LA OROTAVA CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Rappelling the ash cliffs of Barranco de Los Arcos: a gentle canyoning introduction in La Orotava
A low-difficulty, approximately five-hour canyoning descent through volcanic ash walls and Canary pine, useful for anyone planning a beginner-friendly rappel outing in La Orotava.
Rappelling the ash cliffs of Barranco de Los Arcos: a gentle canyoning introduction in La Orotava.
The Barranco de Los Arcos descent threads between sheer volcanic-ash walls, where participants rappel down sections of a dry canyon set in the La Orotava highlands. It’s presented as a low-difficulty, initiation-friendly outing — suited to families and groups — that unfolds across roughly five hours in a circular route that uses a combination of vehicles.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Volcanic-ash walls and Canary pine
The route runs between striking formations of volcanic ash and moves through stands of Canary pine that define the local highland character.
A short, circular dry-canyon descent
A low-difficulty, approximately 2-kilometer circular route that combines walking with vehicle transfers and finishes lower in altitude than it starts.
Birds, lizards and local fauna
The canyon and surrounding pinar host typical local species — kestrels, small hawks, tits, robins, lizards and a variety of insects are commonly observed.
What the day feels like
What the descent feels like
Participants move through a dry gorge, using rappelling techniques to descend amid vertical ash-faced walls — many rappels are under 20 meters — over an outing that lasts roughly five hours and is pitched for beginners and family groups.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full activity takes approximately five hours; operators recommend weekdays because the route requires permits.
Participants should observe activity rules: smoking and alcoholic beverages are not allowed during the outing.
The meeting point for the activity is La Orotava; the route is a circular 2 km approx course with vehicle transfers and a net descent from about 1,600 m to 1,400 m.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Barranco de Los Arcos activity take?
The outing lasts approximately 5 hours.
Where do we meet the guide or group?
The meeting location is in La Orotava.
What is the difficulty level?
The canyon is classified as low difficulty (iniciación) and is recommended for beginners, families and groups.
Is the canyon wet or dry?
This is a dry canyon (barranco seco).
What is the route length and altitude change?
The total route is about 2 km with an initial altitude near 1,600 meters and a finish near 1,400 meters.
Are smoking or alcoholic drinks allowed during the activity?
No — smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted during the activity.