14 km round trip
Distance
8 hours
6-7 hours hiking
TOUR Time
Moderate
Difficulty
1020 m /
872 m
MAX / MIX AlTITUDE
EN, FR, ES, PT
Tour lanuage options
Why hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde with us?
The Island's Iconic Classics
Looking for a private PR9 hike tour in Madeira? This is it — a near-flat levada trail through tunnels carved straight into the mountain, deep enough into the island that it stays quiet even when everywhere else is packed. Officially route PR9, it's one of Madeira's longest and least-crowded trails, and doing it privately means your pace, your timing, and a guide who knows exactly where the light hits the waterfall best.
About the Trail
PR9 is roughly 14km round trip, mostly flat, cut by hand in the 18th century to carry water from the mountains down to the farms of Faial. The trail passes through four unlit rock tunnels before opening into Laurissilva forest, UNESCO-protected, among the last of its kind on Earth and ends at Caldeirão Verde: a waterfall dropping into a bright emerald pool, boxed in by cliffs on every side.
Inclusions, Gear & PRICING
What’s Included
- Certified local mountain guide
- 7-8 hour tour
- Private transport with driver
- View points pre or post hike
- Portuguese insurance
What to Bring
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
- Warm Layers
- At least 1.5L Water
- High-Energy Snacks
- Waterproof Jacket
Not included:
- Meals and drinks (Picnic add-on option €15pp)
- Hiking gear
- Extra clothing
The Adventure Schedule
PR9 Itinerary
01
Hotel Pickup
Early bird collection from your accommodation.
02
Arrive at PR9
Start in the forest park near Santana, away from the busier southern trailheads
03
Quick coffee & toilet break
Enjoy a quick coffee before we start the hike
04
Caldeirão Verde Waterfall
Reach the emerald pool at the trail's end
05
Lunch with a view
Enjoy your lunch while watching the waterfall and birds before heading back
06
Poncha time!
No hike it complete with a Poncha or two!
07
Head back to the hotel
We will return back to your accommodation or port location
Loved by Hikers Worldwide
Trusted by Adventurers
Join hundreds of adventurers who have hiked with our expert local guidance
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we offer convenient pickup & drop-off from anywhere on the island including The Funchal Port. Please note, tour start and end times may vary.
Yes, they're safe. There are four hand-carved tunnels, and your guide leads you through with proper lighting. We still recommend bringing your own headlamp (we do have some available please let us know if you need one), since it keeps your hands free and you'll be glad of it in the longer, darker sections.
Yes, if you're comfortable walking for most of a day. The path is flat and well-maintained, so distance is the challenge rather than climbing or exposure. If you'd like a shorter day, tell us and we'll plan a turnaround point that still gets you to the best sections.
Trail tickets are booked and included in the tour price, ensuring everything is arranged before the day of your hike. If required an additional cost will be added to the total tour price.
The trail is about 14 km round trip and takes around six hours at a steady pace. It's mostly flat, so the time comes from the distance rather than the terrain.
