Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo ("red peak" in Portuguese) is, with its 1,862 m (6,109 ft), the highest point of the island of Madeira and the third summit of Portugal (after Mount Pico in Pico Island, Azores, and Torre in continental Portugal).
 Pico Ruivo in Madeira island. | |
| Elevation | 1,862 m (6,109 ft)[1] |
|---|---|
| Prominence | 1,862 m (6,109 ft)[1] |
| Location | |
| Location | Madeira |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Achada do Teixeira |
Pico Ruivo is in the Central Mountainous Massif, in the municipality of Santana, where there are also other high mountains like the Pico das Torres, with 1,850 m (6,070 ft) and the Pico do Arieiro, with 1,818 m (5,965 ft).[2]
Plants
Although of moderate altitude, the top has a very rocky landscape. The only vegetation that can develop there is of plants that grow on or among rocks.
There are two main types of vegetation: one with heathers, widespread on the island, and another with few herbaceous plants. A special feature for this altitude is the presence of small shrubs and heather trees.
Wildlife
Some birds found on Pico Ruivo are the common blackbird, chaffinch and the Madeira firecrest. The red-legged partridge and the common linnet also nest on Pico Ruivo.
Until a few years ago, its slopes were used for raising goats, sheep and cows. However, to conserve the biodiversity in the region (such as the protection of the bird freira-da-madeira and plant communities in altitude), this practice was prohibited and the entire area around the peak is recovering.
Hiking
The summit of Pico Ruivo can be reached only on foot:[3]
- from Achada do Texeira (north-east, 1,592 meters) by a trail;
- from the Pico do Arieiro (southeast), the third highest mountain of the island, along a path about 10 km (6.2 mi) long; or
- by the west, especially from Curral das Freiras.
Pico Ruivo Media
Platform on the summit of Pico Ruivo.
Pico Ruivo hut (Madeira)
Summit from the viewing platform in the northwest.
Second viewing platform, northwest from the summit.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Pic Ruivo, Portugal". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
- ↑ "Madeira Geography: Highest altitudes of Madeira islands". Madeira and Porto Santo Islands. Archived from the original on 8 February 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
- ↑ "Vereda do Areeiro" (PDF). Regional Forest Bureau. Archived from the original (pdf) on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2013.