Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal
Funchal, Portugal

Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana

Outty Ranking 76 5.0 · 26 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $33

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September 2026

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$33
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Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana worth booking?

Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana is a 8-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $33 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
5/5 (26)
Duration
8 hours
From
$33 per person

Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk. Beginning in the lush Queimadas Forest Park in Santana, this 13-kilometer hike winds throug

What you get

    About this experience

    Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk. Beginning in the lush Queimadas Forest Park in Santana, this 13-kilometer hike winds through one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes — the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. This is a journey deep into nature, where every turn reveals a new surprise: birdsong echoing through the trees, trickling streams beside the levada, and tunnels carved into the volcanic rock. The trail leads you to the stunning Caldeirão Verde lagoon, fed by a towering waterfall that cascades into a deep emerald basin — a moment of stillness and beauty you won’t soon forget. On clear days, you’ll also enjoy glimpses of the picturesque villages of Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge, scattered across the valleys below. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker or a curious explorer, this experience is a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to discover the wild heart of Madeira.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick up and Drop off at your acommodation
    • Briefing before the hike
    • Local driver

    Not included

    • Bottled water
    • Meals
    • Government fees

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Thu, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hiking Transfers

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Not recommended for travelers with vertigo

    Photos

    Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal, photo 2Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal, photo 3Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal, photo 4Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal, photo 5Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal, photo 6Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana in Funchal, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    6 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    26 verified traveler reviews for Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    26
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Aneri_P · July 2026

    Breathtaking experience!

    Best tour guide ever! He took us to a secret scenic viewpoint after the hike and its truly one of the prettiest spots i've seen in my entire life!

    via Viator

    Joy_R · June 2026

    Great experience!

    Our driver Luis from Hiking Transfers was very helpful. He sent information about the hike and pick up details the day before, arrived on time and drove very courteously. He was also chatty and happy to answer questions about Madeira during the journey. The hike itself was excellent too. It was beside levadas throughout, mostly through woodland with the odd tunnel for variety! There were some excellent views, especially the pool and waterfall at the end. A very enjoyable experience, thank you.

    via Viator

    Clare_M · May 2026

    Fantastic PR18 walk, recommended!

    There was a rockfall at PR9 so we walked PR18 instead. We were offered alternatives by our tour guide the night before. Luis, our guide, was excellent. He was a prompt taxi service, answering our Madeira questions and offering up local advice. We walked the levada self guided, you couldn’t go wrong trail wise. We loved this walk, so shaded and yet the most stunning views out looking East towards the sea. It was mostly flat and fairly easy. It took us 3 hours with a 10 minute break at the water source (end of the levada). We enjoyed walking behind the waterfall too. We were back an hour before the predicted time (we walk fast!) but we messaged Luis and he was back to get us in 20 minutes. We enjoyed a quick coffee and rest in the local cafe whilst we waited. Luis took us to a beautiful coastal viewpoint en route back to Funchal which was stunning. Only warning is I would recommend picking an early start on a levada walk as by the time we got back the narrow path was crowded with walkers and you had to keep stopping to let them pass. But on the way up it was empty and peaceful (we started walking at 8.15am). Thanks to Luis, a bit of a joker, but a fun and informed guide who made the journeys go quickly! Highly recommended.

    via Viator

    Ais-zop · April 2026

    Great service, facilitating a great Levada experience

    Very glad we booked our to and from Levada transport with Luis. He knew the best alternative when PR9 was still closed, we went to PR18 and it was a lovely walk with stunning views and a waterfall to walk under. Luis also knew the best time to commence our walk, meaning that we did most of the walk as just ourselves and only started to encounter many (many!) other tourists on the return leg. Luis was also very informative about the island, giving us recommendations for restaurants and bars, which was really helpful. Would definitely use his services again.

    via Tripadvisor

    Virginia_H · March 2026

    Rainy day magical levada hike

    Fantastic hike through magical forest. It was a chilly and rainy day but still 100% worth it! Don’t cancel on a rainy day, pack warmer clothes!!!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Thu, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 76

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)40
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.

    How much does Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana cost?

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    Prices start at $33 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.

    Is Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana?

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    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Self Guided Santana start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Funchal?

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    On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Funchal?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Funchal?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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