Boca da Corida

Approach

Follow the freeway R101 from the airport to the west. At the exit "Estreito de Câmara de Lobos" get off an start climbing the road towards the village. Drive through but remain in the western part of the village (always going up) until you get to Achado. Drive through there as well. The road gets steeper and steeper (you'll have to gear down to first) but now goes straight ahead and ends at Boca da Curida.

Route Description

Altitude Gain: 500m
Duration 1h 45min
Trailhead: Boca da Curida

Berfore heading out on this tour to Pico Grande first step aside and climb Pico dal Malhada, which is situated just a couple of steps southeast of the parking place at Boca da Curida. The view from up there gives you a first glimpse of what is to come.

From Boca da Curida climb upwards directly towards Pico Grande. The trail often switches to both sides of the ridge so that you can enjoy views of Boca da Encumeada and Paúl da Serra as well as the central summits around Pico das Torres. You reach Boca dos Corgos, later Passo de Ares and finally after about one hour get to Bocca do Cerro. Here you will have to climb through the gorse bushes to the other side of the ridge and follow the trail through a ruined farm. Right after the farmhouse at an intersection take the trail on the left hand side (the other one descends to Curral das Freiras (see below)) and here the steep and exposed ascent towards Pico Grande starts. At first the trail climbs through the southern face (there ropes and cables for security) until it reaches a platform. Here it turns left and crosses a slope winding through it always directly in the direction of Pico Grande..

Directly beneath the summit block turn left and start the climb on the southwestern side. Again ropes secure the ascent. Scramble upwards and finally enjoy the vista.

Essential Gear

Hiking gear and long pants (because of the gorse). Take into account that part of the hike is exposed.

Images

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