my adventures

Located in the south of the island starting Bahia Feliz. This Barranco is approx 3.4km long with easy walking and after the recent rains has many beautiful pools and waterfalls to take a dip in. The views are stunning and the path to the first pools is easy. To the bigger pools and waterfalls deeper in the valley you do need to do a little climbing up some steep paths however the views and photo opportunities are certainly worth it. Access to the parking area is on the waste ground opposite Garbos on the GC-500.

This day started with a little stroll and ended up on a full scale 8hr hike (including breaks and lunch) to Tunte and back 27km round trip. The route takes you up through the Barranco crossing over the peak and then back down the other side arriving into Tunte. This is an absolutely stunning route, the views are breathtaking however the initial part of the walk is difficult and gains alot of altitude. The silence of nature and the smell of the pine trees make this one a good mood lifter. Make sure you are fully prepared with enough water and snacks. The route is accessed via Presa de Gambuesa where you park the car. Cross over the dam and follow the winding road which takes you upto the trail to Tunte. This is one of my favourites as the views need to be seen to be believed.

Barranco del Toro is a deep rugged valley in the south of the island near San Agustín. There are 2 ways to see this valley. You can either walk from its very start which is first located by walking through Barranco de los Guinchos or you can take the high path along the peak of Barranco de Veguas and come down into Barranco del Toro at the other end. The first option involves a more difficult hike and scrambling up steep waterfalls. The second route is the one I chose at it was a nice steady climb at the valley tops with great views. Once at the end of the trail the path does become alot more difficult as you descend down into Barranco del Toro where the pools and waterfalls are located. The views and rugged terrain are stunning and the route takes you through a goat farm where you walk amongst the flock and can even buy the cheese they make on the farm. The route I took is accessed to the left of the Gloria Palace Hotel where the staff car park is. Walk to the top of the car park and you will see the tunnel under the GC-1 which is the start of the route.

Llanos de la Pez is a beautiful Nature Reserve located in the center of the island. Its a beautiful spot for camping or for picnics. The area is also the start of many hiking trails. The one I chose today was the circular route. The route takes you through the pine forest, across rocky outcrops and up to the peaks where you get some amazing views of Roque Nublo. You can see across the Island and on clear days you get beautiful views of Tenerife. About half way through the trail when you get to the tops the trails split into many different routes.

Llanos de la Pez is a beautiful area up in the mountains and the start of many different trails. well worth a visit if you want to explore. I chose this time to do the circular route and head upto Ventana del Nublo. The views are breathtaking and have to be seen to be believed.

This Barranco is located down the East Coast accessed to the left of the cement works at Playa el Cardon. The route starts to the left of the cement works and runs along the very edge until you reach the entrance of the Barranco. The Barranco itself has dramatic steep walls with numerous caves. I visited after the rains so there were many natural pools and the stream still flowing. You can also access the Barranco by taking the route upto the Arco del Coronadero which is a natural stone arch giving amazing views down into Barranco del Hondo. From here you can take the steep trail down into the Barranco and then walk the route back out.

Located down the East Coast of the island starting at Sioux City. This Barranco is very peaceful as its access is a little more difficult. You must use the Barranco to the right of Sioux City then follow the road through the tunnel under the GC1, continue on this road and you will arrive at the start of the Barranco at the end of Sioux City. After the winter rains the Barranco has running water and numerous natural pools. The Barranco walls are dotted with countless caves and dramatic walls. The walk becomes more difficult towards the end as you have to follow the stream bed and climb many boulders to reach the big waterfall at the end of the route. Note this waterfall is only active just after the rains.

Starting at the beautiful Presa de la Gambuesa, follow the dirt road up towards Las Tedras. This is one of my favourite routes as the views along the trail are breathtaking. The walk itself is fairly easy with only a little climb at the start. Once at the top the views are worth it. Follow the road for about an hour and you will come to an area where you can make it down to some amazing natural pools. Crystal clear waters and a stunning landscape make this an ideal area to visit for the day and take a swim in the refreshing mountain pools. If you continue on the trail further you will find some bigger pools to enjoy.

This is one of the most difficult routes I have taken, mostly due to the very steep decent down into Fataga at the end of the trail. When I say steep I actually mean climbing down a cliff wall with very little room for error. Adrenaline was pumping for this one. The views along the way were amazing looking down into the valley. As this route is oneway we had to take a bus back from Fataga to the viewpoint where we started the trail. As the next bus was 3 hours wait we decided to stop and take in some delicious tapas in Restaurante Albaricoque.

This National Park is well worth a visit as it features dramatic landscapes, natural pools, pine forests and astonishing views. We have visited this area several times yet this time we decided to do the circular route - a 19 km trail of breathtaking and forever changing views. The route starts at Presa de la Gambuesa and leads up to Las Tederas, where the natural pools are located. Please be aware the signs say the route is closed due to landslides, however, there is a path through which you can take at your own risk! Once into the forest, the views are simply beautiful, with sheer valley walls and a pine-scented walkway. This path involves some climbing. You can extend your hike up to Tunte (check the Ayagaures to Tunte trail on this blog) or you can head back towards Ayagaures to complete the circular route.