DURATION
5 nights
LOCATION
Gran Canaria
ANNUAL LEAVE
4 days off work
SEASON
Oct-July
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Gran Canaria Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Guesthouse · Hostel
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
You’ll need to be fit and capable of hiking for up to 9 hours a day, up paths of moderate difficulty, with some steep, loose sections.
Stomp to the summit of Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island at a hefty 1949m
Bask in a subtropical climate, traversing one of the sunniest islands in the world, and cool off in coastal rock pools on remote beaches
Explore this biodiverse island on little-used hiking trails, experiencing dramatic mountain ranges, sunken calderas and epic ocean views
Day 1
Welcome to Gran Canaria
After being met by your host, begin your Canarian adventure with a quick drive to a beautiful beach. Enjoy your first sea swim and bask in the island’s year-round sun, before heading inland to the peaceful Barranco de Guayadeque. This area was one of the first parts of the island to be colonised after the Spanish conquest in 1491. You’ll have dinner with your guide and fellow adventurers at a traditional cave restaurant and hear all about the challenge ahead.
Day 2
Through the volcanic canyon
Hiking
9-10hrs · 21km · 1200m up · 200m down
You’ll head off through the lower hills of Barranco de Guayadeque; this ancient gorge once housed a river that carved smooth walls into the cliffs. Filled with caves, the gorge has been a hiding place for pre-Hispanic mummies, pottery and inscriptions, and your guide will have plenty of stories to tell about this fascinating culture. Passing first through pine forests, then up a steep mountain pass, you’ll end up in the La Cumbre region, the highest part of the island. You’ll push on to the summit of El Pico de Las Nieves (1950m) - soak up that ‘top of the world’ feeling and check out the blanket of clouds below you.
Day 3
The Spanish Stonehenge
Hiking
7hrs · 19km · 700m up · 300m down
Today’s hike crosses the highlands as you make your way to the famous Roque Nublo. This 80-metre monolith has inspired painters, writers and composers, and is a sacred spot rich with mystic stories and tales of worship and sacrifice. You’ll continue on the undulating track through lost hamlets before reaching the village of Tejeda - this circular route gives you the chance to soak up the enormity of the Caldera de Tejeda.
Day 4
Laurisilva Forest
Hiking
6hrs · 11km · 200m up · 700m down
Enjoy a more relaxed day today as you pass through the highest caves on the island, Cuevas del Caballero, and catch sight of one of the youngest volcanos on Gran Canaria - Montañon Negro. After that, you’ll head deep into the greenest part of the island, and trek through Laurisilva Forest, a rare remnant of subtropical laurel forest related to those found in Macaronesia. There may be the opportunity for an excursion to a nomadic local cheese farm at Fontanales, where you can learn all about the traditions of artisan cheese-making process - this is weather dependent as the farm moves bi-annually with the seasons that are less defined every year.
Day 5
What goes up must come down...
Hiking
8hrs · 18km · 300m up · 1400m down
The morning begins with a hike into yet another new landscape, helping Gran Canaria live up to its nickname of ‘a continent in miniature’. You’ll descend into the green and humid gorge of Barranco Hondo, leading to one of the most fertile valleys of the island - the Agaete Valley, bursting with an abundance of flora and fauna. Before arriving at the coastal fishing village of Agaete, you’ll have the option of dropping into a local coffee plantation to learn about the growing, harvesting and processing of the coffee beans, according to permaculture principles.
Day 6
Time to chill...
Wake up refreshed and stretch into the day with a yoga class and relaxing ocean views to reinvigorate those tired muscles. Today is yours at leisure - If you wish to have a massage, a local masseur is on hand and your host can arrange this at the start of the trip for you. Following a leisurely breakfast, maybe jump into one of the volcanic rock pools along the coast, known locally as Las Salinas, and soak away that thigh burn. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the village of Agaete - why not try some of the local fish for an early lunch or spend a couple of hours relaxing on the black-stone beach? In the afternoon, you’ll head back to the airport and say your goodbyes.
