PR 9 – Caldeirão Verde
The Green Cauldron Masterpiece
Distancia
13 km (Return)
Duración
4h - 5h
Dificultad
Moderado
Estado
✅ ABIERTO
La mejor época para visitarlo
💡 Consejo profesional: Queimadas Park is one of the most magical places on the island but the parking is tiny. If you arrive after 10:00 AM, you will likely have to park 2km down the road.
⚠️ Grado de dificultad técnica
Why Hike Caldeirão Verde?
En PR 9 is widely considered the most beautiful levada forest walk in Madeira. You are immersed in a UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva forest that feels like a fairytale.
The trail features four hand-carved tunnels and ends at the “Green Cauldron” (Caldeirão Verde)—a majestic 100m waterfall dropping into a cold, emerald pool surrounded by vertical green walls.
Mapa del sendero
From Queimadas Forestry Park to the Waterfall.
Guía paso a paso
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1
Queimadas Park (Start)
Start at the fairy-tale thatched houses in Queimadas. The path is wide and lined with massive Japanese Cedar trees.
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2
The Levada Narrowing
After 2km, the path narrows significantly. You will walk along the Levada wall with railings protecting you from the steep drop.
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3
The 4 Tunnels
You will pass through four separate tunnels carved into the rock. Some are long and dark. Mind your head!
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4
La Cascada (Finish)
You arrive at the massive rock amphitheater. The waterfall is slender but incredibly high. It’s a perfect picnic spot.
📸 Los mejores lugares para hacer fotos
The traditional Santana-style thatched houses at the start are iconic. Early morning fog makes them look mystical.
Certain trees have grown over the path creating natural “windows” framing the village of São Jorge far below.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the 100m waterfall inside the green rock chamber.
Instalaciones y servicios
Cómo llegar
Conducir hasta Santana on the north coast. Follow signs for “Parque Florestal das Queimadas”. The road up is paved but narrow.
🛑 Parking Strategy
The main car park is small and paid (coins only). If it is full, you must drive back down 2km and walk up. Arrive by 9:00 AM to secure a spot!
La perspectiva del conductor
🚘 Driving through the Forest
Magical but narrow approach.
Nuestra recomendación de alquiler: The final 3km up to the park are on a single-lane road with passing places. A smaller car is easier to maneuver when you meet a bus coming down. This is Madeira Island recommends their compact range for Santana trips.
Equipo esencial
- Headlamp/Torch: There are 4 tunnels. Phone lights are weak and you risk hitting your head on low rocks.
- Chaqueta impermeable: The tunnels drip water constantly, and the forest is humid.
- Head Protection: Tall people should watch out; the tunnel ceilings are low and jagged!
🍹 Después de la excursión: ¿dónde comer?
Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas
Right at the finish line. This charming thatched cottage serves hot chocolate, coffee, and slices of cake. It feels like stepping into a storybook.
