From Caniço/Funchal: Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip

Tucked away in the heart of Madeira’s lush Laurissilva forest, the Levada Caldeirão Verde hiking trail offers adventurers a chance to enjoy the island’s natural wonders. This moderate-difficulty trek, spanning 13 kilometers, promises a journey filled with cascading waterfalls, serene streams, and breathtaking vistas of quaint villages. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site is sure to leave a lasting impression. But what secrets does this remarkable landscape hold, waiting to be unveiled by those who dare to explore?

Key Points

• The Levada Caldeirão Verde hiking trip is a 7-hour adventure covering approximately 13 km through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest in Santana.
• The moderate-difficulty hike features biodiversity, waterfalls, streams, tunnels, and the Caldeirão Verde lagoon, offering breathtaking natural scenery.
• The excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off, food, and drinks, with a small group size of up to 15 participants.
• Travelers should be prepared with appropriate attire and gear, such as a lightweight jacket, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
• The hike has received mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning landscapes and others noting concerns about overcrowding and guide knowledge.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

What does the Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip entail? This 7-hour hiking adventure covers approximately 13 km through the stunning Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Hikers can expect to walk for around 4-5 hours over moderately difficult terrain. The trail starts and ends in the Queimadas forest park in Santana, offering breathtaking views of small villages along the way.

Highlights of the hike include discovering the area’s rich biodiversity, as well as encountering waterfalls, streams, tunnels, and the lagoon at Caldeirão Verde.

This is an excellent opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Madeira‘s lush, verdant landscapes.

Pricing and Booking

The Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip is priced from $44.53 per person.

Travelers can take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option, and benefit from the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• The small group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

• Payment can be made conveniently online or on-site, offering flexibility for travelers.

• Discounted rates may be available for children and seniors, catering to diverse group compositions.

• Booking through trusted tour operators provides an added layer of assurance and support throughout the trip.

Experience Highlights

A highlight of the Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip is the opportunity to discover the biodiversity within the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Along the way, hikers will come across captivating features such as cascading waterfalls, serene streams, mysterious tunnels, and a tranquil lagoon at Caldeirão Verde.

The scenic route also offers glimpses of quaint villages like Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge, providing a glimpse into the island’s charming rural landscapes.

This moderate-difficulty hike showcases the natural wonders and picturesque vistas that make Madeira an alluring destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as food and drinks for participants.

However, this excursion isn’t suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• Children under 5
• Individuals with mobility impairments

This is due to the moderate difficulty of the hike, which covers approximately 13 km over 4-5 hours.

Participants should come prepared with the appropriate attire, such as a jacket, sunscreen, water, food, hat, rain gear, and comfortable shoes.

It’s important to note that drivers will only wait up to 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so punctuality is essential.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Before embarking on the Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip, it’s crucial that participants come prepared.

Bring a lightweight jacket to protect against changeable weather, and don’t forget sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. Staying hydrated is essential, so pack plenty of water. Hikers should also bring snacks or a light lunch to fuel their journey.

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good traction to navigate the varied terrain. Bringing rain gear is recommended, as the route may encounter wet conditions.

Participants should familiarize themselves with the meeting point and be ready to board the transportation within 5 minutes of the scheduled pickup time.

Duration and Distance

The Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip spans approximately 13 kilometers and typically takes hikers 4-5 hours to complete.

The overall duration of the excursion is around 7 hours, with the majority of that time spent actively walking through the picturesque landscape.

This moderate-difficulty hike offers:

• Breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the Laurissilva forest
• Opportunities to witness cascading waterfalls, meandering streams, and a tranquil lagoon
• Glimpses of charming villages like Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge along the way
• A chance to take in the region’s rich biodiversity and natural wonders.

Difficulty and Location

The Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip is considered a moderate-difficulty excursion, making it suitable for most active individuals.

The hike covers a distance of approximately 13 kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trail starts and ends in the Queimadas forest park in Santana, providing a picturesque backdrop of small villages, including Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge.

While the terrain is generally well-maintained, hikers can expect to encounter some challenging sections, such as steep inclines and uneven paths.

The route showcases the stunning Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s remarkable biodiversity.

Customer Feedback

Hiking enthusiasts have offered mixed reviews regarding the Levada Caldeirão Verde excursion.

While some have praised the stunning natural scenery, others have commented on occasional overcrowding and concerns about the quality of the tour guides.

According to customer feedback:

• Several participants felt the group size was too large, detracting from the intimate experience.
• Some reviewers noted their guides lacked in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
• A few hikers reported feeling rushed at certain points along the trail.

On a positive note, many travelers were captivated by the diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Trail Condition Like During the Hike?

The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, with some challenging terrain like rocky sections, steep inclines, and uneven paths. Hikers should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and be prepared for variable weather conditions throughout the 4-5 hour hike.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

Pets are not allowed on the Levada Caldeirão Verde Hiking Trip. The activity is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or children under 5. Participants must be able to hike the moderate 13 km trail.

Is There Any First Aid Available During the Trip?

The hiking trip includes first aid provisions. A guide carries basic medical supplies in case of any minor injuries or incidents during the 7-hour excursion through the Laurissilva forest.

Can I Extend the Hike to Explore More of the Laurissilva Forest?

While the standard Levada Caldeirão Verde hike is around 13km, hikers can extend their exploration of the Laurissilva forest. However, this would require additional time and planning beyond the 7-hour group tour itinerary.

Do I Need to Have Any Prior Hiking Experience for This Trip?

The hiking trip is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels and some prior hiking experience. While the terrain is not overly challenging, the length and duration of the hike requires a basic level of preparation.

Recap

The Levada Caldeirão Verde hiking trip from Caniço/Funchal offers an unforgettable journey through the stunning Laurissilva forest. Hikers can expect breathtaking waterfalls, serene streams, and picturesque village views during this moderate-difficulty 13-kilometer trek. With a small group size, participants can enjoy the region’s rich biodiversity and natural wonders on this UNESCO World Heritage Site adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: