The trail connects the highest peaks of Madeira Island, Pico Ruivo (1862 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico do Areeiro (1817m), traversing part of the Central Mountain Massif, an area integrated in the Nature 2000 Network. Starting at the Pico do Areeiro Belverde, within a short distance we come upon the Ninho da Manta (Buzzard's Nest) belverde. From this plataform where this bird of prey is supposed to have bred, one can see the valley of Fajá da Nogueira, São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central Mountain Range. This is the only known breeding site in the world of the Zino's petrel (Pteradoma madeira), a species endemic to the island and considered to be the most endangered seabird in Europe. This trail offers two alternative footpaths to get to Pico Ruivo. The footpath located to the west where you will come across some tunnels, allowing you a faster access to the top of the mountain. The path located to the east side, and after passing Pico das Torres, we must climb a steep rocky staircase, followed by a descent. At Pico Ruivo take your time to rest and enjoy the extraordinary surrounding landscape while you are at the top of the island. Near the Pico Ruivo shelter, you will find footpath PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo, which leads to Achada do Teixeira.