Canyon in Madeira
Caldeirão do Inferno (Inferior)
Unclassified · -
Max waterfall: 30 m · Min rope: 30 m
Caldeirão do Inferno (Inferior) is a historic Santana canyon, first descended in 1988, with a 2-hour approach and a 2-hour return and no car shuttle. The entry rappel of roughly 30 m is the biggest drop and can be split into two shorter pitches; a pair of 30 m ropes is the minimum. The second/third rappel was originally set on two pitons, which should now be considered unreliable, and there are no natural anchors available at that point, so this passage has to be equipped: carry bolting or rigging material. The difficulty grade, total number of rappels and overall length are not documented.
Official notes
The biggest rappel (about 30 m) is the entry one and can be split into two shorter ones. The second/third rappel was set on two pitons, which today are probably no longer in usable condition. There are no natural anchors at that point, so this passage must be prepared: bring gear to equip it.
Anchors, flow and access change with every storm and every winter. Treat the current status as a snapshot and check the latest conditions before any descent.
Technical data
Official technical sheet
Detailed data, history and technical notes are maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira on the Canyons da Madeira website.
Nearby and similar canyons
Other sections of the same stream, canyons in the same area, and canyons of a similar grade.