The 15 Best Caldeirão Verde Hikes in Madeira

1.Queimadas PR9 Transfer and Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 668 reviews · from $38Our pick

Take a shared transfer from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico to Queimadas, then follow the 15 km Caldeirão Verde trail on your own. You get route instructions and a digital map, but no hiking guide. Expect ancient Laurissilva trees, waterfalls, four tunnels and a long, mostly level walk. Drivers including Nuno and Pedro are praised for clear briefings and friendly service.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our hike. Started in the dark which was a bit daunting but also fun! Luis our driver was so so lovely, hilariously funny and made our journey up and down such fun, he had us laughing non stop! The hike itself is a beautiful hike, very easy, minimal fitness level required in my opinion, once you’re able for a few hours walking you’ll be fine. Glad we went early as the crowds were coming in their droves when we were walking back down! Cafe at end is cash only if you’d like a coffee/sandwich when you are finished!Read more”

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2.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico das Pedras, then follow the self-guided PR9 trail through Laurissilva Forest, tunnels, and ravines to Caldeirão Verde. Your local driver-host, such as Vitor, Fábio, Roberto, or Cristiano, gives a safety briefing and route details, then collects you for the return transfer. Bring a head torch, waterproof shoes, food, and water.

“We took the transfer to the PR9 trail with Levadas In and Out, and everything was perfect. Our driver Fábio was very attentive, punctual, and careful. The car was clean, comfortable, and in great condition. Before the hike, Fábio gave us all the necessary information about the trail and answered all our questions. We had a wonderful experience and would definitely use this company again!”

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3.Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls: Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 205 reviews · 7 hours · from $46

From Queimadas Forestal Park, follow a guide along Madeira’s levada paths through Laurisilva forest, low tunnels and open views toward Santana and São Jorge. The roughly 4.5-hour walk reaches Caldeirão Verde waterfall, where you have a 30-minute picnic break. Transfers from Funchal, Caniço and nearby areas are included; lunch and the €4.50 trail entrance fee are not.

“We had an amazing weather, and our tour guide was helpful and very informative. Even though we felt quite tired after the walk, we were able to see amazing views and waterfall in the end. Very worth trip and we were well takwn care by the agent. Loved every minute of it. Highly recommend to everyone.”

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4.Madeira Island: Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 159 reviews · 7 hours · from $54

From hotel pickup to Queimadas Forest Park, this seven-hour outing pairs a guided 13-kilometer levada walk with four natural tunnels and a 30-minute stop at Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Guides such as Marta and Ruben have led nature-focused outings here. Expect uneven, sometimes slippery ground, a modest climb and a return along the same trail.

“The trip was so beautiful! Our guide, Ruben, and our driver, Carlos, did an amazing job. The guide knew so much about the forest and the Island, gave us planty of time for pictures and many stops to enjoy the nature. The walk was not hurried at all and we stopped for coffee/break before and after the walk. We spent almost 40 minutes at the waterfall and it was stunning! The members of the group that did not have raincoats or flashlights received the equipment from the organizers. The guide was very patient with everybody. Make sure to have hiking shoes or good sneakers, water and a raincoat. I would…”

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5.Queimadas, Caldeirão Verde and Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 60 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Spend eight hours hiking from Queimadas Guest House along the Levada da Serra de São Jorge to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Expect village views, smaller waterfalls and tunnels, plus a live guide in your chosen available language. Guides such as Charlotte have shared insights about Madeira’s plants and wildlife. Bring your own food and waterproof gear.

“Unser Guide Charlotte gab uns wertvolle Informationen zu Madeira und deren Pflanzen- und Tierwelt.”

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6.Caldeirão Verde Levada (PR 9) – Guided Madeira Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 60 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $55

From Funchal, a guide drives you to Queimadas Forest Park for a roughly 4.5-hour walk through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall and lagoon. Expect levada-side paths, narrow passages, and dark tunnels. The tour costs $55.12, includes transport and insurance, and requires a separate €3 cash trail fee.

“É um percurso exigente, Calçado de caminhada, cantil e snack essencial. As paisagens são impagáveis !”

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7.Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $52

Walk the Caldeirão Verde levada in Madeira with a mountain guide, following an old water channel through forest to a waterfall. Expect a roughly four-hour walk within a seven-to-nine-hour day, with transfers from Funchal, narrow paths and several tunnels. Guides have included Bruno, Marta, Sergio and Gloria. Bring a torch, sturdy shoes and your own drinks.

