On vacation in Gran Canaria? Visit Barranco de Guayadeque, one of the island’s largest ravines. This several-kilometre-long valley, located in the center of the town, won us over with its breathtaking scenery. You can enjoy the magnificent road that winds between the mountains, admire ancient caves and troglodyte villages, go hiking and visit a fascinating museum.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Barranco de Guayadeque
Is Barranco de Guayadeque worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely. We really enjoyed this excursion to the heights of the island. The barranco route is well worth the detour, with its mountain views and astonishing caves and troglodyte dwellings. Like us, visit the Interpretation Center, a small museum that will reveal all the geological and cultural secrets of this valley, once home to the Guanches, the island’s ancient inhabitants. Walking enthusiasts will also find much to enjoy on the site’s beautiful footpaths.
This is one of Gran Canaria’s best activities and excursions.
Our favorite moments
We really liked it:
- Winding along the ravine road, the scenery is magnificent.
- The Guayadeque Interpretation Centre, which introduced us to the history of the barranco.
- The short 500m hike that allows you to explore part of the ravine gently!
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How to get to Barranco de Guayadeque: access and map
Where is Barranco de Guayadeque?
- Between Agüimes and Ingenio
- Near Barranco de las Vacas
- Driving time from Agüimes: 10min
- Driving time from Las Palmas: 40min
- Driving time from Maspalomas: 35min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there? Access road
The site is accessible by car, the best way to get around the island. If you’re looking to rent a car in Gran Canaria, here’s all our advice on the subject. The road into the valley is winding and steep, but beautiful and generally in good condition.
We couldn’t find a public bus to the site. However, you can also come on an organized tour:
- From Las Palmas, a one-day tour of the island, including Barranco de Guayadeque.
- Picked up from your hotel, afternoon excursion with a glass of champagne at sunset, with the barranco as a stopover.
Parking
There’s parking next to the museum and near the restaurants along the road. It’s not in very good condition, so be careful.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
In summer and winter alike, it’s great to visit this natural site. Choose the morning for a more exclusive visit. There will be fewer people. What’s more, a nice sunny day will be most welcome. You’re in luck, because this is very often the case in Gran Canaria!
The natural site is accessible free of charge. Only the museum has an admission charge of €3. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, 10am to 3pm.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 1 to 2 hours depending on your choice of visit and activity. It’ll be more like 2 hours if you visit the Interpretation Center, and maybe more if you go hiking.
Expect a few inclines. The walking path is initially made of stone or concrete. It is bordered by wooden fences. A longer route is possible, a hiking loop stretching over 15km and requiring stamina. Make sure you have good shoes if you’re going on this adventure.
Advice on how to visit
Start by admiring the road leading into the valley, then head for the Interpretation Centre at the start of the ravine. Continue your tour along the road. The landscape is superb with its colors and abundant vegetation. End your visit with a short hike to the village of Cueva Bermeja. That’s what we did!
Catering, toilets and facilities
We saw several restaurants on site:
- The Tagoror Restaurant, a surprising little establishment because it’s troglodyte!
- Restaurant Vega, also in a cave.
Toilets are available at all catering outlets.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
A fascinating Interpretation Centre
This small museum, located at the start of Barranco de Guayadeque, taught us all there was to know about the geology of the area, formed by erosion and water. The valley was also one of the most densely populated areas in the time of the Guanches, the ancient natives. The mountains bear witness to this human occupation, with caves, tombs and ancient rituals. Like us, you’ll be intrigued!
One of the most beautiful roads on the island
The verdant road through the Guayadeque valley is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful in Gran Canaria. It’s a pleasure to go deep into the center of the island and discover its geological and troglodyte history.
Magnificent landscapes
Volcanic mountains and panoramic views over the valley make for breathtaking scenery! We enjoyed the wild beauty of the island’s interior. Don’t hesitate to stop and admire the colors and take photos.
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Ancient caves
Along the road or hiking trails, we spotted numerous caves in the mountains. They were used by the Guanches as dwellings, storage areas and burial grounds. Pierced through and through, the valley is all the more beautiful in our opinion.
Lush vegetation
The valley is home to a unique flora and fauna. We felt like we were in the tropics, with cacti and palm trees coloring the mountain. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of theaguililla de Gran Canaria, a beautiful bird of prey!
Hiking trails
The Guayadeque Gorge can be explored by following a loop of several kilometers. We were content to cover half a kilometer, but anyone who wants to can try it.
Perched villages
Along the way, you may come across small villages such as Cueva Bermeja. They are amazing with their troglodyte mountainside constructions!
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Barranco de Guayadeque with these nearby attractions:
- Barranco de las Vacas, a small canyon (less than 20min drive)
- The colorful and typical village ofAgüimes (10min drive)
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
