Follow the PR9 levada from Queimadas Forest Park to the emerald Caldeirão Verde lagoon. This 13 km self-guided walk through UNESCO Laurissilva offers tunnels, waterfalls, and volcanic ridgelines—perfect for hikers with steady footing and an appetite for wild Madeira.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step from the high road into a cloak of green: ferns brushing your calves, the levada—a narrow irrigation ribbon—whispering alongside the path as it guides you inland. Mist drifts through the Laurissilva, and light filters in shafts between laurel trunks, giving the forest the slow heartbeat of something alive and ancient.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking 13 km on uneven terrain with some sustained narrow sections and tunnel passages.
Wildlife
History
The levada network dates back centuries and was expanded through the 18th–19th centuries to irrigate steep agricultural terraces; the surrounding Laurissilva is a remnant of subtropical laurel forests once widespread across Europe.
Conservation
Stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing endemic plants; the Laurissilva is fragile and erosion from off-trail traffic damages rare species.
Reserve your spot on the Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a reliable headlamp
Several tunnels are long and unlit—carry a headlamp with fresh batteries to navigate low-light sections safely.
Water and snacks
There are no reliable water sources on the route; pack 1.5–2 liters and calorie-dense snacks for the 13 km round-trip.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear
Trails are narrow, occasionally muddy, and cross wet rock surfaces—grippy hiking shoes reduce slip risk.
Start early to avoid crowds and afternoon showers
Begin in the morning for better light in the forest and to allow time for tunnels and return transport if booked.
Waterproof hiking shoes (grippy sole)
Provides traction on wet rock and mud commonly found on levada trails.
Headlamp or strong torch
Necessary for dark tunnels carved into volcanic rock on the PR9 route.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden mountain drizzle and the persistent humidity in the Laurissilva.
spring
1.5–2 L water and high-energy snacks
Hydration and calories sustain you through long sections without services.
summer