Ribeiro Frío is a small protected natural area below the Paso Poiso mountain saddle at about 900 m above sea level.The main attraction is a 2.5 km long nature trail through an ancient laurel forest along the sometimes stair-stepped bed of the "cold stream", which is the translation of the Ribeiro Frío.
The other big attraction is the trout breeding station at the trailhead near the main road.
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Near the car park, a 1.5 km long path starts to the popular Balcões viewpoint.
The site lies roughly halfway between Funchal and Faial on the inland road. Parking is free. Intercity buses 56, 103 and 138 from Funchal, Faial and Santana stop here, see timetables: horariosdofunchal.pt.
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