Embark on an unforgettable 5-hour adventure through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest on the Levada Walk at Pico das Pedras, Queimadas, and Caldeirão Verde. This immersive trek offers an intimate experience for groups of four, showcasing Madeira’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Traverse stunning Levadas, explore hand-excavated tunnels, and be mesmerized by the serene waterfall-formed lake of Caldeirão Verde. With a focus on deep immersion, this excursion promises to captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more of Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes.
Good To Know
- The Levada Walk explores the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest, offering a 5-hour experience with vibrant flora and hand-excavated tunnels.
- The tour includes a visit to the serene waterfall-formed lake of Caldeirão Verde, as well as an opportunity to see a traditional Santana house.
- The group size is limited to 4 participants, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience, with multiple language options available.
- Booking the tour is hassle-free, with spot reservation, flexible start times, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Transfers, a certified guide, and comprehensive support are included, making it a seamless and enriching experience for visitors.
Activity Overview
This engaging Levada walk through the Pico das Pedras and Caldeirão Verde regions offers a captivating 5-hour experience that takes adventurous explorers on a journey through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest.
The group size is limited to 4 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized outing.
Priced at just €15,175 for up to 14 people, this excursion caters to English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, booking this walk is a risk-free way to discover Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Santana Madeira.
Experience Highlights
Adventurers embarking on this Levada walk will explore the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest, seeing a lush landscape of vibrant flowers, verdant mossy walls, and captivating waterfalls.
They’ll traverse along one of the island’s most spectacular Levadas, constructed centuries ago, while passing through four hand-excavated tunnels.
The highlight of the journey will undoubtedly be the visit to the waterfall-formed lake of Caldeirão Verde, where they can take in the serene natural beauty and rejuvenate.
Along the way, they’ll also have the opportunity to stop at one of Santana’s oldest thatched-roof houses, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Booking Information
Travelers can reserve their spot on this immersive Levada walk without any upfront payment, allowing them to easily secure their place on this captivating adventure.
The booking process couldn’t be simpler – just check the available start times and claim your desired spot. This flexibility means you can plan your trip with confidence, knowing you’ve reserved your place on one of the island’s most spectacular hiking experiences.
What’s more, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can adjust your plans hassle-free should anything come up.
Included Services
The tour package for this captivating Levada walk includes a range of helpful services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. Travelers will enjoy convenient transportation, with transfers from their accommodation starting 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Plus, a certified guide will accompany the group for the entirety of the walking tour, sharing their expertise and insights into the stunning Laurissilva Forest and other highlights along the way.
| Included Services | |
|---|---|
| Transfers from accommodation | 15 minutes before scheduled time |
| Certified guide | For the duration of the walk |
| Visit to a typical Santana house | Immersive cultural experience |
Restrictions
Not all ages can partake in this captivating Levada walk, as it’s not suitable for children under 7 years old. This restriction helps ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants navigating the diverse terrain and features of the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest.
Other restrictions include:
Participants must be able to walk for up to 5 hours on uneven paths and through hand-excavated tunnels.
The group size is limited to 4 individuals to provide a more personalized and immersive experience.
Travelers with mobility or health concerns should consult with the tour operator to ensure this challenging yet rewarding hike aligns with their abilities.
Despite these reasonable restrictions, this Levada walk promises an unforgettable adventure through Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes.
Laurissilva Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Laurissilva Forest captivates visitors with its lush, verdant landscapes, where ancient laurel trees, ferns, and mossy walls combine to create a captivating natural wonder. Winding along the island’s Levada network, this primeval forest offers a glimpse into a bygone era, with its diverse flora and fauna thriving in the moist, temperate climate. Teeming with vibrant wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and hidden trails, the Laurissilva is a true gem of Madeira’s natural heritage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ecology | Temperate, laurel-dominated forest ecosystem |
| Conservation | Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 |
| Biodiversity | Home to endemic plant and animal species |
| Trails | Extensive network of Levada walking paths |
Hand-Excavated Tunnels
Winding through the lush Laurissilva Forest, the hand-excavated tunnels along the levada trails offer a captivating glimpse into Madeira’s remarkable engineering feats of the past.
Carved through solid rock by skilled workers centuries ago, these narrow passages create a sense of adventure as hikers traverse through the verdant landscapes, emerging to breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and serene mountain lakes.
The tunnels serve as gateways to hidden natural wonders, allowing visitors to:
Explore the island’s rich history and the ingenuity of its people.
Marvel at the precision and craftsmanship involved in creating these subterranean passages.
Appreciate the stunning scenery that unfolds around every twist and turn of the levada.
Waterfall-Formed Lake
At the heart of the Caldeirão Verde lies a serene mountain lake, its turquoise waters cascading from a towering waterfall that tumbles over the verdant cliffs.
As hikers approach this natural wonder, they’re struck by the sheer beauty of the scene – lush, moss-covered walls framing the tranquil pool below.
Stopping to take in the sight, visitors can bask in the peaceful ambiance, listening to the soothing sound of the waterfall.
This stunning, waterfall-formed lake offers the perfect opportunity to rest and rejuvenate amidst the stunning natural landscape of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s a true highlight of the Levada Walk, leaving hikers awestruck and refreshed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Trail Suitable for Hikers With a Fear of Heights?
The trail may not be suitable for hikers with a fear of heights, as it involves navigating narrow paths along steep cliffs and passing through hand-excavated tunnels. The stunning scenery could be overshadowed by the vertigo-inducing sections.
What Is the Weather Like During the Walk?
The weather during the walk is typically mild and pleasant, with sunny skies and cool temperatures. Hikers can expect a comfortable outdoor experience as they explore the lush, verdant landscapes of the Laurissilva Forest on this stunning Levada trail.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the walk. This allows them to refuel and hydrate at their own pace while immersed in the breathtaking natural landscapes along the way.
Is the Trail Wheelchair Accessible?
Unfortunately, the trail is not wheelchair accessible. The hike includes uneven terrain, steep inclines, and narrow pathways through the lush Laurissilva Forest, making it challenging for wheelchair users. This scenic walk is better suited for able-bodied hikers.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour operator has safety protocols in place to protect guests from COVID-19. Participants must wear masks, maintain social distancing, and sanitize their hands regularly. The group size is limited to ensure proper precautions. Travelers can book with confidence.
The Sum Up
This captivating Levada walk through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest offers an unforgettable adventure.
Traverse stunning Levadas, explore hand-excavated tunnels, and be mesmerized by the serene Caldeirão Verde lake.
With a small group size, the experience allows for deep immersion in Madeira’s rich natural and cultural heritage, showcasing its vibrant flora and remarkable landscapes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the beauty and wonder of this enchanting destination.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Santana Madeira
- Funchal: Private Sunset Hike to Pico Ruivo with Hotel Pickup
- Madeira: Santana; Discover the enchanting East: Duration 7,5h
- Pick up in Santana to Pico Das Pedras or Achada Do Teixeira
- Private Sunrise Hike to Pico Ruivo With Hotel Pickup
- East Tour Santana 4×4 VIP Wrangler Tour 8h Trip
- Madeira: Private Guided Madeira Theme Park Tour With Pickup