Ribeira da Água Negra (inferior)

Flow and the levada. Flow is controlled by levadas. Summer sections can be dry (R1 dry in June 2020; dry between R2 and R3 in April 2023). In spring 2025 maintenance works emptied the whole levada into the river halfway, doubling an already high flow: in April 2025 the descent had to be stopped at R6 at the levada, and in June 2025 the second part was practically not doable, the aquatic level rising from A2 to roughly A6. In November 2023, after the draining levada was blocked, the pools were exceptionally clear. By February 2026 the Levada Rocha Vermelha landslide had been repaired and the water followed its normal course, allowing the second part again with its usual flow (medium in late February).

The equipment needs an overhaul. In April 2023 R4 and R8 were ropes directly on pitons, and in December 2023 many pitons still had old cords. In December 2015 the R5 handrail rope was frayed and was replaced with a seat-belt sling and maillon that themselves needed changing. A partial re-bolt was done in December 2018; at R2 rappel directly, managing rub, as the tree on the right is no longer safe. There is no approach anchor for R1 (the first handrail starts from a tree river left) - bring spare material. After R11 a slide with a trunk has an exposed anchor whose approach anchor is ripped out with a bent hanger (as of February 2026).

Thorny blackberry jungle between R2 and R3 (and on the 15-min walk-in) - passable but growing. Small new rockfalls (December 2023) that do not hinder progress; the jumps, checked with a mask, are OK. Large trunks can lie in the riverbed after heavy rain (January 2021). All jumps are possible even at low water.

The return needs good orientation: after the tributary on the left bank, keep contouring left to find steps carved in the rock climbing parallel to the canyon. The return route was officially closed in November 2023 due to a landslide, but the slide does not affect the regular return. A bus shuttle back up to Rabaçal house runs until 6pm for 5 EUR.