Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira da Hortelã (superior)
Extreme · v5a3 III
Rappels: 34 · Max waterfall: 75 m · Min rope: 40 m
A long, highly rated route: a beautiful canyon with good rigging, one of the best on the island and well worth doing. Its defining feature is that it typically starts dry with some vegetation and becomes progressively more aquatic as a dozen or so tributaries join. In strong conditions (May 2026) the flow is already powerful on the first waterfall, enough to feed two separate canyons, making the descent really sporty, with the last anchor of the big rappel in heavy spray.
Current status
As of May 2026Strong flow from the first waterfall with many tributaries, sporty descent, big rappel's final anchor in strong spray; exit via Levada do Norte.
Season and flow
In December water can be on every rappel, or normal and flowing from R5. In October it can be dry at the start and normal after the tributaries. In November A1 to A2. In May 2026 strong throughout.
Anchors and re-equipment
Generally good and as per the topo. Points to watch: the R27 backup sling between the ring hanger and plain hanger has needed replacing; some natural-anchor rope ends have been replaced; the R17 handrail should be replaced because of its heavily oxidised maillon.
Access and exit
The exit leads onto the Levada do Norte, which is followed back to the car.
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.