Levada do Caldeirao do Inferno

Madrei

Caldeirao do Inferno N 32°46.250 W 16°56.750 ca. 1050 m a.s.l., and Ribeira Grande ca. 1022 m a.s.l.

Course

From the Madre a little steeper, then through 3 shorter tunnels, a longer tunnel, a bridge over the Ribeira Grande, an S-shaped gallery tunnel, 2 further tunnels; first you have to avoid the waterfall that falls straight onto the levada (depending on the season), then the waterfall to the Levada do Caldeirao Verde inferior goes off to the left, a basin-shaped end section, through a side tunnel into the Pico Ruivo tunnel, and there the confluence with the Levada do Caldeirao Verde superior

End

North-western entrance of the Pico Ruivo tunnel, ca. 1020 m a.s.l. (confluence with the Levada do Caldeirao Verde superior into the Levada do Pico Ruivo)

Function and use

• Feeding the Levada do Caldeirao Verde inferior via a waterfall

• Water supply for the Faja da Nogueira power station via the Pico Ruivo tunnel, along the Levada do Pico Ruivo

Access

Via the north-western end of the Pico Ruivo tunnel, reached on the

• Levada do Caldeirao Verde superior

• Levada do Pico Ruivo through the Pico Ruivo tunnel

• Levada do Caldeirao Verde inferior

Condition

Protection is good by now; moderately difficult, but do not underestimate it!

Remarks

The crossing of the Ribeira Grande in the middle section is one of the most imposing places on Madeira. Worth it again and again!