Canyon in Madeira
Canyon do Elias
Intermediate · v3a1 III
Rappels: 19 · Max waterfall: 70 m · Min rope: 30 m
Canyon do Elias is a long, low-water canyon in Porto Moniz on the Ribeira da Quebrada, 1200 m long, with 19 rappels and a maximum waterfall of 70 m, graded v3a1III, requiring a minimum of 2 x 30 m of rope. The approach is short at 20 minutes, the descent takes around 4 h and the return about 1 h. The canyon is only partially equipped: many of the rappels rely on natural anchors and some on single bolts, so carry rigging material and be prepared to build or back up anchors. The name "Canyon do Elias" comes from "Casa do Elias", an old house near the regional road, and was chosen to avoid confusion with another stream also called Ribeira da Quebrada.
Official notes
The true name of this watercourse is Ribeira da Quebrada, but the openers named it "Canyon do Elias" (after "Casa do Elias", an old house near the regional road) to avoid confusion with another stream of the same name. The canyon is not fully equipped: many natural anchors and some single-point anchors were used.
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.
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