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PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada

PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada — the trail guide

The PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada is a 12.2 km trek in Portugal, typically walked in 1 day, with 894 m of total ascent. It rates Moderate on our published rubric (73 m of gain per km, topping out at 1333 m).

PR 12 follows a centuries-old caminho real — the royal road islanders used before Madeira had roads — for 12 km from Boca da Corrida, above Jardim da Serra, to the Encumeada pass at 1,007 m. It contours the western rim of the Curral das Freiras valley on ledges cut into the cliffs beneath Pico Grande, with Madeira's central massif opposite the whole way. It is strictly point-to-point, so arrange a taxi or transfer at one end rather than leaving a car at a trailhead you will never return to.

Quick facts

Distance12.2 km
Total ascent894 m
Typical duration1 day
Difficulty (computed)Moderate
Steepness73 m gain per km
High point1333 m
CountryPortugal
RegionPortugal

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Moderate" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 819 m · high point 1333 m · 894 m total ascent over 12.2 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1239 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan11°92 mm
Feb11°94 mm
Mar11°110 mm
Apr13°85 mm
May14°49 mm
Jun16°75 mm
Jul19°11°10 mm
Aug20°12°16 mm
Sep18°11°45 mm
Oct17°10°109 mm
Nov14°103 mm
Dec12°112 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada?

The PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada is 12.2 km, and most hikers complete it in 1 day. Total elevation gain is 894 m.

How difficult is the PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada?

It rates Moderate on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 73 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 1333 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada?

In Portugal. The route starts near 32.711, -16.987 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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