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.
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.
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.