Caminho Real da Encumeada, górski szlak historyczny
Back to catalogue
Partially openToday: checkCentral mountains

PR 12

Caminho Real da Encumeada

Boca da Corrida - Encumeada. Highlights: Boca da Corrida, Encumeada, mountain track.

mountains and viewpoints
Distance
12.5 km
Time
about 5 h 15 min
Difficulty
Hard (est.)
Fee
from 4.50 EUR
Altitude
830 - 1323 m

What IFCN actually says

Status from the IFCN list: partially passable.

Decision for today

Check conditions

The trail may be possible, but status, weather and booking need verification.

  • The trail has restrictions or partial opening.

Trail partially open? We will let you know when it fully opens

Leave your e-mail and we will send a message when the official trail status changes to fully open. No need to check the IFCN page every day.

Your address is used only for alerts about this trail; they may include labelled partner links. One click unsubscribes you.

Access and parking

Boca da Corrida / Encumeada

check

Quick access check

Parking pointTaxi / transfer likelyPlan the return
Parking / start

A long one-way trail through mountain terrain. Check access to Boca da Corrida and the return from Encumeada before you start.

Coordinates for navigation

Start32.71107, -16.98719
Finish32.75428, -17.01884

Enter them into an offline map or the car's navigation before you set off: on mountain roads the signal can drop out for long stretches.

Bus / transfer

First check connections to Jardim da Serra/Câmara de Lobos and Encumeada; a transfer may be necessary.

Search in SIGA: Boca da Corrida, Jardim da Serra, Encumeada.

Logistics

linear trail. Start: Boca da Corrida. End: Encumeada.

Access plan

By car

Boca da Corrida / Encumeada. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.

Without a car

Search in SIGA: Boca da Corrida, Jardim da Serra, Encumeada.

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 12

Orientation point

Boca da Corrida - Encumeada · start

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

Parking / access

Boca da Corrida / Encumeada

A long one-way trail through mountain terrain. Check access to Boca da Corrida and the return from Encumeada before you start.

Elevation profile

818-1371 m

Total ascent: 1424 mTotal descent: 1712 m
StartFinish

Indicative values: elevations read from a terrain model along the GPS track, not measured on the path. On rock ledges and near tunnels the model can show the slope above the trail.

EU-DEM 25 m · OpenStreetMap (ODbL)

Hike plan

Day plan for this trail

Hike

12.5 km · about 5 h 15 min · Hard (est.)

Conditions

Check conditions. The trail may be possible, but status, weather and booking need verification.

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.
  • Read the partial-opening restrictions and passage variant.
  • 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 5 h 15 min. Latest reasonable start: 13:58 (60 min buffer before dark).

Data confidence

What is reliable and what to check

Trail status

IFCN live

Last read: 15/09/2026, 14:22.

Difficulty

researched

Do not treat this as an official fact. It is planning guidance.

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: 15/09/2026, 14:22. Refresh about every 1h.

After the hike

Where to eat nearby

Taberna da Poncha

Serra de Água

4.7(6,346 reviews)Google Maps rating, checked on 27 July 2026

Not a restaurant but a poncha institution on the ER104 below Encumeada: walls covered in business cards, peanuts with your glass, poncha also bottled to take away. After PR 12, PR 17 or the ridge descent it is the natural first stop; for a full meal drive on.

Hours
usually open morning to evening, but days and hours do vary: confirm before you drive down
Prices
1 to 5 €
Open in Google Maps

We checked the ratings and hours once, on the date shown, and this kind of data ages fast: confirm before you drive out. We have no agreement with these places and earn nothing on these tips.

Trail FAQ

Common questions before you go

Is the trail currently available?

Partially 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 5 h 15 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?

Boca da Corrida / Encumeada. First check connections to Jardim da Serra/Câmara de Lobos and Encumeada; a transfer may be necessary.

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.

demandinglongscenicexposurerestrictions

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.