Vereda do Burro
Also known as: Donkey Trail, Pico do Areeiro to Ribeira das Cales
Poço da Neve (1813 ice house), high-altitude flora, Ribeira do Cidrão valley views
Trail Overview
Vereda do Burro (PR3) is a easy vereda (mountain descent) trail located in Madeira, Portugal. Starting from Pico do Areeiro (1,805m) and ending at Ribeira das Cales (Funchal Ecological Park), this 7.2km route typically takes 2.5-3 hours to complete. Poço da Neve (1813 ice house), high-altitude flora, Ribeira do Cidrão valley views. Currently closed. High altitude start (1805m) — cold and windy conditions common.
Quick Facts
- Distance
- 7.2 km
- Duration
- 2.5-3 h
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation Gain
- 675 m
Exposure & Heights
Low exposure (2/5)
Mostly downhill with moderate exposure; the start near Pico do Areeiro is exposed to wind.
Tunnels
- Has tunnels
- No
Route Details
- Starting Point
- Pico do Areeiro (1,805m)
- End Point
- Ribeira das Cales (Funchal Ecological Park)
- Trail Type
- Vereda (mountain descent)
Parking & Access
- Parking Location
- Pico do Areeiro car park
- Parking Cost
- €4.50 (via SIMplifica)
- Best Season
- Spring to autumn (when open)
Essential Equipment
Warm layers, windproof jacket, sturdy shoes
Safety Information
Currently closed. High altitude start (1805m) — cold and windy conditions common.
Weather Advisory
This is a high-altitude route. Temperature at Pico do Areeiro (1,805m) can be 10-15°C cooler than Funchal. Check the mountain forecast specifically — not the city forecast. Fog, wind, and rain can appear rapidly above 1,000m even in summer.
Best time for this trail: Spring to autumn (when open)
Permit Required
This route typically requires a paid permit. Always confirm the final requirements (price, timing, and who is exempt) in SIMplifica for your exact route and date.
Similar trails
Prefer a guided experience on Vereda do Burro?
If you prefer not to worry about logistics or safety, a certified guide is highly recommended.
Browse Guided Madeira Hiking Tours
Browse Guided Madeira Hiking Tours
We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site running.
Get your free Madeira trail guide
A printable 1-page summary with key stats, equipment checklist, emergency numbers, and booking links. Delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Need help planning?
We also run the leading guides for other activities in Madeira.
Boat Tours & Whale Watching
Relax after your hike on a catamaran or speedboat looking for marine life.
Jeep Safari Tours
Explore Madeira's rugged interior without the legwork. Great for rest days.
Canyon & Advanced Tours
For those who want more adventure! Rappel down waterfalls and jump into pools.
We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.