Poço das Pulgas Waterfall Hike: Explore the Jungle and Discover Spectacular Waterfalls on Madeira Is

The Poço das Pulgas waterfall hike is a hidden gem that takes you on a journey through the lush jungle of Madeira. This off-the-beaten-path adventure leads you to explore several breathtaking waterfalls, and gives you the option to extend your hike to the Rocha dos Pombos viewpoint, offering a stunning panoramic view of the town of Ponta Delgada.

The Poço das Pulgas hike is a perfect weekend activity if you're currently working from home on Madeira. The hike starts at the Parque das Merendas picnic area, and you can choose to take the shorter 5-kilometer circular route that takes you to two waterfalls, or the longer 14-kilometer route that includes the Rocha dos Pombos viewpoint and Caldeira de São João waterfall.

The trail takes you through the dense canopy of the forest, where you'll be surrounded by lush greens and the sound of the waterfalls in the background. The trail is well-signed with blue signs, making it easy to navigate to the different waterfalls. The first waterfall you'll come across on this hike is the Cascata do Rabo do Burro, which is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a symmetrical wall of ferns.

As the trail continues, the steep incline becomes more apparent and your legs will start to feel the burn. But trust me, the effort is worth it. The sound of the waterfall gets louder and louder, drawing you closer to the main event. And then, finally, you catch a glimpse of the Poço das Pulgas waterfall through the trees. It's a breathtaking sight, with water cascading down from high above, surrounded by lush greenery and the mist from the waterfall creating a magical atmosphere.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. The trail continues on, winding its way through the jungle and up to the Rocha dos Pombos viewpoint. From here, you'll have a panoramic view of Ponta Delgada and the surrounding area. The viewpoint is the perfect spot to take a break, have a snack and soak in the breathtaking views.

Finally, the trail leads you to the Caldeira de São João, another massive waterfall that is well worth a visit. It's a bit of a steep climb down to the waterfall but once you reach the bottom, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the waterfall and the pool of water at its base.

Overall, the Poço das Pulgas hike is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.

Hike Duration: The hike will take you about 5 hours from start to finish.

Hike Difficulty: The trail is challenging due to the steep ascent and descent and the rough terrain. There are also several parts of the trail where there is a significant drop-off and you need to pass with care. This hike is suitable for experienced hikers looking for an adventure.

Hike Incline: Total incline for the hike was around 1 vertical km of incline

Start Point: The hike begins at the Parque das Merendas picnic area, where you can park your car and start the trail.

End Point: The hike ends at the same point as the start, at the Parque das Merendas picnic area.

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