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Gran Canaria Trekking
- Valleys with veritable oasis of banana, orange and avocado plantations
- Tiny white villages, exotic palms and colourful bougainvillea
- Huge contrast between the lush North and the arid South
- Gran Canaria's volcanic and sculpted terrain
- The Caminos Reales: an extensive network of historic footpaths
From: 510 €
Tripcode: ESSW155
3 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
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3 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
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Duration: 8 days
Details
Gran Canaria Trekking
At first glance on arrival, when compared to the beauty of La Gomera or La Palma, Gran Canaria is almost a fright. Dry terrain, poorly-planned building and farming in hot-houses. As you cross over to the north coast, near Galdar, the terrain opens up. At the end of the motorway, a true marvel appears: Agaete Valley with its veritable oasis of banana, orange and avocado plantations with tiny white villages, exotic palms and colourful bougainvillea. Your journey begins here, as you start to explore the mountainous terrain on this extraordinary island. As is often the case, the north side of the island is lush and green, while the south is more arid. Extremely vertical landscapes drop down into the Atlantic, with deeply carved ravines, high pleateaus with pastures, bay laurel woods, pine forests and terraced farms with almond orchards and prickly pear cacti.
Gran Canaria's volcanic and sculpted terrain plummets from the heart of the island -- la Cumbre -- straight down into the sea. At the centre of the island, two peaks stand out: Roque Nublo and Bentayga, towering high above deep ravines. In pre-Spanish times, these 2 peaks were named by the Berber peoples who settled the islands, the Guanches. In more recent times, an extensive network of paths and classic routes known as the Caminos Reales was developed. These footpaths form part of a demanding trek designed to make the most of the island's surprising geography. This destination is also offered as an 8-day self-drive trip, with easier walking routes and accommodation at welcoming rural hotels.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrival in the Canary Islands
Flight to Gran Canaria airport and taxi transfer (approx 1hr) to Agaete, on the island’s rugged north-west coast. Arrival at your accommodation, situated just outside the town amidst orange and banana plantations, and time to relax by the pool to start off your holiday.
Día 2: On the Camino Real, via Mirador de la Paloma
After a delicious breakfast of orange juice, warm bread and all sorts of sweet and savoury toppings, you start your first walk right from the hotel entrance. All over the Canary Islands, the shortest route is by way of the nearest barranco (at least it is in dry season). You walk up among fronds of bamboo with a chance to select a light-weight yet very strong walking stick to use throughout the trip. In the village of San Pedro, you start your ascent along the Camino Real to Montaña Bibique (645m), a rugged outcropping with fabulous views over Agaete Valley. You walk further on, to the vista point at Mirador Vuelta de la Paloma (850m), with views out over several valleys. The descent from Puerto de las Nieves follows a narrow gravel path along the ridge. Bus or taxi back to Agaete. Today's route is NOT recomended if you are afraid of heights. 10,5km; 525m in ascent; 4,5 hrs.
Day 3: From Agaete to Tejeda
Views to impressive summit of la Cumbre, to your next accommodation, where you’ll spend three days at a comfortable hotel situated high up in the mountains, in the village of Tejeda. After a short taxi transfer (10min), you walk up the valley (to reach an elevation of 485m), then go straight on up along the ancient Camino Real through a remote ravine. After 2 hrs walking, you’ll have done 555m in ascent! From the village of Fagajesto, you encounter a section on tarmac, but the route is free of traffic and you walk along a high ridge surrounded by pastures, barns, flocks of sheep and dairies where cheese is made. Stop to rest a bit before you begin the second steep ascent of the day, following footpaths through the fir forests near Galdar to reach an elevation of 1715m. Then you start your descent to the crossroads at Cruz de Tejeda. Time to stop for some refreshment – a cold beer or some hot chocolate – before you walk down off the ridge, where 25-degree temperatures will have you stripping down to your T-shirt! When misty and cool up high, temperatures is Agaete may be some 15 degrees warmer. The rest of the descent, to Tejeda, takes you down the south side of an extinct volcanic crater, with views to the sea. 16km; 1300m in ascent, 700m in descent; 7,5 hrs.
