Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls: Madeira

The stunning Levada Walk to the Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls in Madeira offers adventurous hikers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty. Trekking along ancient irrigation canals, visitors are immersed in a lush, verdant landscape, culminating in the breathtaking sight of a cascading waterfall over 100 meters high. With practical details and insider tips, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to connect with Madeira’s captivating wilderness. What else might this levada walk have in store?

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Key Points

The Levada Walk is a scenic hiking trail that explores Madeira’s network of historic irrigation channels, offering stunning views of the island’s landscapes.
The highlight of the tour is the Caldeirao Verde waterfall, a breathtaking cascade over 100 meters high set in a lush canyon.
The 7-hour excursion is priced at $39.41 per person and includes pick-up and drop-off services, as well as a picnic lunch near the waterfall.
The tour caters to various language preferences, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a diverse audience.
The activity is not recommended for children under 5, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 331 lbs (150 kg) or 70 years of age.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Activity

Although primarily known for its natural beauty, Madeira offers visitors the opportunity to embark on the Levada Walk and discover the Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls.

This 7-hour excursion, priced from $39.41 per person, allows travelers to explore scenic irrigation channels and stone pathways, culminating in a picnic lunch near the breathtaking Caldeirao Verde waterfall.

With pick-up and drop-off services, as well as language options in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese, the activity caters to a diverse audience.

However, certain participant restrictions apply, making it unsuitable for young children, mobility-impaired individuals, and those with a fear of heights.

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Exploring the Levadas

The Levada Walk takes hikers through a network of irrigation channels, known as levadas, that wind their way across Madeira’s lush landscapes.

These levadas were built centuries ago to distribute water from the mountains to the island’s farmlands. Following the levadas, the trail offers stunning views of Santana, São Jorge, and the Verde lagoon.

Hikers will traverse stone pathways and explore the island’s verdant vegetation, including towering laurel forests. Along the way, they’ll catch glimpses of the cascading Caldeirão Verde waterfall, the hike’s ultimate destination, where a picnic lunch awaits.

Scenic Views and Landscapes

As hikers traverse the levada trails, they’re treated to a breathtaking array of scenic vistas and lush landscapes.

The starting point at Queimadas Forestall Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding villages, including Santana and São Jorge.

Queimadas Forestall Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding villages, including Santana and São Jorge.

Along the way, hikers enjoy the verdant vegetation and stone pathways, with the Verde lagoon and towering Caldeirão Verde waterfall coming into view.

The diverse flora and fauna, from native Madeira laurel trees to vibrant wildflowers, create a visually captivating experience.

These scenic wonders make the Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls a must-see destination on the island of Madeira.

The Caldeirao Verde Waterfall

Towering over 100 meters high, the Caldeirao Verde Waterfall is the highlight of the Levada Walk experience.

The waterfall cascades down a lush, verdant canyon, creating a breathtaking sight. Hikers can enjoy a picnic lunch near the base of the falls, taking in the serene natural surroundings.

The trail leading to the waterfall is well-maintained, though it can be narrow in some sections. Visitors should exercise caution, especially near the cliff edges.

The combination of the waterfall’s grandeur and the scenic Levada paths make this a must-see attraction for anyone exploring Madeira’s natural wonders.

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Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Not everyone may be able to enjoy the Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls experience. There are some participant restrictions to be aware of:

Children under 5 years, people with mobility issues, and those afraid of heights or with vertigo aren’t suitable for this activity.
Individuals over 331 lbs (150 kg) or over 70 years old may also face challenges.

Recommended items to bring include comfortable shoes, snacks, water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, a flashlight, and trekking gear.

While the scenic beauty and interesting hikes are highlights, some trails can be busy with people. Prospective participants should consider these factors before booking.

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Practical Information and Logistics

The Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls experience begins with a convenient pick-up service from hotels in Funchal, Canico, and surrounding areas.

Participants are then transferred to the starting point at Queimadas Forestall Park. After a 4.5-hour walk along scenic levadas, hikers enjoy a 30-minute picnic lunch near the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.

The tour includes all transportation, as well as a tasty picnic lunch. Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, snacks, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

With a 4.5/5 rating based on 188 reviews, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Madeira’s natural beauty.

Customer Reviews and Highlights

Rave reviews from past participants underscore the tour’s popularity, with a customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 188 reviews.

Highlights from the feedback include:

Scenic beauty and interesting hikes, as hikers explore lush vegetation, stone pathways, and captivating views of Santana, São Jorge, Verde lagoon, and the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
Knowledgeable guides who provide additional information and humor, enhancing the overall experience.
Some trails can be busy with people, though this doesn’t detract from the tour’s appeal.

Why Choose This Levada Walk Experience

As one of the most popular outdoor activities in Madeira, the Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s lush natural beauty. With a reasonable price point, free cancellation, and flexible booking options, this excursion caters to a wide range of travelers. The experience itself is equally impressive, featuring scenic levada trails, breathtaking waterfall vistas, and a picnic lunch in a stunning setting. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, this tour delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Madeira’s captivating landscapes.

| Highlights | Inclusions | Considerations |

| — | — | — |

| Scenic levada trails | Hotel pickup and drop-off | Not suitable for young children |

| Caldeirao Verde waterfall | Picnic lunch | Mobility restrictions apply |

| Stunning natural beauty | Multi-lingual guides | Age and weight limits in place |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Activity?

The minimum age requirement for this activity is 5 years old. Children under 5 are not suitable to participate in this hike due to the difficulty and safety concerns.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Hike?

No, dogs are not allowed on this hike. The activity description states it’s not suitable for children under 5 years, and mentions restrictions for people with mobility issues, fear of heights, and weight limitations. Bringing pets would likely not be permitted.

Is There a Guide Available for the Entire Walk?

Yes, there is a guide available for the entire walk. The activity includes a pick-up service and a guide who will lead the group throughout the hike, providing information and assistance along the way.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Hike?

Yes, the duration of the hike can be extended. Participants have the option to add extra time to explore the levadas and waterfalls at their own pace. However, this may incur additional costs and require prior arrangement with the tour operator.

What Is the Difficulty Level of This Levada Walk?

The levada walk is considered moderately difficult, with some challenging sections. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights, but it’s doable for most active hikers in good physical condition.

The Sum Up

The Levada Walk to the Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls offers a captivating journey through Madeira’s lush landscapes. Traversing ancient irrigation channels, hikers are rewarded with stunning views and the majestic Caldeirao Verde waterfall, where they can enjoy a peaceful picnic. With reasonable pricing and participant-friendly guidelines, this excursion provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in Madeira’s natural beauty.