PR9 Queimadas to Caldeirão Verde Levada Hike with Transfer
Follow a centuries-old water channel through the heart of Madeira's ancient laurel forest.
The Caldeirão Verde Levada hike is one of Madeira's most celebrated trails, guiding walkers along a carved water channel through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest to a dramatic waterfall basin hidden deep in the mountains.
Departing from your accommodation by shared transfer, you will reach Queimadas Park, a tranquil starting point equipped with a traditional cafe house, a small museum, and surrounding gardens. From here, the self-guided route follows the Levada do Caldeirão Verde for roughly 5.5 hours of walking at your own pace.
The trail is a round trip covering 12 kilometres, with elevation ranging between 872 and 1,062 metres. Four tunnels, the longest reaching 200 metres, punctuate the route and add a sense of discovery to the experience. The path is well-marked and suitable for moderately fit walkers.
On the transfer to and from the trailhead, passengers have a chance to spot the iconic triangular thatched houses that are a defining image of rural Madeira, offering cultural context to complement the natural scenery of the day.
Tour Highlights
Walk alongside the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a historic irrigation channel carved into the mountainside with views over dense forest canopy.
Explore the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem made up of ancient endemic laurel trees found nowhere else on Earth.
Arrive at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, a striking natural basin where water cascades down moss-covered cliffs into a clear pool.
Navigate four mountain tunnels along the route, with the longest stretching up to 200 metres through solid rock.
Begin your hike at Queimadas Park, a charming starting point with traditional architecture, a cafe house, and a small museum.
Receive a detailed map and scheduling briefing upon arrival, allowing you to hike at your own pace with full confidence in the route.
Spot the iconic triangular thatched houses of rural Madeira during the transfer, a cultural landmark unique to the island.
Itinerary
A shared transfer van collects you and up to seven fellow guests directly from your accommodation. The journey to Queimadas Park offers views of Madeira's mountain interior and traditional villages.
Upon arrival, you receive a full briefing including a map explanation and scheduling guidance. Take a moment to explore the surrounding gardens, the cafe house, and the small on-site museum before setting off.
The trail follows the Levada do Caldeirão Verde through dense ancient forest. Green views stretch across the valley on one side while small waterfalls appear along the cliff face on the other.
Four tunnels punctuate the route, carved directly through the rock. The longest reaches 200 metres and a torch or headlamp is strongly recommended for these sections.
The trail ends at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, a secluded natural amphitheatre where water falls into a clear pool surrounded by towering cliffs. This is the turnaround point for the return walk.
After completing the round trip, the shared transfer collects the group at Queimadas Park and returns you to your accommodation. En route, look out again for the distinctive triangular thatched houses.
What Is Included
Included
- Shared return transfer from accommodation (up to 8 guests per van)
- Hike instructions, scheduling guidance, and trail map
- Self-guided access to the PR9 Caldeirão Verde trail
- Visit to Queimadas Park starting point
Not Included
- Food and beverages (cafe available at Queimadas Park)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal equipment such as torches or trekking poles
Important Information
Ready to Walk the Levada?
Secure your place on this guided transfer and spend a full day exploring one of Madeira's most rewarding mountain trails at your own pace.
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