Outdoors
Madeira Levada do Caldeirao Verde Hike
You follow an 18th-century irrigation channel through the Laurissilva forest from the thatched shelter at Queimadas, through four tunnels cut in the rock, to the Caldeirão Verde lagoon, fed by a waterfall of about 100 m. Stronger walkers can carry on to Caldeirão do Inferno.
- Where
- Madeira, Portugal
- Distance
- 8.7 km one way to Caldeirão do Inferno (17.4 km return)
- Time
- 6 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
The route
PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Queimadas Forest Park to Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno.
The walk starts at Queimadas Forest Park, by the thatched Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas. Parking there costs €2 an hour.
Permits and fees
Walkers over 12 pay a €4.50 trail fee, paid online in advance through the Madeira government's SIMplifica portal; children aged 12 and under are free.
Before you go
- Bring a torch for the four rock tunnels.
- Check the official list of walks on Visit Madeira for closures before you set out.
- Tell someone your plans and carry water and food, as the regional tourist board advises.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
Plan for a long day: 6 hours 30 minutes.
Build up with a few walks of four hours or more first, ideally with climbing and the pack you will carry. Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- Landslides are possible on the steep sections and escarpments.
- In heavy rain or strong wind, do not carry on; turn back the way you came.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against visitmadeira.com and visitmadeira.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
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