Ribeira da Hortelã (inferior)

Flow depends on the levada. Low in summer and early autumn (July, September, October, and sometimes May, when the first waterfall is dry and there is only a trickle elsewhere); normal through most of autumn and winter; strong after heavy rain (December, March; extremely high after March storms); cold in February. When the levada is blocked or under works the water is redirected into the canyon, giving medium-high flow (as in December 2015, when the levada was blocked at the tunnel entrance, and during levada works in June to August 2025). With the landslide on the levada next to Folhado cleaned (by August 2026) all water stays in the channel, yet flow is still good from the second rappel on. It can also be low until R9 and then normal.

Consistently in good condition. In March 2018 some oval-ring hangers were swapped for round rings to ease rebelays; in November 2019 a new anchor was added at R14 allowing the rappel over the waterfall on the left bank. In December 2015 the block of the guided rappel (last rappel) rolled over, leaving the anchor at ground level with one hanger missing. Use the R13 anchors rather than going straight from R12, because a rope-eating crack under the water can snag the rope on retrieval.

Large fallen trees are recurrent: near R9 and R11, at R11 with the pool full of debris (the tree remains in the fall without interfering), and a large tree between R10 and R11 - all passable. Rockfalls and trees inside the canyon after heavy rain. A big landslide on the Levada do Seixal near the first rappel of Folhado inferior on the approach.

Approach via the Levada do Seixal. Fallen trees near the exit path in the Ribeira do Seixal.