Canyon in Madeira
Córrego da Beira do Lombo Queimado (superior)
Extreme · v5a3 III
Rappels: 19 · Max waterfall: 105 m · Min rope: 40 m
Without doubt one of the best canyons on the island. The progression is slightly technical, with short gaps between obstacles, very aesthetic and with excellent verticals: thoroughly recommended. There is a beautiful play of light in the gorge, although by June the big waterfall is often already in the thick northern haze. It is often combined with the lower section.
Current status
As of June 2026The canyon is in good order and continues to be combined with the lower part; there are no anchor problems. At the end of April 2026 flow was normal, with water running from R3, and the anchors were in good state.
Season and flow
The canyon starts almost dry, but from R2/R3 onwards numerous tributaries increase the flow considerably; it is striking how much water a canyon that starts dry can carry a few waterfalls later. Flow has been good in November 2013, weak in December 2017, moderate in March 2022, OK in June 2023, medium-low in October 2025, strong but doable in late April 2026 and normal at the end of April 2026.
Anchors and re-equipment
At R2 there is a memorial plaque, placed by Spanish canyoneers, for a practitioner who died there in 2012. R2 has a rebelay 3 m lower. At R7 the left-bank hangers were missing in 2015 (a direct rappel from a well-placed right-bank tree was possible); since June 2023 there have been two hangers by the tree plus two more 3 m below. On the C105 the deviations are unnecessary except in strong flow, since they cause rope rub; in strong flow (as in April 2026) the deviation on the first pitch is worth using. R16, the second pitch of the big drop, is really sporty, difficult to reach and almost a hanging anchor, and visual contact is lost between R15 and R16. A rope end was found stuck between R16 and R17 in June 2023. All anchors have been in good condition in 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026. Note that there are more rappels in the field than the 19 listed: after R20 it is possible to exit via the right bank using the levada-keepers' ladders, avoiding R21.
Access and exit
Finding the start can be tricky: the stream begins before the left turn to the trail leading to the Levada do Norte. The approach walk is very bushy and partly thorny. The access details were revised on 27 April 2026.
Route notes
Timing. Allow about 2 h 20 min for the upper section with three people, or 4 h combined with the lower section.
Official notes
At C105, R16, you must traverse horizontally to find the anchor above you. Next to R17 there is a loose rock block that must not be touched (risk of it falling).
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.