Maspalomas: Barranco De Los Cernicalos Rainforest Hike

Nestled in the heart of Gran Canaria’s lush landscapes lies the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest, a captivating natural wonder waiting to be explored. This guided hike offers visitors a chance to enjoy a world of endemic flora and fauna, away from the bustling tourist spots. Led by knowledgeable local guides, small groups can discover the hidden gems of this protected ecosystem, learning about its remarkable biodiversity and the unique challenges faced by this fragile environment. With refreshments and walking sticks in hand, hikers embark on a transformative journey that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A 5.5-hour guided hike through the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest in Maspalomas, led by Spanish and English-speaking tour guides.
• Opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, and get in full contact with the unique flora and fauna of the Gran Canarian rainforest.
• Chance to discover over 300 endemic species, including colorful birds, lizards, and rare plants like the Canary palm and Cardón cactus.
• Includes sandwiches, local fruits, and nuts for a tasty refuel during the moderate difficulty, 8-9 km hike with 300 m elevation change.
• Pickup and drop-off services provided from multiple locations in Maspalomas, ensuring accessibility for participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The activity is a 5.5-hour guided hike through the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest in Maspalomas, led by live Spanish and English-speaking tour guides for small groups of up to 6 participants.

Hikers will have the chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get in full contact with nature as they explore hidden corners and curiosities of the rainforest.

The hike promises to be an immersive experience, allowing participants to discover the endemic flora and fauna of Gran Canaria, with over 300 species to be observed.

Sandwiches, local fruits, and nuts are included, as well as walking sticks and round-trip transportation to and from the hike location.

Highlights of the Hike

One highlight of the hike is that it allows participants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get in full contact with nature.

Guided by two native guides, hikers will explore hidden corners and curiosities of the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest. Plus, they’ll have the chance to discover the endemic flora and fauna of Gran Canaria, with over 300 species to observe during the experience.

Sandwiches, local fruits, and nuts are included, providing a tasty refuel during the journey.

The hike covers a distance of 8-9 km with an elevation change of 300 m, making it an easy to medium difficulty level, suitable for most participants.

Included in the Experience

Knowledgeable guides lead participants on this immersive rainforest hike, providing insights into the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Included in the experience are sandwiches, local fruits, and nuts to fuel the journey, as well as walking sticks and water to ensure comfort and hydration along the way.

Pickup and drop-off services from multiple locations in Maspalomas provide convenient transportation to and from the trailhead.

The small group size, limited to 6 participants, ensures a personalized and intimate experience as the guides share their expertise and lead the way through the hidden corners of the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest.

With the necessary inclusions provided, hikers can focus on fully immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Excluded and Limitations

This hike has certain age, health, and dietary restrictions. It’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those over 70 years.

Plus, participants can’t bring their own food or alcohol on the vehicle.

The reasons for these limitations are:

1. Safety – The rainforest hike involves moderate physical activity that may be challenging for young children, the elderly, or those with mobility issues.

2. Liability – The tour operator needs to ensure the well-being of all participants, which is more difficult with certain medical conditions or dietary requirements.

3. Logistics – Bringing outside food and drinks could disrupt the flow of the guided tour and the enjoyment of the shared refreshments provided.

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Difficulty and Duration

The Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest hike in Maspalomas, despite its moderate difficulty level, takes approximately 4 hours of active walking time – excluding stops and breaks along the way.

The hike covers a distance of 8-9 km and an elevation change of 300 m, making it an easy to medium difficulty level. While the terrain may not be overly challenging, hikers should still be prepared for some steep inclines and uneven surfaces.

With a small group size limited to 6 participants, the guided tour allows for a more personalized experience as you explore the hidden corners and curiosities of the lush Gran Canarian rainforest.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Conveniently, the tour offers pickup and drop-off services at 5 different locations throughout Maspalomas, making it accessible for participants from various parts of the destination.

The pickup and drop-off points include:

1. Maspalomas Central Bus Station
2. Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse)
3. Playa de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Beach)

This wide range of options ensures that guests can easily join the hike from their accommodations or other points of interest in the area. The transportation service provided eliminates the need for participants to arrange their own travel to the starting point, adding to the overall convenience of the experience.

Exploring the Rainforest

Guided by the expertise of the two native guides, hikers embark on a captivating journey through the verdant Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest, seeing the rich biodiversity of Gran Canaria.

As they traverse the lush trails, they’ll discover a stunning array of endemic flora and fauna, including over 300 species unique to the island. The guides point out hidden curiosities and share their deep knowledge of the local ecosystem, fostering a greater appreciation for the fragile balance of this captivating rainforest.

Hikers are encouraged to keep their senses alert, as they may spot colorful birds, lizards, or even the elusive endemic plants that thrive in this protected natural haven.

Native Guides and Insights

With their deep familiarity of the local ecosystem, the native guides unlock a world of insights for hikers, sharing invaluable knowledge about Gran Canaria’s unique flora and fauna along the way.

As hikers traverse the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest, the guides point out:

• Endemic plant species like the Canary palm and Cardón cactus, explaining their crucial role in the local ecosystem.
• Rare bird species like the Canary Islands chiffchaff, describing their unique behaviors and migration patterns.
• Intriguing geological formations, revealing how the ravine was shaped over millennia by natural forces.

Through the guides’ expert commentary, hikers gain a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance and remarkable diversity of this pristine rainforest environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring for the Hike Besides the Provided Equipment?

For the hike, one should bring comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and any personal snacks or water beyond what’s provided. Bringing a camera is also recommended to capture the scenic views.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Hike?

According to the activity overview, participants are not allowed to bring their own food or alcohol on the hike. The tour provides sandwiches, fruits, and snacks as part of the inclusions. Bringing outside items is not permitted.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Hiking Trail?

There are no designated restroom facilities along the hiking trail. Participants are advised to use the restrooms before the hike begins. The hike takes place in a natural environment, so hikers must plan accordingly.

Can I Take My Pets on the Hike?

No, pets are not allowed on the hike. The tour is limited to a small group size and designed for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Bringing pets would not be feasible or appropriate for this particular hiking experience.

Is There Any Cell Phone Coverage During the Hike?

Cell phone coverage during the hike may be limited or unreliable due to the remote and forested nature of the terrain. Participants should not rely on having consistent connectivity and may need to plan accordingly for emergencies or communication needs.

Recap

The Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest hike in Maspalomas offers an immersive experience to explore Gran Canaria’s lush natural landscape.

Led by knowledgeable guides, hikers can disconnect from the bustling world and connect with the remarkable biodiversity of this protected rainforest, including endemic species like the Canary palm and Cardon cactus.

With refreshments and walking sticks provided, this 5.5-hour guided tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Maspalomas.

You can check if your dates are available here: