This 7km walk (plus another 2.5 km to Achada do Teixeira) normally takes around 4 to 5 hours. It connects the third highest and the highest peak of Madeira. It´s a stunning walk that involves the passage of tunnels, and steep ascent and descent sections, with impressive views of Madeira´s the central mountains and it´s volcanic rock formations. Pico Ruivo stands at 1862 m, Pico das Torres at 1851 m, and Pico do Arieiro, where the hike starts, is at 1817 m high. 

At the start of the walk it is possible to see Fajã da Nogueira. It is known that the rare sea bird Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinnus) breeds in this area.

Madeira´s central mountains and specifically, the region of Pico Areeiro and Ruivo, is also the only known breeding site in the world of Zino’s petrel (Pterodroma madeira), the most endangered seabird species of Europe. Other bird species that are possible to spot on this hike are the Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelottii madeirensis), the canary (Serinus canaria), and the plain swift (Apus unicolor).

In terms of flora, the high-altitude of this region is appropriate for the growth of plants like the Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans), the Madeira violet (Viola paradoxa), Madeira grey heather (Erica madeirensis), the rock orchid (Orchis scopolorum), and the Madeira kidney (Anthyllis lemanniana), to name a few. 

The hike consists of steep stairs and sections of abrupt descends, down to around 1550 m high, followed by the climb to Pico Ruivo. At Pico Ruivo it is possible to stop by the mountain refuge before climbing the final km up to the top. This trails were used by sheperd´s with cattle, which explain the various man made small caves along the way, which served as refuge in the past.