PR 1.2 · Madeira
Vereda do Pico Ruivo
The back way up Pico Ruivo, from Achada do Teixeira. Much shorter than the ridge from Areeiro, and the summit is the same.
- Distance 2.8 km
- Walking time 1 h 30
- Highest point 1,857 m
- Difficulty Moderate
- Route There and back
Official figures. Walking times are moving times: they assume you never stop.
The route
The walk
Two point eight kilometres up a paved path from the car park at Achada do Teixeira, and you are on the highest point in Madeira at 1862 m.
It is the easy way up, which is a relative term: it climbs steadily the whole way and the last stretch is steps. Ninety minutes each way is the official figure and it is about right.
There is a mountain hut just below the summit that sells drinks and has toilets, though do not build the day around it being open.
If you are choosing between this and the ridge from Pico do Areeiro: this one is shorter, safer, has no tunnels, and gets you the same view from the top. The ridge is the better walk. This is the better plan with children, or in doubtful weather.
Exposed at the top and cold in wind. The path is good the whole way, which is the main thing that separates it from the Areeiro route.
Before you go
Where to park
Free car park at Achada do Teixeira, at the end of the road up from Santana.
By bus
No bus. Taxi from Santana, or your own car.
What to bring
A warm layer. It is 1800 m and the summit has no shelter.
When to go
An hour and a half up, a bit less down. Booking slots start at sunrise, so the summit at dawn is off the table; the first slot of the day is still the quietest.
Toilets, water and food
Toilets at Achada do Teixeira. A hut near the summit, open some of the time.
In the app
Everything for the day you walk PR 1.2
- You, on the line The whole trail on the map with your position on it, from the car park to the end.
- No signal needed Kept on your phone for the valleys and tunnels where the network goes.
- Today's free slots Every half hour of the day, live from SIMplifica, and booking in a tap.
- A timer for the walk Private, it counts from the trailhead and stops by itself at the end.
- To do, and done Mark the walks you want to do and the ones you have walked.
- Open or closed, every morning The IFCN status on every trail, read again each day.
Questions people ask
Is PR 1.2 open today?
Yes. The IFCN lists PR 1.2 (Vereda do Pico Ruivo) as open.
Do I need a licence for PR 1.2?
Yes. Every visitor over twelve books an entry slot on SIMplifica, the regional government's portal, before walking, and pays €4.50. Madeira residents, children aged twelve and under and people with a disability of 60% or more do not pay, but still register.
How long does PR 1.2 take?
The official walking time is 1 h 30 for 2.8 km. It is a moving time that assumes you never stop, so allow more for photographs, food and rests.
Where do I park for PR 1.2?
Free car park at Achada do Teixeira, at the end of the road up from Santana.
Can I get to PR 1.2 by bus?
No bus. Taxi from Santana, or your own car.
Checked against
- Visit Madeira, official trail sheet PR 1.2 (2.8 km each way, 1:30, moderate, 1852–1857 m)
- IFCN / SIMplifica (licence and fee)
Status as the IFCN publishes it. This page was last rebuilt on 15 October at 07:00, Madeira time. Trails close without warning after storms: check again on the morning you walk.
Guides that mention this trail
Trails nearby
All 43 trails
PR 9.1 Open Queimadas
Um Caminho para Todos
The accessible stretch of the Caldeirão Verde levada, between Queimadas and Pico das Pedras — built for wheelchairs and for anyone who cannot manage the long version.
- 1.9 km
- 45 min
- Easy
- One way
PR 9 Open Levada do Caldeirão Verde
A long levada walk from the Queimadas forest park to a waterfall falling into a green bowl, through four tunnels on the way.
- 8.7 km
- 6 h 30
- Moderate
- There and back
PR 1 Open Vereda do Areeiro
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
The high ridge walk between the island's two tallest peaks, through tunnels and along staircases cut into the rock.
- 6.1 km
- 3 h
- Moderate
- One way