Rabaçal 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco Transfer

Exactly at 10.45 the car arrives, a nice boy (Vitor) picks us up, and also drives to a hotel where 2 other people are picked up. It is quite a drive to the interior of Madeira. Meanwhile, the weather is beautiful and the temperature is rising rapidly. Still, thanks to a cool breeze, it's easy to hold out. After a short instruction we set off. First, a 2.5 km stretch must be completed on the paved road. This can also be done by means of a shuttle bus, but we do not have to use that. For the way back it could be very different, but we leave that to the circumstances. This first section goes down quite steeply, but that goes well, partly because of the good temperature (I estimate 20-22 °C thanks to the cool breeze) and the shaded road. Then we arrive at the place where the trail really begins. There's a lady standing there with a mobile scanner, because without the contribution to the conservation fund you can't get in. But I can show the barcode on my smartphone, and we can walk through without any problems. The trip to the 25 Fontes does require some fitness because of the often narrow, uneven path that can sometimes rise and fall quite steeply. Despite the restrictive policy of the conservation organization (a time slot must be agreed online per trail) it is sometimes quite busy on the trail. But yes, we walk there too and another probably thinks exactly the same about us. Beautiful surroundings, beautiful views, lush nature, and everywhere the rippling levadas. The trail ends at several narrow waterfalls. If you walk back more than 1 km after this, you will come to the Risco waterfall at the exit. That is still 1 km., so not a long but a tough route. The waterfall is beautiful. From there it is another 3/4 km. to the restaurant that is at the point where the hike 'really' begins. This has a wide range of homemade pastries, pastels de nata and sandwiches. Good coffee and fresh homemade sour/bitter lemonade. Meanwhile, the temperature has risen considerably and fatigue strikes several participants, so quite a few people decide to take the shuttle bus. Unlike the way out, which dropped sharply at a pleasant shaded walking temperature, it is now steeply rising, often in the sun, at temperatures approaching 30 °C. Spicy, and I'm honestly happy when the end point comes into view. I text the driver that we're at the parking lot, and a moment later he's there. Now we have to wait another half hour for the 2 ‘riders’, they also come with the schuttle van. By six we'll be back in the hotel room

They were very helpful and on time. They were very clear on communication. We did two tour with them. Thanks a lot

Very nice experience and very nice trekking, it is worthing a visit! What I suggest to the company is to drive more slowly, we had enough time to do everything anyway, and to give the information about the trip more time before

I did the Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco waterfall hike and really enjoyed it. The trail was stunning and varied, with amazing views throughout. Everything was well organized, and our driver Fábio was friendly, helpful, and gave great tips. Highly recommended!

A great experience and would use them again. Good commutation and our driver gave us all the information we needed. Just make sure to book your tourist tax in advance.

Nice guys, perfect info for the walk.

Our driver Vitor was attentive and friendly.he gave us useful information and checked on us during the hike.He drives well.

Wonderful hike to the 25 Fontes. From A to Z a beautiful experience Fabio picked us up reliably at 7:45 am at the hotel and entertained us on the way with all useful information about the tour and beyond with good music.

Had a great day at PR6 25 Fontes. Picked up by Victor from hotel and taken to site. Everything was explained and was greeted by Victor at expected time and taken back to hotel. Walk was lovely along Lavada to waterfall at the end and back again. Definitely need to take waterproofs and possible extra layer. Walk would be for medium experience as although flat along the Levada there were some more steep paths to get there. Would recommend getting the shuttle back to the parking as the 1.7km walk back pretty steep all the way.

Great day out. Vitor picked us up from our hotel and took us to the start. He talked us through the walk and map, sending the map to our phone. Walk was great along the Levada to the waterfalls. The route does involve quite a few steps into a valley and back, as well as a steep walk back to the meeting point but well worth it and within the grasp of most walkers! There is also a shuttle bus for the last bit if you don’t fancy the last climb! It is cold at the top, so take layers and wear sturdy shoes/walking boots. Some parts are narrow and busy but amazing walk and views. Vitor took us back to the hotel at the end for a well deserved beer!