird of Europe. During the route can observe several species of birds, of which stand out the species and subspecies restricted to Macaronesia: the Canary (Serinus canaria), the Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotti madeirensis), the Swallow-of-saw (Apus unicolor) and other subspecies found only in the archipelago, Sparrow-the-earth (Petronia petronia madeirensis), chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis) and firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis). We also observed several endemic vegetation species of wood, such as the Madeira violet (Viola paradoxa), Madeira grey heather (Erica madeirensis), the rock orchid (Orchis scopolorum), and the Madeira kidney (Anthyllis lemanniana).
Near the Pico Ruivo shelter near Pico Ruivo Viewpoint (1861 m), you will find footpath PR 1.2, which leads to Achada do Teixeira.
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3:30 hours
Start/Finish: Pico do Areeiro Viewpoint / Pico Ruivo Viewpoint
Highest point/Lowest point: 1862 m / 1542 m
Warning tips: Weather is subject to frequent changes, take warm clothing; Tunnels en route, take light or torch; Carry drinking water;