Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Caramujo
Advanced · v4a1 III
Rappels: 15 · Max waterfall: 65 m · Min rope: 70 m
A rarely visited, technically demanding canyon with many hanging rappels, lots of slippery, dry-ish progression and bramble, whose undisputed highlight is the final free-hanging 65 m waterfall with a beautiful view over the valley: the cherry on the cake. The rest is a matter of conditions: in dry weather the progression makes it not very interesting, but on rainy days it is recommended without reservation for its good verticals and little walking. Between R1 and R3 there is vegetation and mud; the canyon opens up after R3. Flow: dry at the first falls in October 2014 but water soon appeared; normal and running from R3 in March 2021; good after overnight rain in January 2024.
Current status
As of January 2024All tree anchors renewed, mechanical anchors OK; the entry is marked with rope; ideal for rainy days, very slippery.
Anchors and re-equipment
In October 2014 rope ends and maillons were placed on some natural anchors, new M10 hangers were installed, and R13 had no rebelay. In March 2021 some hangers were completely hidden by vegetation. In February 2023 all artificial anchors were OK but every tree anchor was damaged. In January 2024 all tree anchors were replaced with rope and maillon, R7 was moved to a tree on the left bank, and the mechanical anchors were all fine. On the big waterfall take care with the rope pull: it can fall onto protruding rocks and damage the rope.
Access and exit
Park at Bica da Cana, follow the path to the levada, turn left, and the first tributary is the canyon entry: marked with a rope end on the right bank about 2 m below the levada (this is R1). Exit: a few metres below the last rappel a path on the right bank leads to the last waterfall of the Feitas canyon and on to the water intake for the Levada do Norte; alternatively, after 6 min walking in the stream a path on the left leads to the levada, then turn right for about 1 h to the second car at Encumeada.
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.