PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada Hiking Trail

The PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada Hiking Trail (Royal Path) runs 12.5 kilometers, crossing the central mountain range, the base of the highest peaks of Madeira during 6:30 hours at an altitude between 1340 and 940 meters. This trail begins at the Boca da Corrida Viewpoint and end at the Main Road ER 228 in Encumeada.

The PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada Hiking Trail (Royal Path) runs 12.5 kilometers, crossing the central mountain range, the base of the highest peaks of Madeira during 6:30 hours at an altitude between 1340 and 940 meters. This trail begins at the Boca da Corrida Viewpoint and end at the Main Road ER 228 in Encumeada.

This route was the old “Royal Path” paved, one of the main routes for the movement of people on Madeira Island. Used by landed gentry on horseback their wives were transported in networks (means of transport).
Along this route, can be seen the Curral das Freiras, a small village in a depression surrounded by mountains.

Along the way we can observeMadeira vegetation indigenous forest , the Laurissilva Forest. We can find the laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), the Vinhático (Persea indica), Tilde (foetens Ocotea) and (Argyranthemum pinnatifidum).
We can also observe some indigenous birds species such as Bis-Bis (Regulus ignicapillus maderensis), the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs maderensis), buzzards (Buteo buteo harterti), the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis), the long-toed pigeon (Columba trocaz) and Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea).

To circumvent the Great Peak (Pico Grande) can observe the village of Serra D’Água and Encumeada. The route ends at the Boca da Encumeada.

Distance: 12,5 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6.5 hours
Start/Finish: Boca da Corrida Viewpoint / ER 228 (Encumeada)
Highest point/Lowest point: 1340 m / 940 m
Warning tips: Weather subject to frequent changes; the path my be slippery, use anti slip footwear; Carry drinking water;
Boca da Corrida Viewpoint - Encumeada