Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde Autoguiada Santana

Our driver Luis from Hiking Transfers was very helpful. He sent information about the hike and pick up details the day before, arrived on time and drove very courteously. He was also chatty and happy to answer questions about Madeira during the journey. The hike itself was excellent too. It was beside levadas throughout, mostly through woodland with the odd tunnel for variety! There were some excellent views, especially the pool and waterfall at the end. A very enjoyable experience, thank you.

There was a rockfall at PR9 so we walked PR18 instead. We were offered alternatives by our tour guide the night before. Luis, our guide, was excellent. He was a prompt taxi service, answering our Madeira questions and offering up local advice. We walked the levada self guided, you couldn’t go wrong trail wise. We loved this walk, so shaded and yet the most stunning views out looking East towards the sea. It was mostly flat and fairly easy. It took us 3 hours with a 10 minute break at the water source (end of the levada). We enjoyed walking behind the waterfall too. We were back an hour before the predicted time (we walk fast!) but we messaged Luis and he was back to get us in 20 minutes. We enjoyed a quick coffee and rest in the local cafe whilst we waited. Luis took us to a beautiful coastal viewpoint en route back to Funchal which was stunning. Only warning is I would recommend picking an early start on a levada walk as by the time we got back the narrow path was crowded with walkers and you had to keep stopping to let them pass. But on the way up it was empty and peaceful (we started walking at 8.15am). Thanks to Luis, a bit of a joker, but a fun and informed guide who made the journeys go quickly! Highly recommended.

Very glad we booked our to and from Levada transport with Luis. He knew the best alternative when PR9 was still closed, we went to PR18 and it was a lovely walk with stunning views and a waterfall to walk under. Luis also knew the best time to commence our walk, meaning that we did most of the walk as just ourselves and only started to encounter many (many!) other tourists on the return leg. Luis was also very informative about the island, giving us recommendations for restaurants and bars, which was really helpful. Would definitely use his services again.

Fantastic hike through magical forest. It was a chilly and rainy day but still 100% worth it! Don’t cancel on a rainy day, pack warmer clothes!!!

Fantastic service, contacted via WhatsApp the day before and pick up arrangements made. Luis arrived early and collected us from our hotel and dropped/collected us from the beginning/end of hike, dropping us back to our hotel later. It's an out and back walk that took about 4.5 hours, it's really easy, flat all the way. Busy on the trail at times but manageable and a fabulous experience and views. Luis was great, really nice, easy going and took the whole stress out of getting there/back. I'd highly recommend! The roads around the island are steep and often single track, I wouldn't have liked to have hired a car!

For two young women, it was a really enjoyable and safe experience, route well explained and also sent lots of other useful information about walks and other activities in Madeira. Adapted timings to suit our plans and very friendly :)

Great experience, we were given good information before the trip, the pick up were on time and the driver/guide (Luís) did a great job!!

We did a transfer for PR9 with Luís, we had a great time. Very funny guy and gave us loads of information about our hike but also for our future stay in Funchal. It was an intimate group so a lot of opportunity to talk personally. During the hike he texted me to ask if everything was okay, in case we needed help. On the way back Luís offered to stop at a viewpoint to take some nice pictures. Highly recommend!!

I had a good experience with Luís, organisation was smooth, picking up close to my location was a great help, I got all necessary information and tips about the trail. I felt safe and supported. 🧭

The experience was amazing, the place is dreamy and Luis was very attentive explained very well the way forward and even though it was not scheduled he made an additional stop in Santana. We would certainly do it again.