Taxi to Caldeirão Verde

The Caldeirão Verde levada walk is one of Madeira's most spectacular hiking experiences, leading deep into the ancient Laurissilva forest to a dramatic 100-meter waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool. The name translates to "Green Cauldron" - a perfect description of the moss-covered volcanic crater that awaits at the trail's end. Starting from the picturesque Queimadas Forest Park with its traditional thatched-roof buildings, the trail follows an 18th-century levada through some of the most pristine primary forest in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape has remained essentially unchanged for 20 million years, creating a prehistoric atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern life.

Queimadas Forest Park is located in the mountains above Santana on Madeira's north coast. The final 3km approach road is narrow with limited passing places, making driving stressful for those unfamiliar with Madeiran mountain roads. Public buses serve Santana town (No. 56, 103, or 138 from Funchal, approximately 1.5-2 hours), but from there you would still need a taxi or long walk to reach Queimadas. Direct taxi service from Funchal to the trailhead takes approximately 45-55 minutes. We recommend arranging pickup for after your hike, as the trail can take longer than expected and parking at Queimadas fills quickly on busy days. Our flexible service means you hike at your own pace without worrying about return transport.

The PR9 trail covers approximately 6.5km each way, following a levada channel through dense forest. The path passes through four historic tunnels carved in the 18th century - a flashlight or headlamp is essential as these can be up to 50 meters long and completely dark. The landscape is magical: giant ferns, ancient til trees draped in moss, and the constant sound of water from the levada and numerous small waterfalls along the way. The destination waterfall is truly spectacular - water plunges 100 meters into a natural pool with green-tinged water reflecting the surrounding vegetation. Some sections have steep drops to one side with cable handrails for safety. While not technically difficult, the trail requires concentration and proper footwear. Weather at this elevation can differ significantly from the coast, with mist and light rain common even on sunny days.