Walking on Gran Canaria

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Depart UK

   On arrival in Gran Canaria you transfer to Agüimes where the rest of the day is free to relax and explore the town.

2. Day 2: Walk around Guadayeque Canyon

   Today you hike around the verdant Guadayeque Gorge, the largest canyon in the Canary Islands and popular with walkers.

   Its green slopes are lined with a variety of plants, many of which are tropical or subtropical: these include colourful poppies, palm trees, pine trees, agaves and various other cacti, almond trees and other endemic species.

   Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 820 m

3. Day 3: Walk to Tejeda

   Depending on your preference and level of ability, you can choose between three variants of today’s walk. A transfer takes you from Agüimes to the appropriate start point, whilst your baggage is transferred direct to the next hotel.

   Walk 1 - Starting from Pico de las Nieves viewpoint means a long descent with some uphill sections until you eventually reach Tejeda.

   Walk 2 - You can shorten the route by a couple of kilometres by following a trail towards Pico de las Nieves. The gradual approach is well worth it.

   Walk 3 - Starting from La Caldera de los Marteles adds seven kilometres to the walk. The trail follows the edge of the caldera at first, with dramatic views of the Agaete Valley.

4. Day 4: Altavista Ridge walk

   Today’s walk over the Altavista Ridge is one of the loveliest of the entire trip. As you cross the huge extinct crater (volcanic caldera) at the edge of Tamadaba Natural Park, you're above the clouds with sweeping views as far as Tenerife.

   This afternoon the transfer vehicle picks you up in Artenara and on the way back there’s an opportunity to visit Tejeda’s Spice Centre to learn about the traditional use of medicinal plants and herbs. During your visit to the botanical garden and laboratory, you can sample the various different spices.

   Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 450 m

5. Day 5: Roque Nublo walk

   Today’s route crosses the steep slopes around Roque Nublo (1,813 metres), a dramatic outcrop of rock that soars above the edge of a plateau. Although not the highest peak here, it's the most distinctive and can be seen almost anywhere on the island. As you get higher, precipitous views down into the eroded ravines that surround the peak attest to its volcanic origin.

   The descent follows a different route through tranquil evergreen forest to a col, where you can catch a bus back to Tejeda. Alternatively, if you want more walking, just continue down the old Camino Real to the village.

   Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 800 m | Descent: 800 m

6. Day 6: Walk to La Cruz de Tejeda

   This morning you head from Tejeda to Puerto de las Nieves but first, have a dramatic climb of 450 metres in no more than four kilometres to reach La Cruz de Tejeda. Following the ridge with impressive sea views near Galdar, you reach a maximum elevation of 1,715 metres.

   A long descent follows this along a ridge where pastures surround you with flocks of sheep, barns and dairies where local cheese is made. On reaching Fagagesto, you can relax with a drink while waiting for the transfer to Puerto de las Nieves.

   Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 750 m

7. Day 7: Camino de los Romeros walk

   Taxi transfer to the village of San Pedro, where the climb along the Camino Real to Montaña Bibique (645 metres) starts. From its clifftop location, this rugged outcrop offers fine views over the Agaete Valley.

   You continue to the viewpoint of Mirador Vuelta de la Paloma (850 metres), for a panoramic vista over several valleys, before descending into Puerto de las Nieves.

   Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 650 m

8. Day 8: Return to the UK