Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande - Salto do Cabrito

The Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande–Salto do Cabrito circuit covers 8.6 kilometres between two ways of harnessing underground heat and flowing water. Starting beside the hot springs, fumaroles, warm water and thermal buildings introduce a landscape shaped by geothermal activity. Soon afterwards, the trail follows a pipeline into a wooded valley where hydroelectric infrastructure becomes the main interpretive thread.

At Fajã do Redondo, a dam and former power station bear witness to the use of the stream. A metal walkway and steep staircase follow pipes above the valley, forming the route’s most distinctive section. The descent reaches the Salto do Cabrito plant and waterfall, where water drops between rock walls covered in vegetation. Industrial features do not cancel the site’s natural force; instead, they show how relief and flow determined the location of the works.

The return passes the Pico Vermelho geothermal area, crosses two streams and a suspension bridge before reaching Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande again. Rated medium and taking about three hours, the circuit brings engineering, forest and volcanism into one coherent sequence. Movement beside plants, conduits and elevated passages demands care, but reveals how different forms of energy have been developed within the same valley system.

Leave Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande on the circuit beside the pipeline towards Fajã do Redondo. Pass the dam and former plant, then use the marked metal walkway and staircase following the pipes down to the Salto do Cabrito plant and waterfall. Rejoin the circuit through the Pico Vermelho area, cross the two streams and suspension bridge at the indicated points, and follow the waymarks back to the hot springs. Do not enter technical branches of the installations. Allow about three hours to complete the 8.6-kilometre circuit and keep a margin of daylight, including time for signed branches and stops.