Caldeirão do Inferno

The wilder extension beyond Caldeirão Verde, through carved rock corridors.

Narrow basalt gorge and levada channel at Caldeirão do Inferno
Photo: VillageHero from Ulm, Germany · CC BY-SA 2.0

A continuation of the Caldeirão Verde route into a narrow gorge of sheer basalt walls and hand-cut tunnels. Far fewer people get this far, and it feels like it.

What it adds

From the Caldeirão Verde the path climbs, crosses more tunnels and steps, and enters a canyon where the levada is cut directly into the rock face. The turnaround point is a deep bowl surrounded by cliffs.

Total from Queimadas and back is around 18 km with 7–8 hours of walking. This is a full day and needs proper preparation.

Local tips

  • Carry more water than you think and something to eat.
  • Turn back at Caldeirão Verde if the weather is closing in — the gorge is no place to be in heavy rain.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Green forested canyon in the Madeiran interior
    5 hours Central Madeira

    Canyoning in Madeira (Level 1)

    Abseil, slide and jump down a forest canyon with no experience needed. Full kit and certified guides included — the island's most-booked beginner canyoning.

  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

  • Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)

    Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.

  • Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(13)

    Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour

    This is a shore excursion with pick up / drop off at the cruise terminal (pick up at the harbour €5.00 extra or free pick up at CR7 statue / museum) Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Madeira’s North West Coast, deep in…

  • Volcanic natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz filled with turquoise seawater
    7.5 hours North West

    Porto Moniz & Fanal Forest Day Trip

    Seixal's black sand, the Véu da Noiva waterfall, the Porto Moniz volcanic pools and Fanal forest — the full west coast in an open-roof 4x4.

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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Remote cliffs and ocean on Madeira's north coast

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