The Best Trekking Destination In Canary Islands

Whether you’re a born adventurer or someone who simply wants a glimpse of nature,Costa Adeje’s Barranco Del Infierno is the right place for you. Do not let the name of this ravine fool you: this “Hells Canyon” in truth is a picturesque paradise, thanks to its rich greeneries and varied fauna.

Barranco Del Infierno

The Barranco del Infierno is a famous hiking trail that brings you through some of the most fascinating parts of Tenerife that most visitors don’t even know exist. Apart from the sandy beaches, volcanic terrain and contemporary resorts that people regularly associate with the island, Barranco del Infierno is a flourishing ecosystem brimming with all forms of an enchanting experience.

Barranco Del Infierno is located on the outskirts of Costa Adeje in the southwest part of Tenerife Island. Its 1843.1 hectares of land borders the municipality of Arona to the east and Vilaflor to the North. Considered as a Special Nature Reserve, only 300 tourists are allowed to witness its beauty per day to preserve the trail’s surroundings.

From majestic natural animals to charming tropical vegetation, this comparatively easy walk presents bundles of astonishing views and is a must for anyone who desires to take a look of the more natural, untouched side of Tenerife.

The canyon has medium-low difficulty, making it the perfect day trek adventure for any age, including families with children. Do not forget to bring plenty of water to drink and snacks for you to nibble, and of course, your trusty camera to capture your experience!

The Hiking Trail

The trail starts at the end of Calle Los Molinos, where you will be welcomed and oriented for the trek as you walk along an old pastoral trail. There will be a series of viewpoints such as the Adeje viewpoint, the Great viewpoint, and the Marques Cave viewpoint.

Hiking further, stiff cliffs with caves used by the Tenerife aborigines, called Los Guanches, can be seen. Having started from 100 meters and climbing up to an altitude of 1300 meters, this can mean a change in atmospheric temperature, so do not be surprised if there will be chances of rain.

As you move forward you will pass along notable stopovers: The Witches’ Dance Floor, The Curve, and the long irrigation canal. There will be another stop for a few safety reminders before heading straight to the riverbed, to a stop called The Collector, and to the Old Chestnut Tree.

Along the way a fauna of freely roaming lizards to multiple bird species can be heard, if not seen, while a distinct transformation of flora from browns to greens gives you an indication of reaching the final destination: a breathtaking waterfall considered as the highest in Tenerife.

The hiking experience

The entire hiking trail is 6.5 Kilometers long and although the official website claims it gets around 3 to 3.5 hour to finish, most people take the walk in about 2 hours. The tour guides advise that you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your trip begins, so give yourself lots of extra time otherwise you might be refused to enter.

Standing at 200 meters in height, you will be allowed at most 15 minutes of stay to marvel the beauty of the waterfall. Swimming however is prohibited so as to preserve Barranco del Infierno’s delicate charm.

Due to the sensitive nature of the Barranco del Infierno and part of the eco-tourism, only 300 people are permitted to finish the walk each day to secure the environment is preserved and maintained as glamorous as it is nowadays for as long as possible. Try to schedule your hike for between 8:30am and 10am. During this period the atmosphere is calming, and nature is at its most impressive.

How to Get There

From Playa de las Americas, hop on to Tenerife’s TITSA buses 417 and 460 (departs hourly). If coming from Los Cristianos , take buses 447 and 473 (departs every 30-40 minutes).

Reservations

A reservation is mandatory since there is a limitation of 300 tourists that can be accommodated per day. Monitor the weather forecast and organize your hiking for a dry and sunny day. The tour guides seldom cordon off portions of the Barranco del Infierno while in moderate rain.

To make a reservation, visit Barranco Del Infierno’s website at www.barrancodelinfierno.es