LAS PALMAS HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Descending the Verde Heart of Gran Canaria: Canyoning Barranco de Los Cernícalos
A guided, fully equipped canyoning route through a lush, water-carved gorge on the island’s northeast — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Descending the Verde Heart of Gran Canaria: Canyoning Barranco de Los Cernícalos.
Adventure brief
Descending the Verde Heart of Gran Canaria: Canyoning Barranco de Los Cernícalos
Barranco de Los Cernícalos threads a green, water-fed cleft in the northeast of Gran Canaria. The route is known for continuous flow and dense native vegetation, and the descent combines walking, jumping, swimming and rappelling as you follow the canyon’s course under the direction of experienced guides.
In the rugged landscape of Las Palmas, where volcanic rock formations carve the terrain and lush vegetation blankets the canyons, Mojo Picon Aventura offers an adrenaline-fueled journey through the Barranco de Los Cernícalos. This canyoning adventure combines a mix of walking, jumping into pristine pools, swimming through narrow passages, and rappelling down striking cliffs—creating an intense, hands-on experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on Gran Canaria, this activity unlocks a hidden corner of the island's natural wonders, showcasing its volcanic origins alongside thriving flora and occasional sightings of native kestrels and endemic lizards.
Participants navigate through a dense canopy of laurel trees and towering basalt walls, framing the dramatic gorge that teems with crystal-clear waters cascading over the rocky floor. The canyon’s unique geological formations include ancient volcanic ash deposits and rugged cliff faces, providing both challenges and awe-inspiring scenery. Mojo Picon Aventura is known locally for their expert guides, who prioritize safety while ensuring every adventurer feels the thrill of the descent. With all necessary gear provided, this experience suits various skill levels—making it an accessible yet exhilarating escapade for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.
The Barranco de Los Cernícalos stands out as an off-the-beaten-path highlight, offering a perfect blend of nature’s raw power and serenity. For those curious to connect with Gran Canaria’s wild side, this canyoning trip is a must-try. Whether tackling a series of jumps, rappelling down waterfalls, or simply soaking in the lush surroundings, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the island’s volcanic landscape and the thrill of pushing your limits.
For a true taste of Gran Canaria’s outdoor adventure scene, Mojo Picon Aventura’s canyoning trips deliver adrenaline and breathtaking scenery in equal measure—an adventure worth sharing with even the most hesitant explorers.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and key stops
Stops follow the flow of the canyon and highlight the technical and scenic sections of the descent.
Approach / Entry
The group reaches the canyon’s edge and begins on-foot sections and initial easy downclimbs as they enter the gorge.
Central pools and slides
A stretch of the canyon featuring small natural toboggans, pools for short swims and additional scrambling.
Rappel sector
The technical heart of the route with five rappels varying from about 5 to 20 meters tall, executed with guide assistance and full PPE.
Exit and regroup
After the final pitch the group exits the gorge, where provided snacks and a picnic conclude the outing and guides may share a photographic report.
Participants must be able to swim, be in good physical condition and not suffer excessive fear of heights; operators may adjust the itinerary for safety and conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A lush, water-carved gorge with continual flow
The canyon is a relatively straightforward descent in the island’s northeast with a steady stream, abundant native vegetation, small scrambles and slides, and a sequence of five rappels ranging between roughly 5 and 20 meters.
A mixed-discipline canyoning run
Expect a mix of walking, jumping, downclimbing, swimming and rappelling — a compact package of canyoning techniques that reveals a different, greener side of the island.
Full safety kit and local guide expertise
The operator provides wetsuits, helmets and personal protection equipment (harness, carabiner and figure-eight), plus an experienced monitor-guide, on-route photography and snacks as part of the outing.
What the day feels like
What the descent feels like
The trip moves steadily along the waterline: approach into the canyon on foot, negotiate a handful of simple downclimbs and natural slides, swim short pools, and work through five rappels — the tallest about 20 meters — all under guide supervision and with continuous vegetation framing the descent.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this canyon suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a pair of sports shoes that can get wet, a change of footwear, swimsuit and towel — everything else (wetsuit, helmet and personal protective equipment) is provided by the operator.
The operator supplies neoprene suits, helmets and personal protection equipment; the outing also includes a picnic of fruit, snacks (chocolates and biscuits), water and an on-route photographic report.
Wear footwear that stays on when wet and layers suitable for a wet canyon environment; prepare to be in water and to change afterward.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the trip take?
The canyoning outing lasts approximately 5 hours.
What should I bring?
Bring sports shoes that will get wet, a change of footwear, a swimsuit and a towel; the operator provides wetsuits and protective equipment.
Is prior canyoning experience required?
No prior canyoning experience is necessary, but participants must know how to swim, be in good physical condition and not have excessive fear of heights.
Are children allowed?
Children can take part from about 12 years old but must always be accompanied by their parents.
What equipment does the operator provide?
Operators supply neoprene suits, helmets and personal protective equipment (harness, carabiner and figure-eight), plus guide supervision and on-route photography.
Where on the island does the activity take place?
The descent is in Barranco de Los Cernícalos, located in the northeast zone of the island.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:09:06.038Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.