Ribeira do Passo (Inferior)

Flow is normally moderate (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, medium in November 2024). When the Levada da Fajã do Rodrigues is full it overflows into the canyon: in January 2023 the level was quite high, with a waterfall coming down the edge at the entry, and in July 2022 it was also somewhat higher than normal. Flow was low/weak in May 2024 and June 2025.

Anchors are generally OK and match the topo. Specific points: at R5 the cord between the two anchors should be replaced (April 2021), and trees fell in the R5 pool (May 2020). Bring a 17 mm wrench to tighten the two bolts of the long handrail (July 2022). The rope ring on the tree at the final waterfall, which is normally walked round, was stolen in July 2022. The last waterfalls appeared unequipped in May 2020. In January 2023 a guided rappel was rigged on the last obligatory waterfall, using the tree at the bottom, to avoid the crack. Most importantly, since May 2024 there is a badly installed threaded rod (tige) at R2, hole not oversized, hammered in, no resin, head completely out of the rock, which must be replaced.

Hazards and landslides. Slides at the entry (January 2017, November 2022, and a massive land/tree slide from above the last small tunnel in June 2023) have left R1 more exposed and debris between R1 and R2. A large slide between R9 and R12 (April 2021) buried pools with uprooted trees; the handrail to R10 was covered by earth (July 2021); R9 has large trunks complicating rope work (May 2023). In February 2024 an enormous slide above the levada after R5 destroyed part of the levada and filled the river with trees and rocks. There is rockfall danger at the entry (May 2020). Debris and railing iron from levada works were dumped in the canyon in 2018.

The Levada da Fajã do Rodrigues has been officially closed several times (January 2021, July 2022, November 2023) because a 15 m section lost its railing, but the path itself is passable; it was reopened by December 2023, still with sections missing the handrail. Small trees have fallen on the exit levada (December 2024). A second car is not really necessary: walking back up to the upper parking takes about 25 min; there is new signage at the access path (2020).