Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada Do Furado

Madeira’s Ribeiro Frio to Portela hike along the Levada do Furado is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This 11 km trek through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest offers stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Hikers can enjoy the island’s rich biodiversity, spotting endemic species and soaking in breathtaking views from the Miradouro da Portela. Those seeking an enchanting outdoor adventure won’t want to miss this captivating journey.

Key Points

• The hiking tour covers the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, Miradouro da Portela, and the Levada do Furado trail, a scenic 11 km moderate hike through Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest.
• The trail features diverse flora and fauna, including endemic Madeira laurel, Madeira Firecrest, and Trocaz Pigeon, providing a primitive forest experience.
• The hike includes stops at tunnels, waterfalls, valleys, and a viewpoint showcasing the Penha d’Águia rock formation.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but food and drinks are not provided, and a 3€ access fee per person is payable on-site.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or children under 3’9", and proper footwear and equipment are essential.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada do Furado activity is a 7-hour hiking tour that takes participants through the scenic landscapes of Madeira Island.

A 7-hour hiking tour through the scenic landscapes of Madeira Island.

Priced from $43.52 per person, the tour offers a live guide in Portuguese and English.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, customers can also choose a reserve now and pay later option.

The 11km moderately difficult trail starts at Ribeiro Frio Forest Park and ends at Miradouro da Portela, showcasing tunnels, waterfalls, and indigenous flora and fauna.

An access fee of 3€ per person is payable on-site for waste collection and trail maintenance.

Trail Description

One of the oldest levadas on Madeira Island, the Levada do Furado starts at the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park (870 m).

The 11 km trail is moderately difficult, ending at the Miradouro da Portela (600 m).

Along the way, hikers pass through tunnels, witness waterfalls, traverse valleys, and observe indigenous flora and birdlife.

The landscape features dense forest valleys and views of the villages Faial and Porto da Cruz.

The final viewpoint includes the striking Penha d’Águia rock formation.

Highlights

Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurissilva Forest provides a primitive forest experience, offering nature therapy through its lush, tranquil environment.

The Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada Do Furado trail traverses this ancient, endemic forest, allowing hikers to enjoy its unique flora and fauna.

Along the way, visitors will encounter tunnels, waterfalls, and stunning valley views, culminating in a panoramic outlook of the Penha d’Águia rock formation.

This is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts seeking a genuine connection with Madeira’s unspoiled wilderness.

Inclusions and Fees

This guided tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenient transportation to and from the trail.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so hikers should plan accordingly. Plus, there’s a 3€ access fee per person that covers waste collection and trail maintenance, payable on-site. This helps ensure the sustainability of the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva Forest experience.

While the tour is generally accessible, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or children under 3’9" tall.

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Participant Restrictions

The Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada do Furado tour isn’t suitable for everyone.

It’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or those under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm) tall.

The moderately difficult 11 km trail features tunnels, waterfalls, and steep terrain, which may pose challenges for some.

The trail features tunnels, waterfalls, and steep terrain, which may pose challenges for some participants.

Participants should be physically fit and prepared for the demands of the hike.

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of considering one’s abilities before booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Proper footwear and equipment are also essential.

Landscape and Scenery

Once the physical demands of the trail are considered, the stunning landscapes and scenery along the Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada do Furado come into focus.

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers:

1. Lush, dense Laurissilva forests, a primitive forest experience.

2. Dramatic valleys carved by flowing levadas, with views of quaint villages below.

3. Captivating tunnels and waterfalls that dot the trail.

4. The iconic Penha d’Águia rock formation, providing a breathtaking finale to the hike.

The diverse, picturesque scenery provides immersive nature therapy throughout the journey.

Flora and Fauna

While traversing the Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada do Furado trail, hikers can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the Laurissilva forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a variety of endemic plant species, including the iconic Madeira laurel. Hikers may also spot unique bird species, such as the Madeira Firecrest and the Trocaz Pigeon. To better appreciate the natural wonders, consider this table of some notable flora and fauna found along the trail:

| Flora | Fauna |

| — | — |

| Madeira Laurel | Madeira Firecrest |

| Azores Laurel | Trocaz Pigeon |

| Laurel Cherry | Madeiran Chaffinch |

Hiking Experience

Embarking on the Ribeiro Frio – Portela – Levada do Furado trail provides hikers with a primitive forest experience unlike any other.

This primitive forest hike offers an unparalleled wilderness adventure for nature enthusiasts.

This 11 km moderately difficult hike offers:

1. Tunnels, waterfalls, and valleys to explore.

2. Stunning views of villages Faial and Porto da Cruz.

3. The opportunity to witness the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva Forest.

4. A chance to immerse in nature and experience its therapeutic benefits.

Along the way, hikers must pay a 3€ access fee per person for waste collection and trail maintenance.

This scenic trek isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or children under 3’9".

The Sum Up

The Ribeiro Frio to Portela hike along the Levada do Furado offers an unforgettable 11 km journey through Madeira’s stunning landscapes. Hikers can enjoy the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, spotting endemic flora and rare bird species. The trek culminates at the magnificent Penha d’Águia rock formation, providing breathtaking views that make this hike a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: