Poço do Inferno

Poço do Inferno is a waterfall in the Serra da Estrela, roughly 10 km from Manteigas, and one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in this central Portuguese park. The name translates literally as "Hell's Well," a nod to the force with which the water crashes down through a narrow rock gorge.

What will you see there?

The waters of the Leandres stream tumble down a roughly 10-metre drop in a series of smaller cascading steps before gathering in a natural pool at the base. The gorge carrying the stream is narrow and deeply cut into the rock, which amplifies the sound of the falling water — you'll hear it before you see the actual viewpoint. The surrounding forest is damp, green and largely moss-covered, a striking contrast to the bare, rocky terrain higher up in the Serra da Estrela.

How do you get to Poço do Inferno?

From Manteigas, follow the road toward Torre (the highest point of the Serra da Estrela) in the direction of Caldas de Manteigas. After a few kilometres the road branches off to the left toward the waterfall, and from there it's a short drive to the parking area. The lot at the trailhead is small, with room for about 10 cars, so arriving early is worthwhile during busier months.

What is the walk to the waterfall like?

From the parking area, a marked footpath — the PR1 MTG trail — leads to the falls. It runs about 2.5 km round trip and typically takes around an hour and a half. The first stretch climbs steeply and isn't consistently well marked, so the route is generally rated as moderately challenging rather than easy. It winds through evergreen forest that keeps most of the walk shaded.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall is accessible year-round, but it's at its most dramatic in spring, when melting snow from the higher slopes of the massif feeds the stream with extra volume. In summer the flow is usually calmer, making it easier to get closer to the pool at the base. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit if you want to avoid crowds and catch the site in a quieter, mistier mood.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Poço do Inferno from Manteigas? About 10 km from the town centre, with the final stretch running along a narrow mountain road up to the trailhead parking area.

Is the trail to the waterfall difficult? The PR1 MTG trail is roughly 2.5 km round trip and takes about 1.5 hours. The initial section is steep, so it's considered moderately challenging, though manageable for most hikers.

Can you swim at the waterfall? A natural pool forms at the base of the cascade, and some visitors do swim there, but the water stays cold even in summer given the site's altitude of around 1,080 metres.

Is parking available on site? Yes, there's a small parking area at the trailhead with room for about 10 cars. On summer weekends it fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.