Glaciar de Planalto
This route begins on the Paul da Serra plateau, specifically at Bica da
Cana. Along the journey, you'll encounter various geomorphological
and geological features that reveal the existence of a glacier in Paul
da Serra, which consisted of a plateau ice field that reached its peak
during the Last Glacial Maximum, around 25,000 years
ago.
The hike starts in a shallow glacial
valley with a rounded, U-shaped cross-section, where you can see a
circular depression known as a pit or basin of subglacial erosion. Then,
you will ascend to the eroded top of an ancient basaltic cinder cone
(Fonte do Juncal), formed by a volcanic eruption in the Middle
Pleistocene (1.8 million to 774,000 years ago). From this vantage point,
you can admire the plateaued landscape of Paul da
Serra.
As you descend, you can visit the
Miradouro das Rabaças, offering a stunning view over the headwaters of
the Ribeira da Ponta do Sol river valley and the moraine deposits made
up of large basalt blocks and columns. The route ends at Sítio das
Pedras, where you'll find a glacial cirque (Fajã Redondo). This
area is of exceptional geological and scientific value, featuring ruins
of corrals once used for traditional sheep shearing