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OpenToday: good to goCentral mountains

PR 1.3

Vereda da Encumeada

Pico Ruivo - Encumeada. Highlights: central ridge, Pico Ruivo, Encumeada.

mountains and viewpoints
Distance
11,2 km
Time
about 4 h 40 min
Difficulty
Hard
Fee
from 4,50 EUR

Decision for today

Good to go

Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.

  • Official status: open.
  • Pogoda: Pogoda dobra.

Access and parking

Pico Ruivo / Encumeada

check

Quick access check

Parking pointBus possible after checkingPlan the return
Parking / start

A long one-way trail in the central massif. If it is closed or partially open, do not plan it without IFCN confirmation.

Bus / transfer

Logistics require a separate return plan from Encumeada and access to Pico Ruivo/Achada do Teixeira.

Search in SIGA: Encumeada, Santana, Achada do Teixeira.

Logistics

linear trail. Start: Pico Ruivo. End: Encumeada.

Access plan

By car

Pico Ruivo / Encumeada. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.

Without a car

Search in SIGA: Encumeada, Santana, Achada do Teixeira.

Return

This is a linear or logistically harder trail. Plan pickup, taxi or two transport legs.

Transport information is planning guidance. Confirm schedules, parking and access in official sources before you go.
Parking in Google Maps SIGA schedules

Logistics tip. Confirm current departures, access restrictions and parking with SIGA or locally before heading out.

Trail map

Start point and area

Porto MonizSão VicenteSantanaMachicoFunchalPonta do Sol
PR 1.3

Orientation point

Pico Ruivo - Encumeada · start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Parking / access

Pico Ruivo / Encumeada

A long one-way trail in the central massif. If it is closed or partially open, do not plan it without IFCN confirmation.

Hike plan

Day plan for this trail

Hike

11,2 km · about 4 h 40 min · Hard

Conditions

Good to go. Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.

Checklists and timing

Before you go

  • Check the current IFCN notice for this trail.
  • Save the start point and route offline.
  • Book and check the fee in SIMplifica.
  • Compare weather with IPMA/ProCiv before starting.
  • Verify wind and visibility before starting.
  • Plan time reserve to turn back if conditions change.
  • Take extra water, food and a rain layer.

Gear

Offline map / saved start

Signal in mountains and valleys can be unstable.

Water and snacks

A longer trail requires more supplies.

Windproof layer

On ridges, cliffs and in gusts, wind chills quickly.

Power bank

A longer day outside increases battery use for maps and photos.

Daylight

Estimated time: about 4 h 40 min. Latest reasonable start: 15:36 (60 min buffer before dark).

Data confidence

What is reliable and what to check

Trail status

IFCN live

Last read: 16/07/2026, 21:16.

Difficulty

official

Shown as official or consistent with the source label.

Map point

start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Access

check

Checked: 14/05/2026, 01:00. Confirm schedules in SIGA.

Weather now

Open-Meteo

Updated: 16/07/2026, 21:16. Refresh about every 1h.

Trail FAQ

Common questions before you go

Is the trail currently available?

Open. Trail status and weather can change quickly. Before you go, check IFCN, SIMplifica, IPMA/ProCiv and local signage.

How long does the hike take?

Roughly 4 h 40 min at a calm pace without longer breaks. Add time for photos and rest.

How much does entry cost?

Entry costs 4,50 € for visitors over 12. Pay online in SIMplifica and keep the confirmation for checks.

Do I need to book or pay?

This trail requires booking or entry verification in SIMplifica before you start.

Where do I park and how do I get there?

Pico Ruivo / Encumeada. Logistics require a separate return plan from Encumeada and access to Pico Ruivo/Achada do Teixeira.

Is this a good trail with a dog?

not advised with dog. Conditions, exposure or difficulty make another dog-friendly trail a better choice.

Trail profile

Who it suits and what to watch

Best for

Scenic mountain trail, good in stable weather.

demandingscenicexposure

With dog

not advised with dog

Conditions, exposure or difficulty make another dog-friendly trail a better choice.

Risks

  • Avoid in strong wind, low visibility or icy ridge conditions.
  • Leave a larger time buffer and do not start late in the day.