MASPALOMAS HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Into Gran Canaria’s Secret Forest: A Guided Hike through Barranco de los Cernícalos
A half-day, small-group hike from Maspalomas that leads into a tropical-feeling ravine to discover endemic plants and wildlife with two native guides.
Into Gran Canaria’s Secret Forest: A Guided Hike through Barranco de los Cernícalos.
Only 40 minutes from the sun-drenched resorts of Maspalomas, the island flips its script: arid dunes give way to a green ravine where waterfalls, moss-draped trees and endemic flora create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. This guided excursion into Gran Canaria’s Barranco de los Cernícalos emphasizes close-up encounters with the island’s special plants and animals in an intimate, small-group setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rainforest-like ravine within reach of Maspalomas
The hike reaches Barranco de los Cernícalos, a verdant corridor where the island’s endemic flora and surprising water features create a fairy-tale atmosphere—all just about 40 minutes from Maspalomas.
Small groups, local guides
Tours run with a maximum of six participants and are led by native guides who lead guests through the terrain without commercial stops, keeping the focus on the landscape and wildlife.
A simple picnic in the field
A picnic of sandwiches and fruit is included, letting you refuel mid-hike while immersed in the ravine’s atmosphere.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a deliberate, half-day outing: after meeting in Maspalomas you’ll travel into the island’s interior and spend roughly four hours on a 9 km route with about 300 m of elevation change. The pace is steady with stops to observe plants, listen for birds, and take in waterfalls and other scenic features; the total door-to-door duration is about 5.5 hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should opt out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total outing is about 5.5 hours with roughly 4 hours of walking and stops along a 9 km route.
Bring proper hiking shoes, warm or rain layers in winter, sun protection in summer, at least 1.5 litres of water, and fully charged electronics (vehicle USB charging available). Walking poles are provided if needed.
Meeting point is Maspalomas; groups are limited to a maximum of six people and the tour is available in English and Spanish. Sandwiches and fruit are included and there are no commercial stops.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The full outing lasts about 5.5 hours, with approximately 4 hours of walking interspersed with stops.
How difficult is the hike?
The route is rated easy–medium, covers 9 km and about 300 m of elevation change, with walking time around four hours including stops.
What’s included in the price?
Small-group guiding by native guides and a picnic of sandwiches and fruit are included; walking poles are available if you need them.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point for the tour is Maspalomas.
Are there any restrictions or accessibility concerns?
The route is not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible; it is not recommended for people with mobility problems or for pregnant women beyond 16 weeks.
What should I bring for the hike?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, suitable clothing for the season (including a rain jacket in winter), sun protection in summer, at least 1.5 litres of water and fully charged devices (USB charging is available in the vehicle).