Adventure Brief
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.
4–5 hours
moderate
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Hikers should be in decent physical shape with good endurance.
Wildlife
History
The levadas were originally built in the 16th century to irrigate Madeira’s plantations, showcasing the island’s long-standing agricultural ingenuity.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while maintaining responsible trail use.
Levadas In & Out
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.
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.
Base Location
Machico, Madeira
Gateway to major trailheads
Trails Covered
PR1, PR6, PR8, PR9, PR18
Levadas and peaks across Madeira
Transfer Types
Shuttle & One-way
Return and one-way ride options
Onboard Wi‑Fi
Available
Wi‑Fi on select services
Book dependable transfers to levadas, Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo and coastal reserves — convenient pickup points and easy returns from Machico and nearby towns.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp
Some tunnels are dark and require illumination for safe passage.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The terrain can be uneven and sometimes muddy, so good footwear is crucial.
Pack water and snacks
Stay energized and hydrated during this 4-5 hour hike.
Start early in the day
Morning light offers the best views and cooler temperatures.
Walking/Hiking Shoes
Sturdy shoes with good grip are key for rocky and muddy sections.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the hike, especially in warm weather.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Weather can change rapidly in Madeira, so be prepared.
spring;fall
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the waterfalls and lush scenery along the trail.