Boca do Cerro walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

An out and back walk on a good track, high among the rugged mountains. Although there are steep slopes, the track is generally of sufficient width to be acceptable to most walkers. Spectacular views. Boca (‘pass’) do Cerro is close to the foot of the great Pico Grande. For those with the necessary experience and ability, there are options to climb Pico Grande, to continue to Encumeada or to descend to Curral das Freiras. All have varying degrees of difficulty.

From HPB reception follow the road uphill around a right hairpin bend past Cabo Girao carpark. Continue along the road above the HPB site, you will come to a junction at Cruz Da Caldeira, take a right turn then immediately left, turning steeply uphill opporiste the ‘Restaurant Miradouro’ signposted ‘Fontinas, Jardim Da Serra’. Follow this winding road through Fontinas for 2km to Eira Das Mocas (not signed). Do not take large left turn but follow road right downhill for 1.4 km. At 1.4 km look for a steel/glass bus shelter on the right hand side and take a very steep left turn opposite. Climb steadily through the Jardim da Serra (nature’s garden) area to reach the parking area at the end of the road, the final section over cobbles. Part way along this road look out for the lovely Quinta on the left, built by the British consul in the 19th century. At the parking area there is a shrine, with a forestry house close by. The impressive views include Curral das Freiras deep in its basin. Set off to the left of the shrine, along a cobbled path, well provided with signs and notices, heading for ‘Encumeada, 12.6km’. Go up a few steps to the right to follow an engineered path, initially rising steeply. The adjacent hillside falls away steeply but the path, which soon loses its surface, stays reassuringly wide. Pico Grande towers up ahead and the buildings at the summit of the Encumeada Pass come into view, as do the wind turbines on Paul da Serra on a clear day. The track weaves its way, uphill and down dale, through the mountain landscape, passing Boca dos Corgos, Passo de Aves and across the flank of Pico do Serradinho before reaching Boca do Cerro (donkey pass) at 3937ft.

1. Enjoy the scenery and return by the same route.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.