Enjoy this hidden gem to the fullest!
The Barranco de los Cernícalos, in Gran Canaria, takes us to the most natural and mysterious side of the island. This beautiful place is visited quite frequently by the islanders. Here, the water flows all year round through the stream.
Crossing the invisible gateway to this universe of parallel worlds of light and shade, you can see how Nature plays with the senses of the visitor who wanders along its magical riverbed. Every stone, plant and animal has a story... Discover them!
How to get to Barranco de los Cernícalos (without getting lost)
The channel of this marvellous ravine is located both in the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve (Valsequillo) and in the Lomo Magullo Protected Landscape (Telde). So it runs through part of these two municipalities in the east of Gran Canaria.
Just enter "merenderos barranco de los cernícalos" into any GPS , and it’ll guide you to an area with tables and benches where you can leave your car before the start of the route through this beautiful spot.
If you’re coming from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the journey to the starting point is approximately 26 km or 34 minutes, while if you’re coming from the south (e.g. Maspalomas) it’s about 50 km or 45 minutes.
In any case, you have to cross the city of Telde (the second most populated city in Gran Canaria) from east to west and take the turning to the left, leaving behind the villages of Valle de los Nueve, Lomo Magullo and Los Arenales.
Hiking route along the Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine
Photo by Riccardo Mion on Unsplash
This hiking route is one of the most beautiful on the island, as it follows a stream that carries water all year round, as well as different small waterfalls. It’s an easy route, being 90% of the route flat and without danger.
However, you still need to be careful, as sometimes you’ll have to hold on to rocks or branches while going up or down. Of course, it’s important to wear suitable footwear to avoid slipping.
The trail is around 7 kilometres long. Since it’s not a circular route, you’ll have to go and return along the same route.
As for the duration of this hiking route, it can take from 2 to 3 hours to the last waterfall, including the return trip.
The path next to the stream offers several open areas where you can rest and recharge your batteries.
Flora and fauna of the Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine
This place is full of animals and vegetation. You can find unique birds such as the Grey wagtail, the canary, the blue tit, the goldfinch, the capirote, the crow, the calandra lark, the chiffchaff, the swift and, obviously, the kestrel, the small falcon that gives its name to the place in Spanish (cernícalo).
For plants, we can mention the Retama monosperma, the tabaiba, the trebinas or trebolina and the wild olive tree. The latter is an endemic Canary Island species that has made a name for itself here, with some specimens with almost human forms that greet hikers as they pass through.
When to go hiking in the Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine
To make the most of this natural jewel, we recommend the following:
- Don’t go on weekends or public holidays, since these are the days when most visitors go to the ravine. If we avoid them, we’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience without the annoying noise of cars, screaming children, music, etc.
- Go early in the morning: if you can't go during the week, the best thing to do is to go early in the morning so that you can walk along the path without desperate looking for parking.
Where to stay to enjoy the Barranco de los Cernícalos
Do you want to discover this beautiful ravine for yourself? Do you dare to walk along its path? Then the best thing to do is to rest in hotels aimed, among other things, at those who love hiking and outdoor activities in Gran Canaria!
Dunas Hotels & Resort is a chain of establishments located in the south of the island, about 45 minutes from the municipality of Valsequillo. If you stay in any of them, you can’t only enjoy the sun and the beach in the south of Gran Canaria, but you’ll also enjoy the wonderful landscapes that the rest of the island has to offer.
In our hotels you can relax and enjoy a spectacular climate after having done a route such as the Barranco de los Cernícalos. Starting with a hotel for adults only such as Don Gregory by Dunas, a family hotel such as Mirador Maspalomas by Dunas or the spectacular horizontal hotels Maspalomas Resort by Dunas and Suites & Villas by Dunas, both aimed especially at families but also at sportspeople in general, including cyclists and golf lovers.
Do you dare to discover one of the hidden gems of the island's orography?
