Boca Da Encumeada Mountain Pass, Madeira Stock Photo

The Boca da Encumeada mountain pass is located in the central-northwestern part of Madeira island. It is a divisory between the north and south slopes of the volcanic island’s mountainous spine. To the north, the lush laurisilva forest areas that fill the upper reaches of Sao Vicente valley can be seen. To the south, instead, the dryer Ribeira Brava valley runs all the way until the southern coast. There is a mountain walk, the Caminho Real da Encumeada, linking the pass to the island’s highest peak, the Pico Ruivo.