LA OROTAVA CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Rappelling the basalt throat of Barranco de Chimoche: 20‑meter verticals under La Orotava’s forest crown
A 4–5 hour, beginner‑friendly dry canyon descent in La Orotava with basalt walls, forested approaches and sweeping views of Los Órganos and the valley.
Rappelling the basalt throat of Barranco de Chimoche: 20‑meter verticals under La Orotava’s forest crown.
El Barranco de Chimoche carves through basalt in the shadow of La Orotava, a compact dry canyon threaded with several roughly 20‑meter verticals and ringed by a crown of native forest. The approach treats you to broad views of La Orotava Valley and the dramatic volcanic columns of Los Órganos; both the route into the gorge and the return trail wind beneath pines and endemic vegetation, making the whole outing as much a nature walk as a technical primer.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Basalt walls and Los Órganos views
The canyon’s rock is basalt, and the approach gives repeated viewpoints over La Orotava Valley and the geological columns known as Los Órganos—visual bookends to the vertical pitches.
Several ~20‑meter verticals in a dry canyon
Barranco de Chimoche contains multiple vertical drops of about 20 meters and is classified as a dry canyon, offering a concentrated sequence of rappels suitable for introductory technical practice.
Forested approach and pleasant return trails
Both the approach and return are enjoyable, moving beneath pines and endemic vegetation that frame the canyon and soften the technical sections with rich natural context.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The day unfolds as a compact expedition: a scenic approach with valley vistas, then a focused series of rappels down basalt verticals inside a dry gorge, and finally a relaxed walk back through pine‑dotted slopes. At roughly four to five hours, the route balances sustained outdoor time with an accessible technical challenge geared to beginners.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who might want something different.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Specific equipment or packing lists are not specified in the provided data; confirm required personal gear with the operator before departure.
No detailed clothing guidance is specified in the provided data; wear weather‑appropriate layers and check with the operator for any recommended technical apparel.
The provided material does not list footwear or protection requirements—verify footwear recommendations and helmet/harness provisions with the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Barranco de Chimoche trip take?
The outing lasts approximately four to five hours.
Where is the meeting point for the trip?
The meeting location is La Caldera, La Orotava.
What is the difficulty level?
The canyon is classified as 'iniciación'—an initiation or beginner level route.
Is the canyon wet or dry?
Barranco de Chimoche is described as a dry canyon.
What type of rock will I be descending?
The canyon’s rock is basalt.
Who operates this experience?
The listed operator is Natura Xtreme Tenerife.