CR Adventures - Madeira: Caldeirão Verde and Inferno

This Madeira Lavada adventure starts in the Parque das Queimadas altitude 883m with a relaxing drink adjacent two beautiful traditional houses where we pick up the sign directing us to the Caldeirão Verde which will naturally lead us into the Caldeirão do Inferno hike. A wooden sign indicates PR 9 Caldeirão Verde 6.5 km and immediately we begin the walk through a tunnel of beautiful green vegetation, on a high point on one side of the valley and accompanied by the levada on our left. The path is wide with beautiful hydrangeas lining our trail coupled with stunning views over Santana and Sao Jorge and up to Caldero Verde. The altitude gain to Caldero Verde is 55m over the 6.5km so very easy going although the width of the path narrows to 30 cm in some sections from the shoulder of the levada. To our right we have a gorge from which we are protected by a vegetal curtain and a protective fence in many sections. The path of the levada has been carved out of the vertical rock wall on this side of the valley.
When we have been walking 1.9 km. we cross a small bridge, which spans the birth of a ravine. At 4.7 km we approach the first tunnel which is short and torches are not necessary. 200 meters further on, the 2nd tunnel and a crossroads of paths leading to Ilha and Achado do Toucho, we are 2 km away from Caldeirão Verde. We continue along the narrow path contemplating the other side of the valley with vertical walls and covered with vegetation. At 5.2 km the third tunnel, special wet floor care. 6 km. A small tunnel further on, I turn left and we are before a large semicircular wall with a waterfall and a small lake, the ferns are especially lush here.

We continue going up through the valley next to the levada, towards Caldeirão do Inferno, an impossible section so we have to make a small detour around, and we continue until we find some stairs with 323 steps approx. With metal fence protections, next to a waterfall, and we find the entrance of a large tunnel that leads to the Faja de Nogueira, with some rails on the ground, we should not take it but we will take to the right passing a small pond which leads to a small tunnel with a waterfall at the entrance. Views of narrow gorges of the waterfall and three more tunnels until we reach a rocky circus with a green pool at its base and that blocks our way, we are in Caldeirão do Inferno.
We return the same way to the forest park. Take special care with the head as the head room of the tunnels drops down too 1.4 metres in places and of course the wet and slippery floor of some tunnels. Good illumination is essential for safe passage although we did pass several persons using camera torches.
The gps distance on trail could be slightly out due to loss of network in the tunnel sections.
This is an extremely pleasant and beautiful hike so well worth the effort although we did start a little later than anticipated so my advice is to start this one before midday.