Canyon in Madeira

Córrego das Pingueiras

Extreme · v5a2 III

Rappels: 15 · Max waterfall: 165 m · Min rope: 90 m

Córrego das Pingueiras is a Porto Moniz canyon first opened in 2000, graded v5a2III, with 15 rappels and a 165 m main waterfall that requires 90 m ropes; it descends 450 m of stream bed from 620 m to 40 m altitude. The approach takes about 1 h 40 min, the descent around 4 h 30 min and the return 15 minutes. During an access reconnaissance on 13 October 2014 some markings were placed to help identify the trails; the first natural anchor was still in place but very degraded, and the upper section looked uninteresting, so the canyon was not descended that day. Anyone attempting it should bring gear to replace the anchors.

Official notes

An access reconnaissance was made on 13 October 2014 and some markings were placed to help identify the trails. The first natural anchor was in place but in a very degraded state. The canyon was not descended on that occasion because the initial section showed little interest. For any descent, bring equipment to replace the anchors.

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

Difficulty
v5a2 III
Based on v-grade scale
Location
Porto Moniz
Max waterfall
165 m
Min rope
90 m
Rappels
15
Length
450 m
Recommended level
Extreme
Approach
1 h 40 min
Descent
4 h 30 min
Return
15 min

Official technical sheet

Detailed data, history and technical notes are maintained by Clube Aventura da Madeira on the Canyons da Madeira website.

View official page