Ribeira da Fajã das Éguas

The canyon flows almost permanently, even in August, when at most the two rappels after the levada run dry; the flow doubles mid-descent where a second stream joins, and the level can be checked at the end parking. Low in August, when the water turns brown quickly; higher than usual but still easy in March five days after heavy rain; good flow in November. Since the 2024 Serra de Água fires the water browns quickly.

A huge flood in the winter of 2024 to 2025 changed the riverbed (trunks gone, blocks moved) and left the rock very clean and grippy; two bolts were slightly bent but remain OK. Wasps are a seasonal problem: nests on the ridge between the two starting lines and along the approach, and big nests next to some rappel stations and on the approach in wasp season (late summer); by November they are gone. Take care descending before heavy rainfall.

From the bridge in Fajã dos Vinháticos a 30-minute walk-up over a metal bridge, through burnt terraces, across a second bridge over the canyon, through forest to the road end. The access path is cleaned as far as the upper bridge.

Route description. The first waterfall is 50m from the end of the Fajã das Éguas road by the water house. Two parallel lines at the start: C8 + C5 with water, or C6 + C13 almost dry. Then a C16 with handline, ~200m of walking, downclimbing and a short slide, passing under the approach bridge. Then C10, slide, C4 + C3 or downclimb, levada on the left, handrail + C12, handrail + C7, a narrow very green section fed by springs, some downclimbing and a 10m rappel off an overhanging block; the exit stairs are on the right within 50m. Many escape routes exist.