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?
A certified guide handles SIMplifica bookings, provides transport from Funchal, and shares local knowledge about the trail. Recommended if you're uncomfortable with exposed sections or tunnels.
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