Madeira Island: Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk

Madeira Island’s Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk is a captivating adventure that immerses visitors in the island’s enchanting natural wonders. Trekking through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest, hikers witness an abundance of unique flora and fauna while navigating scenic levada trails and discovering hidden waterfalls. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this moderate 13-km journey offers a chance to uncover the rich history and ecological significance of this remarkable destination. What secrets might the Laurissilva forest reveal to those who embark on this unforgettable expedition?

Key Points

• A 7-hour guided levada walk through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a 13-km hike with moderate elevation gain.
• The tour offers insights into the island’s ecosystem, flora, and fauna from knowledgeable guides, including a visit to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
• The hike is suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level, with essentials like raincoats and flashlights provided for unprepared guests.
• The tour includes convenient hotel pickups and scenic drives with stops at local cafés, offering an immersive experience of Madeira’s natural wonders.
• Highly rated by previous customers for its breathtaking scenery, insightful guiding, and exceptional value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The guided levada walk in the Laurissilva forest on Madeira Island offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.

This 7-hour tour takes visitors on a scenic 13-km hike with a moderate elevation gain of 75 meters. Priced at $50.24 per person, the tour includes pickup from designated hotels and provides equipment like raincoats and flashlights.

Visitors can expect knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the UNESCO World Heritage site’s unique ecosystem, flora, and fauna.

With free cancellation 24 hours in advance and available in multiple languages, this levada walk promises a memorable adventure amidst Madeira’s lush landscapes.

Itinerary Highlights

This scenic tour offers a range of captivating highlights along the way.

Guests are picked up from 49 convenient locations, including major hotels and resorts, before embarking on a scenic drive with stops at local cafés.

Guests are picked up from 49 convenient locations, including major hotels and resorts, before embarking on a scenic drive with stops at local cafés.

The main attraction is a guided tour and hike through the Parque Florestal das Queimadas, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visitors will be awestruck by the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, with a 30-minute break to admire its beauty.

The 13 km levada walk features diverse flora and fauna, four natural tunnels, and an elevation gain of 75 meters, providing a moderate yet rewarding experience.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a scenic hike with stunning views, unique bird species, and lush landscapes during this tour.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience offers insights into the ecosystem and history of levadas, Madeira’s unique irrigation channels.

While the hike is considered moderate in difficulty, suitable for those with a reasonable fitness level, the tour provides essentials like raincoats and flashlights for those without.

Guests can look forward to exploring natural tunnels, marveling at the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva forest, and enjoying breaks at local cafés during the scenic drives between the main stops.

Preparation and Recommendations

To make the most of the Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk, hikers are advised to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring along essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and rain gear.

Sandals, pets, large bags, smoking, and outside food/drinks aren’t permitted.

The trail is moderate in difficulty and unsuitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with severe health issues.

Guides provide flashlights and raincoats for those unprepared.

Following these recommendations ensures a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest, with its stunning natural tunnels, diverse flora and fauna, and magnificent Caldeirão Verde waterfall.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk, awarding it an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 137 reviews.

Guides received high marks of 4.3/5 for their knowledge and attentiveness. The tour’s transportation also earned a stellar 4.6/5 rating, with efficient pickups and drop-offs.

Reviewers highlighted the exceptional value for money, with one stating, "The scenery was breathtaking, and the guide’s insights made the experience truly special."

Exploring the Laurissilva Forest

The Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, unfolds as the highlight of the Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk.

Stepping into this ancient realm, hikers are immersed in a lush, verdant tapestry of endemic flora. Towering laurel trees, some over 800 years old, cast gentle shadows on the levada’s winding path.

Ferns, mosses, and flowering plants carpet the forest floor, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. Birdwatchers delight in glimpsing Madeiran firecrests and Trocaz pigeons, unique species found nowhere else.

This primeval landscape, untouched by time, captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and ecological significance.

Discovering the Caldeirão Verde Waterfall

As hikers ascend the winding levada path, the tranquil Caldeirão Verde waterfall comes into view, a cascading ribbon of foaming white water plunging over 100 meters into a serene turquoise pool below.

The mist sprays refreshingly as visitors pause to admire the natural wonder. Lush ferns and laurel trees line the gorge, creating a verdant backdrop.

Hikers can take a short break to enjoy the sights and sounds before continuing their journey through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest.

The waterfall’s remote location and unspoiled surroundings make it a highlight of the levada walking experience.

Navigating the Scenic Levada Trails

How do hikers navigate the lush, winding levada trails that crisscross Madeira’s verdant landscapes?

Guided walks lead explorers along these historic water channels, sharing their expert knowledge. Sturdy hiking boots are a must as the trails wind through natural tunnels, over wooden bridges, and alongside cascading waterfalls.

Knowledgeable guides point out the diverse flora and fauna, from endemic birds to towering laurel trees. Breaks at local cafés offer opportunities to refuel and soak in the breathtaking vistas.

With an average distance of 13 km and moderate difficulty, these levada walks immerse visitors in Madeira’s stunning laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Sum Up

The Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk on Madeira Island offers an unforgettable exploration of the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest. Hikers can enjoy the stunning natural beauty, encounter unique wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. With moderate difficulty and essential equipment provided, this scenic adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: