Gran Canaria’s landscapes are truly varied. One of the surprises is the Tobas de Colores slot canyon, reminiscent of the American West. If you’ve never seen one, don’t miss Barranco de Las Vacas!
Here are some useful tips to help you get there, 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
Is Barranco de las Vacas (Tobas de Colores) worth a visit? Our opinion:
It depends on your previous travel experiences.
If you’ve been dreaming of going to Utah to visit the canyons, but haven’t had the chance yet, then yes. The curves created by the water give you a tiny glimpse of the beauty of such landscapes.
If, on the other hand, you’ve already visited Utah’s canyons, be warned that it’s very small, and you may be disappointed.
The Tobas de Colores section of the Barranco de las Vacas is one of the best attractions near Agüimes and one of Gran Canaria’s hidden gems.
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How to get to Barranco de las Vacas: access and map
Where is the Las Vacas ravine?
- Central-west Gran Canaria
- Near the town of Agüimes
- Driving time from Agüimes: 10 minutes
- Driving time from Las Palmas: 50 minutes
- Driving time from Maspalomas: 40 minutes
- 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
No other option than to drive there.
There’s no public transport, and the location isn’t even signposted.
The cannon is located along route GC-550 (kilometer 14). The access road is narrow at times, but without any major difficulties. The floor is in good condition.
Please note that on some online maps, several dots indicate this location. The trail is at these coordinates: 27°54’51.8 “N 15°28’31.6 “W.
But if you don’t want to rent a car, a guided tour in a small group is available. See program and availability.
Parking
Right next to the access point, there’s a tiny space for about 3 cars, depending on how everyone parks. So it fills up fast.
Along the road by the sea, there’s a larger parking area. This adds a few minutes’ walk to the road. So be very careful if you have children.
As always, don’t leave anything visible in the cars.
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)
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
If you want to park easily, we advise you to come early or late in the day.
However, if you come too early, the colors of the canyon will be less interesting until the sun is high enough in the sky.
Free access.
Warning: as with all slot canyons, check that there are no thunderstorms in the mountains (in the hours before or during your visit). Because this kind of canyon can have ultra-rapid floods called flash-floods.
Length of visit and main difficulties
The canyon is very small, about 50m long.
It only takes 10min to explore once you’re down there, if no one’s around. But if you’re fascinated, allow 1 hour!
The descent from the road is a slightly steep but very short dirt path.
Walking in the canyon is not very difficult, you just have to watch where you put your feet.
We recommend that you wear closed-toe walking shoes.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
You won’t find any facilities around it.
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
View from the start of the walk
Before descending, even if you’re excited to see this canyon, take time to admire the valley, the desert landscape and the surrounding mountains. What a change from seaside landscapes!
Finding the trail
Where the road bends at the bottom of the valley, opposite the 3 parking spaces, you have to climb over the road safety barrier.
You’ll notice a path formed by the passage of people.
And you can already see the tunnel at the bottom of the path that gives access to this secret place!
Go through the tunnel under the road
Once at the bottom, you must cross the tunnel under the road.
Note the rocky road on the left!
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Exploring the Canyon de las Vacas: photos and a bit of geology
Once at the bottom, you can explore the ravine, discovering its shapes sculpted by nature.
A few plants are growing inside.
If you’re lucky enough to have a few clouds, you’ll be able to see the colors change when the sun is hidden or not: sometimes pink and gray, sometimes orange and brown.
here are a few photos
How was the canyon formed?
The Barranco de las Vacas was formed by natural geological processes over a long period of time, typical of this type of cayon.
The rocks in the canyon are volcanic, known as “colored tuffs” or “toscas”, and are typical of the Canary Islands.
Over the millennia, water has eroded and sculpted this rock. As water always seeks the path of least resistance, it creates these sinuous shapes…
Hiking S40
The Barranco de las Vacas is a must-see if you’re doing the S-40 hike, which also passes through the charming town of Agüimes.
It’s a long hike from Agüimes up into the mountains.
- Length: 19km
- Difficult
- Approximately 6 to 7 hours
- Approx. 710m ascent
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Canyon de las Vacas with these nearby attractions:
- The historic center of Agüimes with its colorful streets and sculptures
- The Barranco de Guayadeque, a wider, more beautiful valley with an interpretation center at the bottom (accessible by car).
- Crocodilo Park – book your ticket
- The town of Ingenio with its charming church
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Barranco de las Vacas mean?
The literal translation of the name is Ravin des vaches.
Apparently, it is also called Barranco de Barafonso.
Tobas de Colores is the name of the narrow section only.
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
