Hiking
PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada
Beginning near Pico Ruivo, Vereda da Encumeada is 11.2 km long and follows the central mountain range of the island westwards until Encumeada.
PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha
Note: PARTIALLY OPEN - This footpath accessible only between Pico Ruivo shelter and Ilha.
Along this trail of moderate difficulty, which is 8.2 km long and takes an estimated 3 hours, you will have the opportunity to cross two types of ecosystems that are part of the Natura 2000 Network: the Central Mountain Massif and the Laurisilva forest.
It is a 1376 m level difference, which should be completed calmly and making the most of the unique scenery provided by Vereda da Ilha.
The former, characterised by herbaceous and shrubby vegetation well adapted to wide temperature ranges, rainfall and intense winds, can be seen along the Vereda da Ilha trail, from the highest peaks to an altitude of 1200 metres.
In turn, the Laurissilva is located in the fog area, between 400 and 1200 metres of altitude (note that the water from the fog condenses on the plants' leaves, thus filling the springs and streams).
It is common to see birds like the Madeira firecrest (Regulus ignicapus madeirensis) or the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) here.
Details
Distance: 8.2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Start/End: Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo / Ilha
Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 1764 m / 490 m
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