Levada & Waterfalls Hike 25 Fountains, Rabaçal, Risco More Challenging Walk

The Levada & Waterfalls Hike 25 Fountains in Rabacal offers a more challenging walking experience, perfect for adventure seekers. Spanning 10.5 miles, this guided tour takes participants on a journey through stunning landscapes adorned with 25 cascading waterfalls and exotic vegetation. Requiring sturdy hiking boots and comfortable clothing, the trek features steep cliffs and winding paths, ensuring an exhilarating and memorable adventure. With a maximum group size of five, hikers can expect personalized attention from a certified mountain guide, guaranteeing a safe and unforgettable exploration of Funchal’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or seeking a new outdoor challenge, this hike promises to leave you in awe of the island’s breathtaking natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Funchal.

Good To Know

• The Levada & Waterfalls Hike covers a challenging 10.5-mile (17 km) route through the Rabaçal area, showcasing 25 breathtaking waterfalls over a 6-7 hour duration.
• The hike features steep cliffs, exotic vegetation, and opportunities to spot endemic flora and fauna, providing a more strenuous trekking experience.
• Participants must bring their own food, water, and proper hiking gear, including sturdy boots, as the trail conditions can be slippery and unpredictable.
• The hike is limited to a maximum group size of 5 for an intimate experience, and is led by a certified mountain guide who ensures a safe and enjoyable journey.
• Pricing starts at $95.53 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the hike, and a lowest price guarantee for customers.

Overview

What’s the Levada & Waterfalls Hike in Rabacal?

It’s a 10.5-mile (17 km) guided tour through the stunning landscapes of Funchal, Portugal. Lasting 6-7 hours, the hike takes adventurers along levadas (irrigation channels) to witness 25 breathtaking waterfalls in the Rabacal area.

With a maximum group size of 5, hikers will explore lush valleys teeming with endemic species and traverse steep cliffs. The tour is highly rated, with 20 five-star and 1 four-star review out of 21 total.

The all-inclusive experience features hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a certified mountain guide, though participants must bring their own food and water. Proper clothing and preparation for varying mountain weather are recommended.

Hike Highlights

The Levada & Waterfalls Hike in Rabacal allows adventurers to explore the stunning Rabacal area, witnessing the impressive sight of 25 cascading waterfalls.

Traversing through exotic vegetation and steep cliffs, the trail ends at the levada, providing a unique perspective of the lush valleys and endemic species.

Hikers will experience the serene beauty of the landscape, seeing the natural wonder of the region.

A picnic break in the valley offers a chance to recharge before the return journey, making this an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Starting Point

This hike begins at the ends of the levada, where you will traverse through exotic vegetation and steep cliffs.

As they make their way along the trail, hikers can expect to encounter:

• Lush, verdant landscapes dotted with native flora
• Dramatic rock formations rising up on either side
• Winding paths that lead deeper into the heart of the valley
• Stunning vistas that offer breathtaking panoramic views

The starting point of this journey sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the Rabacal region, where hikers will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable 25 Fountains waterfall and experience the beauty of this enchanting natural wonder.

Rest Break

After the initial leg of the hike through the lush landscapes, hikers will get the chance to recharge with a picnic in the valley before making their way back.

This rest break allows participants to refuel and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. The valley offers a serene setting, with a peaceful atmosphere and opportunities to spot endemic flora and fauna.

Hikers can take this time to rest their legs, hydrate, and savor the packed snacks and refreshments they’ve brought along. This mid-hike respite is essential for maintaining energy levels and preparing for the return journey through the remarkable Rabacal area.

Included and Excluded

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Caniço and Funchal, as well as a certified professional mountain guide to lead the hike.

However, some things aren’t provided:

• Food and drinks – participants should bring their own snacks and water for the hike.

The reason for this is to allow hikers to personalize their experience and carry only what they need.

The tour focuses on providing the transportation and expert guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek through the beautiful Rabaçal region.

Clothing and Gear

Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended for this hike. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to dress in layers and prepare for both cold and sunny conditions.

Participants should bring a lightweight jacket or sweater, as the temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction are also a must, as the trail can be slippery in parts.

Plus, hikers should bring their own snacks and water to stay hydrated throughout the journey. By packing the right gear, participants can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and diverse flora and fauna along the way.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking for this hike is confirmed within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This offers flexibility for participants.

The price starts from $95.53 per person and varies by group size, with a lowest price guarantee.

Booking details to keep in mind:

• Confirmation received within 48 hours of booking
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Varying prices based on group size
• Lowest price guarantee

Price and Guarantee

The tour prices start from $95.53 per person and vary based on the group size, with a lowest price guarantee. This ensures that customers always get the best deal.

The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the services of a certified professional mountain guide. Hikers will need to bring their own food and drinks, but the guide will lead them on an unforgettable journey through the Rabaçal region, where they’ll witness 25 stunning waterfalls and explore lush valleys filled with endemic species.

Booking is subject to availability, and cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the hike for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of This Hike?

This hike has a moderate difficulty level. The 10.5-mile distance and 6-7 hour duration suggest it’s a challenging trek, but the maximum group size of 5 participants indicates it’s suitable for fit hikers.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for Participants?

This hike does not have any specific age or fitness requirements. However, participants should be able to comfortably hike for 6-7 hours over varied terrain. The tour operator recommends preparing with proper clothing and bringing snacks and water.

Can I Rent Equipment or Hire a Porter for This Hike?

The tour doesn’t offer equipment rentals or porter services. Participants are responsible for bringing their own supplies and carrying their belongings throughout the hike. The focus is on the hiking experience itself.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Take During the Hike?

For safety, hikers should wear proper footwear, bring water and snacks, and exercise caution on steep or slippery terrain. The tour guide will provide direction and assistance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I Customize or Extend the Itinerary for This Tour?

Yes, the tour operator may allow you to customize or extend the itinerary for this tour. However, this would likely incur additional costs and require prior coordination with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

The Levada & Waterfalls Hike 25 Fountains in Rabacal is a challenging but rewarding experience. Hikers will be treated to stunning landscapes, 25 cascading waterfalls, and exotic vegetation. With a certified mountain guide leading the way, participants can enjoy a safe and memorable journey through Funchal’s natural beauty. The trek requires sturdy hiking gear and a good level of fitness, but the personalized attention and breathtaking scenery make it well worth the effort.