Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande – Salto do Cabrito

This is a short circular trail that starts and ends in the area of the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande. Before putting on your boots, it’s worth taking time to enjoy the location: in addition to the caldeiras, there is a recreation area, bathing facilities and catering. To begin, descend the asphalt road to the junction and turn left, towards Lombadas/Monte Escuro, until you reach a pipeline.

From here, follow the tarred road for about 100 metres, cross the chain on the right side and continue along the path to the Barragem da Fajã do Redondo. Then return to the pipeline and follow it until a path descends, lined with Japanese cedars (Cryptomeria japonica). This is how you reach the Fajã do Redondo Hydroelectric Plant, now deactivated, but which can be visited by prior arrangement with EDA Renováveis. At this point you cross the stream, climbing the stairs that lead to a metal walkway.

The trail continues along the boardwalk to a steep staircase, which takes you to the Salto do Cabrito Hydroelectric Plant. Here, go around the building on the right to see up close the waterfall that gives the plant its name. With your back to the waterfall, resume climbing until you reach an asphalt road. Turn right and, along the verge, you will pass the Bar Lagoa do Fogo and the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Plant.

Just before the junction on the left, a right turn appears on an unpaved track: that’s the one you should follow. Along the way you will cross two streams, the second, with greater flow, has a suspension bridge to help with crossing. Further on there is a fork: go right and then turn at the first left. From there, let the signage guide you to a stone-paved path, where you turn right again, completing the trail back to the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande.