Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno
Extension of Caldeirão Verde reaching a wilder, deeper amphitheatre — long, exposed sections, several tunnels.
About Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno
Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno sits in the lush, north-facing slopes around Santana and is a demanding hike with exposed sections, long stair climbs and serious elevation change. Over its 18 km point-to-point route, Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno climbs around 300 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 7 and 8 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
Bring more water than you think you need and pace yourself — the second half is where most people struggle. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, catalogued as PR9.1. The PR sign at the trailhead is your reassurance, not a promise — weather on the central ridge can shift inside an hour.
What to know before you go
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip — basalt gets slippery when damp, and most levada paths have a drop on one side.
- Pack two litres of water per person — there are no refill points on the route — and a light fleece for the ridge wind.
- Bring a headlamp — some sections pass through unlit lava tunnels.
- Start at sunrise to beat both the heat and the cloud layer that often builds over the central ridge by late morning.
- Check the official 'Estado dos Trilhos' status before you go — trails close after storms or rockfalls.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and early October combine long daylight, stable weather and lower trail traffic. Winter is fine for the lower levadas but unreliable on the high ridges.
Location
Santana, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.78610, -16.90670
GPX track
Download a GPX file for Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno to load into your watch, phone or GPS device. Always carry an offline map and follow the painted PR waymarks on the ground — GPX is a guide, not a substitute for navigation.
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Preview only. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno hike take?+
Most hikers complete Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno in around 7 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 9 hours. The route is 18 km long with about 300 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno suitable for beginners?+
Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno is rated hard and is not recommended as a first Madeira hike. It involves steep stairs, exposed ridges and serious elevation change. Build up to it on easier levada walks first.
Do I need a guide for Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno?+
No, Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno is a signed official trail and most fit hikers walk it independently. Local guides are widely available if you prefer transport, route certainty, or commentary on the landscape.
Plan around Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.