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PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada
Distance
11.2 km
Duration
5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
About This Trail
This 11.2 km moderate trail follows the central mountain ridge from Pico Ruivo westward to Encumeada, descending from 1,764m to 1,009m through diverse landscapes. The route crosses two Natura 2000 ecosystems: the millennia-old Laurissilva forest with vibrant green vegetation and the Central Mountain Massif with its dramatic volcanic escarpment. Hikers discover caves carved into the rock, such as Furna da Lapa da Cadela, which add geological intrigue to the 5-6 hour journey. However, note that as of August 2024, this area remains closed due to fire damage, so check Visit Madeira's official website for current accessibility before planning your visit.