Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira de João Delgado (A)
Intermediate · v3a1 III
Rappels: 14 · Max waterfall: 30 m · Min rope: 30 m
The upper João Delgado is a little-visited, poorly defined canyon whose real-world layout does not match the sketch in the published guidebook. The canyon starts at the "Fonte de Reentroia"; in its initial section it carries little water and is barely defined, only becoming a proper canyon from about the middle onwards. A footpath crosses the canyon twice in a kind of "Z", and one crossing (before R9) links to the Terra Chã track, giving an obvious escape. Counted on the ground in October 2024, the canyon has 15 waterfalls.
Current status
As of October 2024As of a descent on 1 October 2024 the layout still differs from the book; there are no new anchors, only the 2020 slings; all rappels are on natural anchors; 15 waterfalls; little water in the upper part.
Anchors and re-equipment
There are no fixed anchors in this canyon. In 2020 every rappel was done on natural anchors and some slings were left behind; in October 2024 the only anchors present were still those slings from 8 June 2020, so again everything had to be rigged from natural anchors. Bring rope ends and maillons.
Access and exit
Exit. The crossing path before R9 can be used to abandon the canyon: follow it on the left-hand side to the Terra Chã track (this was the exit used in 2020).
Route notes
Discrepancies with the guidebook. The waterfall shown as C55 (R5 and R6) is in fact two separate drops of 12 m + 30 m (established on 8 June 2020). R5 is approached via a large tree on the left bank and can be rigged from well-placed roots on the left bank without leaving any anchor; R6 is rigged from trees in the centre (a rope sling was left there) and the drop is only 30 m. R9 is at most 30 m, not the 45 m stated. Only the start coordinate/altitude and the left-bank tributary match the sketch. Waterfall heights in general do not match the book.
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.