Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12)
Challenging mountain trail crossing part of the central massif with dramatic views and exposed ridge walking.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Distance
- 12.5 km
- Time
- about 4 hours
- Climb
- 800 m
- Route
- Loop
- Start
- Boca da Encumeada
- Finish
- Pico Grande
- Best time
- Morning
- Access and fees
- Requires 4.50 EUR reservation, weather-dependent, exposed route
- Parking
- Parking at Boca da Encumeada restaurant
- Hazards
- Very exposed ridges, rapidly changing weather, steep sections
Microclimate zone: Central Mountains (High Peaks). Starts Encumeada Pass (1007m), crosses exposed ridges above 1200m
Waypoints
- Encumeada Pass, 1004 m
- Pico Grande Trail, 1150 m
- Curral das Freiras, 550 m