Crossing Cha de Mato towards Ribeira Grande

Start this crossing at the hairpin bend at Cha de Mato.

(S) Go through a gap in the retaining wall of the road. The stony path descends in steps and then passes to the left of a rather basic house. Continue on the left on the stony path and do not take a small path on the right. Reach the end of the stony path.

(1) Walk along the left side of a rocky mound, then the path continues along a ridge. At the edge of the path, a small mound of volcanic rock looks like a statue.

(2) Do not follow the gravel path that branches off to the right, but take the small dirt path that goes straight ahead. Continue along the ridge path, leaving the houses on your left. Then take the path on the right that continues along the ridge.

(3) Take the stony path, which is fairly unfrequented given the tall grass.
Descend on a grey stone path with sharp edges. The path runs alongside a low wall on the right and rocky terrain on the left.

There is a pretty landscape on the right with a beautiful waterfall flowing out of a pool. The path descends more steeply and joins a cultivated and inhabited valley.

(4) As you approach the houses, turn right and do not go straight ahead up towards the houses. Cross the stream bed twice and descend into the valley planted with various trees and scattered cypresses.
Be careful of slippery ground if the earth is wet.
Follow a power line and you will see a cement irrigation canal running along the cliff.

(5) At the lowest point of the trail, just before climbing back up towards the hamlet, descend to the left. At this point, there is an alternative route if you want to see the waterfall more closely. Continue straight ahead to reach the hamlet of Lombo de Pico, which will take an additional hour.

Cross the fields to appreciate the irrigation work. Pass at the foot of a black cliff; some rockfalls are visible on this part of the trail. This will take you to the Melicia bar (car park) (E).

Please note that this route is not very busy (we didn't see any tourists on our descent). The trail is only partially paved. Follow the directions and waypoints carefully.
We took 5 hours, stopping to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The usual time is 4 hours of actual walking. Please note that the time indicated in the technical information sheet (1 hour 30 minutes) is incorrect.

Important note (E) For the return journey, when you reach the road, there is a car park on the left just next to the bar where the driver you booked in advance will be waiting for you.

The landscape on both sides of the path and the terraced crops.