The PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo Hiking Trail begins and end in Achada do Teixeira has a length of 2.8 km (2.8 Km + return) with a duration of 1 hour 30 (one way and return), which allows access to the summit of the highest point of the island of Madeira, Pico Ruivo.

• Distance: 2,8 Km (+ 2,8 Km return)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Start/Finish: Achada do Teixeira / Achada do Teixeira
• Highest point/Lowest point: 1862 m / 1535 m
• Warning tips: The Climate is very variable, take warm clothing.

Commencing from Achadas Teixeira, this trail guides hikers on an upward journey to Pico Ruivo, the loftiest point on Madeira Island, soaring to an impressive 1861 meters in altitude. Along the path, you’ll encounter several shelters, providing opportunities to pause for rest, enjoy a snack, or seek refuge from the frequent enveloping fog that blankets the area. As you progress, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas, featuring the island’s grand mountains and prominent peaks like Pico das Torres and Pico do Areeiro. Amidst this landscape of mountains, sea, and scattered settlements, you’ll still be able to distinguish the distinct rock formation of Penha d’Águia and the tip of São Lourenço. Near the Pico Ruivo house, you’ll discover the entrances to three trails leading to various parts of the island: PR1 – Pico do Areeiro trail, PR13 – Encumeada trail, and PR1.1 – Ilha trail. Upon reaching Pico Ruivo’s summit, hikers can bask in the splendid scenery surrounding them, appreciating the sheer magnitude of the peaks, the quaint villages nestled in their agricultural patches, the vast expanse of sea, and the ever-shifting sea of clouds. Here, you can truly savour the sense of grandeur that this place bestows!

Tips for the Vereda do Pico Ruivo Hike

• Weather: The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.
• Safety: Always inform someone of your hiking plan, especially if you choose the longer routes.
• Supplies: Bring enough water, some food, and a first-aid kit.
• Guided Tours: If you prefer a structured experience or are unfamiliar with the trails, consider booking a guided hiking tour. This can provide added safety and enrich your understanding of the area’s natural history. If you are considering hiking to Pico Areeiro then you will probably want to arrange transport back to your vehicle. I suggest looking at From Achada do Teixeira: One-Way Transfer to Pico do Arieiro by Levadas In and Out.

Hiking to Pico Ruivo is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Madeira, with each route offering its own unique challenges and rewards.

The Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Santana (Madeira)!

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