This day hike consists in a walk along the levada of Caldeirão Verde at 980 m high, in the Santana region.
This levada was built in the 18th century through steep cliffs and mountains, with the purpose of carrying the water from the mountains, to be used in agricultural purposes in Faial.
You will be impressed by spectacular views of the dramatic terrain of the islands deep valleys and walk through tunnels carved by hand.
Some of the highlights that can be seen along the trail are the elegant Japanese cedars (Cryptomeria japonica), the European beech (Fagus sylvatica), the Canary Island junipers (Juniperus cedrus), the Madeira laurel (Ocotea foetens), the Pau branco or southern olive (Picconia excelsa), the hundred-year-old broom heath (Erica scoparia) as well as the lily-of-the-valley tree (Clethra arborea), and Madeira blueberry (Vaccinium padifolium).
In terms of fauna, the chaffinch (Frigila coelebs), the firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus madeirensis), the Madeira long-toed pigeon (Columba trocaz trocaz), the grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea schmitzi), and the buzzard (Buteo buteo harteti), are some of the species that are possible to spot along the route.
After 6km of walking, you will find the main waterfall and lake of Caldeirão Verde although there is a few others along the trail. If you are still not satisfied at the end, we are happy to follow the trail to the spectacular canyon of Caldeirão do Inferno, before returning.