Full-Day Self Guided Hike in Caldeirão Verde Levada

The Full-Day Self Guided Hike in Caldeirão Verde Levada promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure. This moderate 12 km trail through lush forest scenery and stunning waterfalls requires a good fitness level. While the paths may get crowded and some sections are narrow, hikers will be rewarded with remarkable views. It’s an opportunity to take in nature’s beauty and embark on a unique experience that’ll leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This full-day self-guided hike covers 12 km with a maximum elevation of 1062 m, suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.
• The scenic route features stunning forest landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls, but may include crowded, narrow, and anxiety-inducing sections for those afraid of heights.
• Pickup locations are available during booking, but the Camara de Lobos option is not recommended, and the experience is not suitable for those with accessibility needs or serious medical conditions.
• Facilities along the trail are limited, with a café at the start but no indoor seating, and minimal restroom options, so hikers should be prepared with snacks, water, and proper walking shoes.
• The hike offers a remarkable experience, with a 4.6 average rating across 17 traveler reviews, despite the potential challenges presented by the trail conditions and crowd levels.

Overview and Details

The "Full-Day Self Guided Hike in Caldeirão Verde Levada" is a popular tour offering in Funchal, Portugal, with a 4.6 average rating across 17 traveler reviews.

Priced from $36.36 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transfers, breakfast, lunch, and a guide.

The hike covers 12 km with a maximum elevation of 1062 m.

While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required makes it suitable for most travelers.

Hikers should note the potential for crowded paths and some sections that may cause anxiety for those afraid of heights.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can select a pickup point when booking this self-guided hike in Caldeirão Verde Levada. The tour operator advises avoiding the Camara de Lobos pickup location.

Travelers will receive a booking confirmation upon securing their spot. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

However, the hike isn’t recommended for those with accessibility needs, back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions, as the trails can be challenging.

Hiking Experience

To embark on this self-guided hike, a moderate fitness level is required. The paths can be busy and narrow, and some sections may cause anxiety for those afraid of heights. However, the stunning forest scenery and breathtaking waterfalls make the challenge worthwhile.

Hikers should be prepared for:

• Narrow, crowded trails that require patience and caution
• Potential anxiety-inducing sections for those afraid of heights
• A moderate level of physical exertion to navigate the 12 km route
• Limited facilities along the way, with a café at the start but no indoor seating

Despite these considerations, the Caldeirão Verde Levada hike offers a scenic and enjoyable experience for active travelers.

Trail Information

Although the paths along the Caldeirão Verde Levada can be busy and narrow at times, the stunning forest scenery and cascading waterfalls more than make up for the challenges. Hikers should be prepared for sections that may cause anxiety for those afraid of heights. The trail conditions can vary, as detailed in the table below:

Condition	Description
Busy Paths	The trail can get crowded, especially during peak hours.
Narrow Sections	Some parts of the path are quite narrow, requiring hikers to navigate carefully.
Steep Inclines	Hikers will encounter occasional steep inclines along the route.

Despite these factors, the Caldeirão Verde Levada offers a truly remarkable hiking experience.

Facilities

At the start of the hike, there’s a cafe, but it lacks indoor seating. Visitors must bring their own change – 50 cent coins are needed to access the toilet facilities along the way.

The route doesn’t offer many amenities, leaving hikers to fend for themselves:

• No shops or restaurants to grab a quick snack
• Minimal restroom options requiring precise planning
• Nowhere to sit and rest one’s feet during the trek
• No water fountains or refill stations for hydration

Despite the limited facilities, the stunning natural scenery and waterfalls make the Caldeirão Verde Levada hike a worthwhile adventure.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Caldeirão Verde Levada hike, with 100% of reviews recommending the experience.

Hikers highlight the friendly drivers, clear communication, and beautiful forest scenery with stunning waterfalls.

However, some common complaints include not having enough time to fully enjoy the hike and feeling the paths can get crowded at times.

A few reviewers suggest the duration could be shortened.

When the original route is closed, the tour offers alternative hikes like the 25 Fountains PR6, allowing for a scenic experience despite any disruptions.

Additional Information

To prepare for the Caldeirão Verde Levada hike, good walking shoes are recommended, as the paths can be uneven and slippery. A 3€ online fee helps maintain the trails, which is a small price to pay for the stunning forest scenery and waterfalls.

Visitors should also come prepared with layers, as the weather can be variable.

Some key tips:

• Pack snacks and water to stay fueled
• Bring coins for the 50 cent public toilets
• Be mindful of the crowds on the narrow paths
• Enjoy the serene beauty of this well-maintained levada hike

Common Questions

Is Transportation From the Hotel Included in the Tour?

Yes, roundtrip transportation from select pickup points is included in the tour price. The air-conditioned vehicle provides convenient transfers to and from the starting point of the self-guided hiking experience.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own lunch or snacks on the hike. The tour includes a cafe at the start, but no indoor seating, so bringing your own food is a convenient option.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this hike. Travelers can book individual tickets and join a group tour. The maximum group size is 16 people, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Can I Reschedule the Tour if the Weather Is Unfavorable?

You can reschedule the tour if the weather is unfavorable, as the provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows you to rebook on a more suitable day.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Hiking Equipment?

You don’t need to bring your own hiking equipment. The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, roundtrip transfers, and a guide. However, comfortable walking shoes and layers are recommended to fully enjoy the scenic hike.

The Sum Up

The full-day self-guided hike in Caldeirão Verde Levada offers an unforgettable adventure through stunning forest scenery and breathtaking waterfalls. Although the trail may become crowded and some sections could be anxiety-inducing, hikers will be rewarded with remarkable views and a unique outdoor experience amidst nature’s beauty. This moderate hike requires a good fitness level and involves navigating busy and narrow trails, but it’s an adventure not to be missed.