Canyon in Madeira
Ribeira do Poço do Bezerro (Inferior)
Advanced · v4a3 III
Rappels: 24 · Max waterfall: 53 m · Min rope: 55 m
This ranks among the best canyons in Madeira: one of the best on the island, without doubt, and a place that doesn't even feel like Madeira. It stands out for its grottos, sculpted red rock, endemic vegetation, a natural infinity pool on the lip of the 53 m drop, and a playful character with jumps and toboggans. Extras not on the topo: R2 jump 5 m from ledges on canyon right; R4 jump 8 m from canyon left or 3 m rappel to a ledge then 5 m jump; R6 12 m rappel into a 12 m toboggan, plus a bonus 12 m jump from the slabs on canyon left; R11 24 m rappel to a ledge then 6 m jump; R12 5 m jump from a ledge on canyon left. Some approaches to the anchor heads (R15, R23) are technical and slippery with no possible rope use; a bolt for a safe approach to R15 would be welcome. Rope pull at R18 can be awkward: a deviation or intermediate would help. The walk after the last obstacle is long.
Current status
As of December 2025With medium-high flow at the end of December 2025 the canyon goes in about 4h, with lots of toboggans and jumps; there are some new landslides; it remains one of the best canyons on the island.
Season and flow
Normal flow in September 2015; weak in January 2017, April 2020 and October 2023 (even after a storm); calm in May 2022; really good in December 2024; medium-high in December 2025, giving many slides and jumps. It can become a real challenge in or after rain.
Anchors and re-equipment
Minimum rope is 55 m, not 50 m, for the longest rappel of 53 m (December 2014). The R13 (53 m) nuts were loose in September 2015 and January 2017 and were tightened again, together with R14 and R23, in October 2023. In April 2020 the R15, R19 and R29 anchors were replaced (the R29 upper backup plate/bolt is damaged by a rock and needs re-drilling); R21 was found under rocks after a big slide, tightened and used, but should be relocated because of rockfall while rappelling. The R7 maillon was replaced in October 2023. In December 2024 a rebelay was added on the C53 about 22 m down, 2 m past the "funny hole" in the wall and 2 m river right, with two stainless bolts and rings, so the remaining ~35 m can be done with 40 m ropes. The last section's equipment needs renewing (2022, 2024). All other anchors were good in 2023 to 2025.
Hazards
A large landslide at R21 wiped out R21 and R22 in September 2019 (rocks not yet settled; a sling was used); new landslides appeared in December 2025. Trees are down on the Levada do Furado (access) and on the Levada do Castelejo (exit), with several breaks (October 2023).
Official notes
At R3 it is possible to downclimb; with a lot of water use a set-back tree. Between R9 and R10 there are traces of old paths (emergency exit to be studied). After R22 there are several downclimbs over blocks; to reach R23 it was necessary to pass through a hole (watch for changes in the riverbed).
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.