Canyon in Madeira
Ribeiro Frio (Inferior)
Advanced · v4a3 III
Rappels: 9 · Max waterfall: 55 m · Min rope: 60 m
A spectacular canyon, thoroughly recommendable, with good, aesthetic rappels and deep pools that allow many jumps. R1 is a standout waterfall, one of the finest on the island to descend. There are lots of fun features but also a lot of gorge walking. It can be combined with Ribeiro Frio Superior for a long day by walking from the exit of the upper section to the start of the lower one. Between R3 and R4 there are jumps, toboggans and downclimbs with no anchors.
Current status
As of January 2025A fallen tree and a rockslide at R3 have covered the anchors and possibly reduced the depth of the jump pool; the rope rub at R3 and the block section before R8 need care.
Season and flow
Low but running in December 2017 and August 2018; flowing well in December 2023.
Anchors and re-equipment
R6 has been a recurring problem: its anchor was destroyed by a large landslide in December 2017 (a tree on the left bank served in the meantime), by August 2018 it had a single point with a suspect parabolt, and by December 2023 it had been replaced with a single point. The back-up of R1 was a little loose in December 2023 and was left untightened for fear of pulling the parabolt out. In January 2025 a large tree fell at R3 (12 m, with a 7 m jump), covering the anchors, the older maillon anchor is damaged and only the ring anchor is sound, so a new anchor further left, out of the waterline, is called for; R3 also has notable rope rub.
Hazards
Part of the fallen tree at R3 lies in the jump pool, and a considerable rockslide fell into the 7 m jump pool in January 2025, possibly compromising its depth: check before jumping. Before R8 a zone of large blocks is awkward to downclimb; it goes through a hole on the left bank.
Access and exit
The entry path is about 10 min along the levada, turning left after a watercourse with a grated cave; descend the ridge in a straight line (the trail fades under leaves). Exit options: to Ponta da Cruz (long, flat, easy) or via Lombo Grande (more physical but shorter, 2.4 km; about 30 min from the Levada do Castelejo wooden bridge, left-hand path).
Official notes
R1: the approach anchor to the rebelay has been stolen several times; a tree set back can be used instead. R7: keep the rope out of the water to avoid rub.
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.