Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Poço do Bezerro (Superior)
Beginner · v2a3 III
Rappels: 14 · Max waterfall: 15 m · Min rope: 15 m
A very aesthetic canyon similar to Ribeiro Frio, ideal for those wanting some possible jumps and short but technical rappels; with excellent flow the scenery is top-class and it is definitely one to repeat. It is suitable for a family outing. A warm suit is recommended. The levadas have a striking influence on the flow.
Current status
As of April 2025All equipment is in good condition, with nothing particular to note; the R3 anchor was replaced in January 2025, the R11 anchor is missing but the drop is downclimbable, and the R7 rope is worn but usable.
Season and flow
The canyon dries out in summer: in September 2016 water was only present in the first and last rappels, with stagnant and sometimes smelly water in the middle. Flow was strong after rain in February 2017, normal in December 2022, OK three days after heavy rain in December 2023 and excellent in December 2024. The big waterfall at Ribeiro Frio is a useful proxy for this canyon's flow, since the two are very close.
Anchors and re-equipment
Some anchor ropes were replaced in September 2016. R3 is the recurring concern: its anchor rope showed abrasion from floods (December 2023), was visibly damaged and in need of replacement (December 2024), and was replaced by January 2025. R10: a handrail bolt is loose and comes out when the nut is tightened; the anchors after the handrail are on the left bank (December 2023). The R7 anchor rope is worn but still OK (January 2025). The R11 anchor is hard to find but the drop can be downclimbed, and the lengths of R12 and R13 seem swapped on the topo (January 2025). Always check the pitons. All equipment was in good condition in April 2025.
Hazards
A large landslide of rocks and trees after R4 (February 2017).
Access and exit
Turn fully right before reaching Ovil and look for the path, which is a little way off; there are several sheep tracks but the real path is well marked and easy to distinguish.
Official notes
Some rappels are equipped with only one point. It is possible to escape on the left bank at several places along the canyon, reaching the path that descends parallel to the watercourse. In summer and low-rain months the canyon is dry.
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.