“Out of 3 levada walks I did in the laurisilva forest this was the best - more open and varied landscape, breathtaking mountains, stunning views and excellent guide.”

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8.PR9 Caldeirão Verde Queimadas Levada Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico to Queimadas, then hike the Caldeirão Verde route at your own pace. You get a map briefing and about 5.5 hours for the 15 km walk, ending at Pico das Pedras. Drivers such as Diogo, Henrique and Luis have shared useful island tips, but no hiking guide accompanies you.

“Friendly driver, no problems with pickup/drop off, lots of time to complete the walk. Would recommend.”

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9.Private Guided Walk Levada Caldeirao Verde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $108Top rated

Travel by private, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle from your Madeira accommodation to Pico das Pedras and the Queimadas house, then walk through Laurisilva Forest to Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Your guide provides commentary on the island, plants, and wildlife. Guides Marco and Francisco have led the walk, but the route can be challenging, so good balance and comfort on rough ground matter.

“Our guide, Marco, was wonderful. He picked us up on time and gave lots of information about the levadas and flora and fauna. Caution: The walk is far more challenging than other reviews would lead one to believe. I cannot fault Marco or the experience at all but it was almost too much for me and took about 6 1/2 hours total. If you don't have very good balance or much experience with rough terrain choose an easier walk. Marco was very helpful to me when I struggled and kept emphasizing that we could take all the time we needed.”

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10.Queimadas-Caldeirão Verde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

Set out from Funchal at 8:30 am for a guided group walk of about 13 km through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest. Look for endemic plants and birdlife, then reach Caldeirão Verde’s waterfall and clear-water lagoon, where you can take a swim. Hotel pickup is offered, and the group is limited to 16.

“Throughly enjoyed our hike! Our driver and tour guide took excellent care of us throughout the trip. Beautiful views along the way with an amazing waterfall at the end of the hike.”

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11.Private Guided Levada Caldeirão Verde Walk PR9

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 6 hours · from $117

From Queimadas, follow a water-filled levada through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. A private guide can explain the island’s irrigation channels and local details; Marco, Richard, and Anders have led this walk. Expect a 12-kilometer route, tunnels, mountain views, and a moderate fitness challenge.

“Heel leuke en mooie wandeling gehad met Richard. Tijdens de wandeling kregen we ook de geschiedenis mee van het ontstaan van de Levada's. Een aanrader als u op Madeira bent!”

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12.Jungle Fever Levada Caldeirao Verde Hike Santana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $74

Join a small group of up to eight for an eight-hour outing from Funchal, Lido or Caniço. A local guide leads a 4.5-hour hike beside the Caldeirão Verde levada, through forest and tunnels to a waterfall, with a picnic, Santana house visit and a poncha stop. One guide named Richard has been praised for keeping a rainy hike fun, though guide assignments may vary.

“Was a great, informative tour surrounded by nature! Richard made the long, rainy hike a fun experience!”

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13.Queimadas Caldeirao Verde Full day hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews

Join Madeira Explorers for a guided hike from Queimadas along the Caldeirão Verde levada, through Laurissilva forest and short tunnels to a waterfall. Hotel pickup, transport and a guide are included. Guides speak English, French, German and Portuguese. Bring grippy hiking shoes and a packed lunch; the narrow, damp path is not suitable for everyone.

“Nette Führerin, aber ziemlich voll, Gänsemarsch mit Gegenverkehr”

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14.Queimadas Caldeirão Verde Madeira Island Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · from $45

Spend about 4.75 hours walking from Queimadas through Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, then return to Funchal by van. An experienced local guide leads the route and shares details about local plants and wildlife. The tour lasts eight hours, includes pickup in parts of Funchal and Caniço, and costs $45 per person, plus a €3 trail fee for visitors older than 12.

“Great guide, good humor, and very knowledgeable about the area. Small group with a good dynamic. Adventurous hike with sublime landscapes!”

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15.Queimadas Caldeirão Verde Walking tour with guide

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $45

Join a small guided group for a 13-kilometer walk from Queimadas through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest. Expect streams, tunnels, views toward Santana, Ilha and São Jorge, and a waterfall-fed lagoon at Caldeirão Verde. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Guides speak English and Portuguese; Magno is one named guide associated with the tour.

“Too many tourists the hike is beautiful but simply too many people.”

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