Burns to Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk

The Burns to Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk offers adventurous hikers a captivating journey through Madeira’s lush landscapes. Starting at the picturesque Queimadas Forestry Park, this full-day hike takes you along ancient levadas, UNESCO-listed forests, and scenic tunnels, culminating at the stunning Caldeirão Verde lake. Fed by a 100-meter waterfall, the lake provides breathtaking views and opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna. Though the moderate difficulty may deter some, nature enthusiasts who embark on this enriching experience will undoubtedly be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

Key Points

• The Caldeirao Verde Levada Walk is a full-day hike through Queimadas Forestry Park and UNESCO-listed forests in Madeira, Portugal.
• The hike features traversing tunnels, exploring 18th-century water transport structures, and admiring the picturesque Caldeirao Verde lake.
• A moderate fitness level is required, and the experience includes live guide commentary, insurance, bottled water, and lunch.
• Key highlights include the Santana-style shelter, diverse local flora and fauna, and the 100-meter waterfall feeding the Caldeirao Verde lake.
• The hike is not recommended for those with severe claustrophobia or accessibility issues, and confirmation is provided upon booking.

Overview of the Hike

The Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk is a full-day hike along the levadas, or water transportation channels, of Madeira, Portugal.

This small-group activity offers personalized attention as you explore the Queimadas Forestry Park and the stunning Caldeirão Verde lake.

You’ll walk through tunnels, observe local flora and fauna in UNESCO-listed forests, and learn about the history and construction of the levadas from your guide.

The highlights include the 18th-century water transport structures at Caldeirão Verde and the chance to learn about Madeira’s natural beauty.

Moderate physical fitness is required, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with severe claustrophobia or wheelchair accessibility issues.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Meeting points for this tour include near the cable car station in Funchal City and Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, Funchal, Portugal. Pickup options are available upon request. The tour returns to the meeting point. The start time is 08:30 am.

What	Where	When
Meeting Points	Near cable car station in Funchal City, Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, Funchal, Portugal	–
Pickup Options	Available upon request	–
End Point	Returns to the meeting point	–
Start Time	–	08:30 am

The tour includes live commentary from the guide, insurance coverage, bottled water, and a provided lunch.

Queimadas Forestry Park

Features an original Santana-style shelter with a thatched roof during the 15-minute stop at Queimadas Forestry Park, which visitors can explore at no charge.

This picturesque forest reserve offers a glimpse into the area’s traditional architecture and natural beauty. Hikers can wander through the park, taking in the lush vegetation and scenery before continuing their journey along the levadas.

The stop provides a brief respite and opportunity to stretch one’s legs during the full-day hike, allowing participants to recharge and prepare for the next segment of the scenic trek through Madeira’s UNESCO-listed forests.

Caldeirão Verde Lake

After the stop at Queimadas Forestry Park, the hike leads participants to Caldeirão Verde Lake, a picturesque natural wonder.

The lake is fed by a waterfall that cascades from a height of approximately 100 meters. Visitors can spend up to 20 minutes admiring the stunning scenery and historic water transport structures that date back to the 18th century.

The lake is situated within the UNESCO-listed forests, allowing hikers to observe the diverse local flora and fauna during their visit.

The Caldeirão Verde Lake is a highlight of the levada walking experience, offering a peaceful respite and a glimpse into Madeira’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

What’s Included

The Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk includes several key features that make it a comprehensive and immersive experience for participants. The tour provides live commentary from a knowledgeable guide, insurance coverage, bottled water, and a provided lunch.

Included	Details
Live Guide Commentary	Gain insights into the history, flora, and fauna
Insurance Coverage	For peace of mind during the hike
Bottled Water	Stay hydrated throughout the day
Lunch Provided	Fuel up with a meal during the trek

These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and supported adventure through the stunning Madeira landscapes.

Expected Experience

Along the Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk, hikers will first explore the Queimadas Forestry Park. This 15-minute stop features an original Santana-style shelter with a thatched roof, offering a glimpse into the region’s architectural heritage.

The hike then leads to the Caldeirão Verde lake, where water cascades from a height of approximately 100 meters. Visitors can spend 20 minutes admiring this natural wonder.

The journey also includes:

1. Traversing tunnels in the UNESCO-listed forests.
2. Observing the diverse local flora and fauna.
3. Learning about the history and construction of the levadas.
4. Enjoying a provided lunch to refuel during the full-day excursion.

Additional Information

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk. Infant seats are available upon request, and the hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness. However, it is not suitable for travelers with severe claustrophobia or who require wheelchair accessibility. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience.

Accessibility	Confirmation	Cancellation	Duration	Difficulty
Not Wheelchair Accessible	Provided at Booking	Free up to 24 Hours	Full Day	Moderate

Reviews Summary

According to the reviews, travelers seem to have enjoyed the Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk overall.

The hike received an impressive 4.5/5 rating from 6 total reviews. 4 out of 6 reviewers gave it 5 stars, praising the breathtaking views and excellent guiding.

One review noted a 4-star rating, while another gave it 3 stars citing communication issues regarding pickup arrangements.

The key takeaways from the reviews include:

1. Stunning scenery and well-informed guides
2. Recommendations for sturdy shoes, waterproof gear, and packed lunch
3. Potential communication challenges with pickup arrangements
4. Hike not suitable for those with severe claustrophobia or accessibility issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What Wildlife Can We Expect to See on the Hike?

Hikers may spot a variety of local flora and fauna along the levadas, including endemic bird species, colorful flowers, and small reptiles. The UNESCO-listed forests provide a habitat for diverse wildlife that visitors can observe during the hike.

How Many Restroom Breaks Are Included During the Hike?

The hike does not specifically mention scheduled restroom breaks. However, the guide likely accommodates reasonable requests for breaks during the approximately 7-hour hike. Hikers should plan accordingly and communicate any needs to the guide.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?

Yes, hikers are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks. The tour provides bottled water, but additional personal provisions are recommended to sustain energy levels throughout the full-day hike along the levadas.

Is There an Option to Shorten or Extend the Hike?

Yes, the hike can be shortened or extended upon request. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide to customize the experience based on their abilities and interests. The tour’s flexibility allows for a personalized hiking experience.

Are There Any Altitude or Elevation Challenges on the Route?

The hike includes moderate elevation changes, with some parts of the trail passing through tunnels. While not extremely challenging, the hike may pose difficulties for those with limited mobility or cardiovascular fitness. However, the guide can provide recommendations to accommodate individual needs.

Recap

The Burns to Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk offers an exceptional day-long adventure through Madeira’s lush landscapes. Traversing ancient levadas, exploring UNESCO forests, and culminating at the stunning Caldeirão Verde lake, this moderate hike provides an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts. With its breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna, this captivating trek is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy Madeira’s natural wonders.