Day 4: Around Roque Nublo
This walk traverses beautiful terrain, on steep slopes around Roque Nublo, a rocky out-cropping teetering on the edge of a plateau. This may not be the highest peak on the island but it is certainly the most easily identified, as it's visible from almost anywhere on the island. The walk starts directly from your front door. After 1km the tarmac gives way to steep paths which zig-zag up toward Roque Nublo. The peak’s volcanic origins become evident higher up and you gaze hundreds of meters down steeply eroded ravines. On the descent, you follow a different route – through a peaceful fir forest – to reach the col where you can catch a bus back to Tejeda. 13km, 840m in ascent, 460m in descent; 5,5hrs.
Day 5: Walk from Tejeda, via Altavista
After three long walking routes, today you do one of the loveliest walks on this program over Altavista ridge, at the edge of Tamadaba Natural Park on a huge extinct crater (caldera). You’ll walk all day in the sun, with clouds below you and sweeping views all the way to Tenerife. The same bus which takes you to the start of the walk in the morning, will picks you up this afternoon in Artenara.
After the walk, you’ll have time to visit the Spice Centre in Tejeda, for insight on the island’s traditional use of medicinal plants. There’s a botanical garden and laboratory, and you’ll have the option of sampling different spices. Tejeda also has a small ethnographic museum and cultural centre with ongoing exhibits. This evening, enjoy the sunset from the hotel (roof-top) terrace, with the silhouette of Bentayga Peak in the background. 13,5km; 425m in ascent; 375m in descent; 4,5hrs.
Day 6: From Tejeda to La Lechuza
After a short 10min transfer to La Culata (elevation 1225m), you begin a walking route which takes you up over la Cumbre toward the green north sector of the island. The first part of the ascent (up to Roque Nublo, by way of yesterday’s route) gets you to 1620m. Then you follow the ridge for about an hour, enjoying views to Gran Canaria’s highest peak, Pico de las Nieves (1951m). Your descent follows footpaths and rural tracks all the way to your accommodation. Unfortunately, to reach La Lechuza there’s no way to avoid doing the last 2,5km on tarmac. But your reward is great: a swim in the pool awaits! 12,5km; 500m in ascent, 700m in descent; 5hrs.
Day 7: Walking route OR visit Las Palmas
Today you choose between a long, demanding walk through ravines north of la Cumbre OR a day trip to Las Palmas. The stunning part of the walking route, aside from the stupendous views, is the variety of vegetation to be found in the "barrrancos" (canyons) – where all types of fruit, vegetables and even chestnut trees are grown. If you decide to visit Las Palmas today, you start off with a walk to San Mateo (45min, 2.75km, mostly downhill) There, you catch a bus to Las Palmas de G.C. which drops you off in the historic town centre known as La Vegueta. In addition to the town’s interesting Castillan-style colonial architecture, you also have Santa Ana Cathedral and the Casa de Colon, where Christopher Columbus was a lodger for a time before undertaking his long journey overseas. There’s also the Museo Canario, with the island’s best collection of archaeological artefacts. At the end of the day, bus back to San Mateo and walk / taxi back to your hotel. 15,5km; 715m in ascent/descent; 6,5hrs.
Day 8: End of programme
Your arrangement comes to an end today after breakfast. Departure from Canary Islands.
Practical info
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation, on bed and breakfast basis
- 2 dinners
- Transfer from airport to first accommodation
- Transfer from last accommodation to airport
- Luggage transport on days 3 and 6
- Transfers for days 3,5 and 6, according to programme
- Detailed route notes and maps in English
- 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
Not Included:
- Flights to and from Canary Islands
- Other meals
- Other transfers
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, etc.
- Any items that have not been specifically mentioned in the program
Optional Services:
- Additional night/s can be booked at any of the standard accommodations along the way
Reviews
Start: Agaete
Finish: Las Palmas
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Year round
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| in triple room: | 525 €/person |
| in double room: | 640 €/person |
| in single room: | 840 €/person |
| solo traveller: | 990 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| in triple room: | 510 €/person |
| in double room: | 625 €/person |
| in single room: | 805 €/person |
| solo traveller: | 955 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| in triple room: | 525 €/person |
| in double room: | 640 €/person |
| in single room: | 840 €/person |
| solo traveller: | 990 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| in triple room: | 535 €/person |
| in double room: | 655 €/person |
| in single room: | 865 €/person |
| solo traveller: | 1015 €/person |