Canyon in Madeira
Ribeiro da Água do Queijo (Superior)
Beginner · v2a2 III
Rappels: 8 · Max waterfall: 30 m · Min rope: 20 m
Current status
As of January 2024Natural anchors partly restored, the bolted anchors at R6 and R8 doubled, R6 downclimbable; escape routes exist river right from R3.
Anchors and re-equipment
The canyon relies mostly on natural (tree) anchors from its exploratory opening. By January 2024 all the natural anchors from R3 onwards had been removed. Most were re-installed in January 2024, except at R6, which can be downclimbed. After R1 there is a natural anchor on a tree (D 4 m). The metal anchors on R6 and R8 were doubled in January 2024 with a second hanger with ring, so those two rappels now have two points.
Access and exit
Escape options. From R3 onward several exits are possible to a trail running parallel to the canyon on river right.
Route notes
Not covered. No information is available on water level, access or the return.
Official notes
The canyon was descended in exploration mode, using trees on most waterfalls for rappelling. On the two rappels where hangers were placed, only one point per rappel was installed.
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.