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Burro with Branches: Down from Areeiro to the Snow Store and Park

Distance
12.3 km
Time
4 h 39 min
Elevation gain
623 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

Vereda do Burro leads down from the upper Areeiro area to Funchal Ecological Park. Its story differs from a traverse between the main summits: open mountain terrain gradually gives way to the park, with Poço da Neve, an old snow store, beside the trail. Freira da Madeira Centre, Dr Rui Silva stands near the upper departure. This version includes several returns and branches, making the day substantially fuller than the usual PR 3 descent.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Dirt / grass 30% · Dirt 15% · Paving stones 1% · Unknown 53%

Surface data covers 5.75 km of 12.3 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Dirt / grass 30% · 3.72 km
Dirt 15% · 1.84 km
Paving stones 1% · 0.08 km
Improved surface 1% · 0.05 km
Concrete 1% · 0.04 km
Asphalt 1% · 0.02 km
Unknown 53% · 6.54 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Poço da Neve recalls a time when mountain snow became a useful city supply: it provided ice for hotels, hospitals and ice cream. That everyday history is especially interesting among the mountain surroundings. Descending towards the park reveals the changing landscape above Funchal, with more chances to pause and look around in clear weather.
Length
12.3 km
Elevation gain
623 m
Surface
Dirt / grass 30%

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: No data By bike: No data With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

Pico do Areeiro summit can be visited by a separate short approach before descending; this line begins below it. Continuing from the lower centre to Monte belongs to PR 3.1 and needs additional time. Keep that extension separate from agreed Ribeira das Cales collection. Check the Freira da Madeira Centre’s operation before travelling: the building’s presence does not guarantee open doors.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
A direct regular service to this exact upper Areeiro departure is not confirmed. Arrange delivery to PR 3 and collection from the Ecological Park Welcome Centre at Ribeira das Cales. Ribeira das Cales-Zona 39 is a mapped stop near the lower complex: confirm the current service and boarding with SIGA before leaving. A service to Monte does not resolve this descent’s higher endpoint.
By car
Approach the upper road access from Areeiro under the current local arrangements; confirm access and drop-off restrictions before travelling. The finishing complex is the Ecological Park Welcome Centre at Ribeira das Cales. Arrange collection there or retrieval of your car. Road access to the summit and the PR 3 walking path have separate conditions.
Parking
Permitted long-stay parking at this upper departure is not confirmed. Check the current Areeiro vehicle-storage arrangement and permitted stay before travelling. If the car remains above, arrange a return from the park separately. A drop-off location does not establish permission to leave a vehicle.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Poço da Neve the old snow and hail store that supplied ice for the city.
Freira da Madeira Centre, Dr Rui Silva the named visitor centre beside the upper departure; interior visits depend on its operation.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 623 м.
SurfaceDirt / grass 30%, Dirt 15%, Paving stones 1%, Unknown 53%.
Риски Wind and fog can change conditions quickly on the exposed upper ground. Keep energy for the descent: repeated passages extend the day, and wet surfaces require steady footing. Check junctions and respect closures on neighbouring paths. This walk does not include the PR 1 mountain traverse towards Pico Ruivo, whose conditions cannot be transferred to PR 3.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 4 h 39 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Allow roughly 5–6 hours for this version with all returns, branches and Poço da Neve stops. This editorial visiting estimate covers the full selected passage, rather than the usual short PR 3 timing. Keep a possible visitor-centre visit and the summit approach separate. Confirm lower collection before descending.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Prefer clear weather with a settled mountain forecast. Wind, cloud and cold above can differ from Funchal’s weather; consider Areeiro and park conditions. Postpone the walk during heavy rain or dangerous warnings. Check PR 3 restrictions separately from neighbouring popular trails.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Stable footwear for a long descent
Windproof and waterproof clothing
A warm Areeiro layer
Water, food and personal first aid
A map of every selected branch
A torch and spare phone power
Confirmed drop-off and collection points

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

A direct regular service to this exact upper Areeiro departure is not confirmed. Arrange delivery to PR 3 and collection from the Ecological Park Welcome Centre at Ribeira das Cales. Ribeira das Cales-Zona 39 is a mapped stop near the lower complex: confirm the current service and boarding with SIGA before leaving. A service to Monte does not resolve this.

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 12.3 km, moderate.

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