THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set off on a captivating trek through Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest, discovering waterfalls, tunnels, and stunning mountain vistas on the PR 9 trail to Caldeirão Verde.
Set off on a captivating trek through Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest, discovering waterfalls, tunnels, and stunning mountain vistas on the PR 9 trail to Caldeirão Verde.
Book with Levadas In & Out
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Levadas In & Out · Funchal, Madeira
Madeira, Portugal, famed for its rugged coastlines and lush subtropical forests, offers a trail that’s hard to beat for outdoor enthusiasts. The PR 9 route to Caldeirão Verde is a highlight, weaving through Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest—a living mosaic of moss-draped trees and endemic flora. This self-guided hike begins with a transfer to the trailhead, where the adventure unfolds along an ancient levada (irrigation canal). As you inch along these historic conduits, the sense of history and nature blend seamlessly. The trail’s highlight is the striking Caldeirão Verde waterfall, cascading into a natural amphitheater carved by centuries of mountain runoff. Towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the symphony of bird calls set the scene for this moderate trek, which is accessible for most fit hikers. Navigating through tunnels and crossing suspension bridges adds an element of thrill, while panoramic views of the island’s mountains and coastline provide breathtaking photo opportunities. Madeira’s unique geology—well-preserved volcanic formations—continues to shape the landscape here, making every step a matter of geology and beauty. This trail isn’t just about nature—local legends of mythical spirits inhabiting the forest give it a mystical allure. Madeira Tours is trusted for its well-organized excursions, guided or self-guided, allowing visitors to fully immerse in this natural wonderland while enjoying the serenity of Madeira’s wilderness. It’s a perfect day for anyone craving moderate-level hiking with spectacular scenery and cultural richness in an unspoiled environment.
moderate.
4–5 hours.
Hikers should be in decent physical shape with good endurance.
Yes, the trail is considered moderate and suitable for children with good stamina, but tunnels and narrow paths require caution.
Yes, Madeira Tours offers guided options for those who prefer a structured experience.
Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and lush scenery, ideal for hiking.
Generally, yes, but weather conditions can affect trail accessibility during winter.
No permit is required for this trail.
Yes, dogs are welcome but should be kept on a leash, especially in tunnels and narrow sections.
The levadas were originally built in the 16th century to irrigate Madeira’s plantations, showcasing the island’s long-standing agricultural ingenuity.
Efforts focus on preserving Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while maintaining responsible trail use.
Levadas In & Out is a transport and shuttle service based in Machico, Madeira that specializes in transfers for self-guided hikes and levada walks. The company provides one-way and return transfers to Madeira’s most visited trails, including Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9), Levada do Rei (PR18), Rabaçal 25 Fontes and Risco (PR6), and the mountain routes to Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo (PR1 and PR1.2). Local drivers assist hikers traveling from Funchal, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Achada do Teixeira and Machico. Services include shuttle rides, full-day bus tickets from Santana, and specific transfers such as from Porto da Cruz or Machico to Pico Ruivo and from Pico do Areeiro to Achada do Teixeira. Vehicles offer comfortable transport and select amenities noted in trip descriptions, including onboard Wi‑Fi. Transfers are designed to let hikers explore at their own pace on self-guided trails; routes cover coastal cliffs, volcanic headlands, mountain ridges and laurel forest levadas. Levadas In & Out focuses on reliable logistics with scheduled pickups and drop-offs, driver guidance for access points, and straightforward return options. The provider supports shared and sustainable transport choices for popular trailheads, making remote trails more accessible without private navigation. Booking options connect urban centers and smaller towns to natural highlights across Madeira. For independent hikers seeking focused transfer services, Levadas In & Out offers practical, local transport solutions that simplify access to the island’s signature levadas and peaks. Reservations and schedule details are available through The Adventure Collective site.
Book with Levadas In & Out