Included
Guides
English-speaking, qualified mountain guides
Accommodation
5 nights in small rural guesthouses
Meals
Tasty food to munch on throughout
Luggage transfer
Vehicle support to take your overnight kit
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Visas where required
Day 1
Guesthouse · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Guesthouse · Twin or triple share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Guesthouse · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Hostel · Multi share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Savour the delights of Canarian gastronomy, with fresh produce cooked with love by the host's family chef and a wide variety of regional dishes, from artisan cheese to locally-grown coffee. Breakfasts most days will be continental style, consisting of tea and coffee, bread, butter, local jams and honey, fruit, pastries, cheese, ham and juices. For lunch in some seriously scenic spots, expect more than sandwiches, as your support crew will provide an abundant spread of salads, cold mezze and vegetarian dishes - all made using local produce.
Dinners will be eaten at the guesthouses. You’ll feast on regional specialties, from delicious papas arrugadas con mojo (potatoes cooked in salt water with a piquant sauce), bienmesabe (a traditional dessert made on the island, consisting of almonds and lemon zest) to tapas and meat cooked on an open fire. This is a wonderful way to support the local economy and learn more about Canarian culture.
Vegetarian, vegan and most dietary requirements can be accommodated, please just let your host know upon booking.
What is the accommodation like?
On the trek
You’ll sleep in comfortable and unique guesthouse accommodation, known locally as casas rurales, with incredible views of Gran Canaria’s changing landscape.
On the first night you will stay at Casas Cuevas Tagoror in cave houses looking out over a dramatic gorge. The next two nights will be spent at Hotel El Refugio, located 1,500m above sea level, with a small swimming pool and an incredible view of the sunset. On the fourth night, you will stay at Cabañas Valle Verde in Fontanales in cosy wooden cabins. The final night of the trip will be spent at Casa Calma Yoga Hostel in Agaete, just fifteen minutes walk from a glorious beach.
Most guesthouses are converted houses, the rooms available vary at each one but you will be in same-sex twin-share rooms for most nights. In general, the guesthouses have two or three single beds per room, (double beds can be arranged for couples). On the last night, you’ll be sleeping in dorms of up to six people. These will mostly be single-sex but there may be some trips where men and women will share in a six-bed room. You will only share with members of your trip. Agaete is not yet on the tourist map so accommodation options are extremely limited.
Upgrades
Due to the small size of the accommodation and limited room availability on this trip, there is no option to upgrade to a private room. As this is a rural trek, options are extremely limited re where to stay with a group.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Las Palmas City Centre or Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Prior to 12:00 Las Palmas City Centre, or 12:00 - 19:00 Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) on Day 1
Ends
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
13:30 on Day 6
Transfers
If you are flying into Gran Canaria on Day 1, please ensure your flight lands between 12:00 and 19:00 and the host will collect you from the airport according to your flight schedule (if your flight is scheduled to land outside of these times, please contact your host prior to travel to arrange alternative transportation).
If you are already in Gran Canaria before the start of the trip, your host will collect you from your Las Palmas accommodation prior to 12:00 on Day 1 (if your accommodation is outside Las Palmas, please contact your host prior to travel to arrange alternative transportation).
At the end of your trip, you will be dropped at the airport at 13:30, please book a flight that departs after 15:30. Once you have booked your flights, please provide your host with this information, who will plan logistics and provide you with pick-up times within two weeks of your trip starting.
There are regular shuttle buses to/from Las Palmas to the airport, the journey into the centre takes 20 minutes.
Travel options
There are daily flights to Gran Canaria from major airports across the UK and Europe. If you choose to arrive early, there are regular buses across the island that you can use to explore. Our local host has a wealth of information about accommodation and activities - please do not hesitate to contact them for advice before planning your experience.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
Bags
Overnight soft duffel or rucksack
Daypack/rucksack (approx 20 litres)
Waterproof liner/drybag for day bag
Clothes
Waterproof jacket
Breathable wicking layers
Fleece or similar
Buff or neckscarf
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
Underwear and socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Something to sleep in
Hiking boots or shoes (worn-in)
Sandals
Thermals (merino ideal) for Dec-Feb trips only
Other
Tupperware and cutlery for lunches
Universal travel plug adapter
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Suncream (minimum factor 30)
Towel
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper to the guesthouses to dispose of)
Alcohol hand-gel
2 x reusable water bottle x1 approx litre capacity ea.
Optional
Ear plugs
Insect repellent
Energy bars and snacks
Walking poles can be very useful for long downhill sections
No optional extras are available for this trip.
The trip was magical! You get to see different, beautiful and secluded sides of the island that not many people get to experience. The team guiding and planning is absolutely amazing, from super clear and comprehensive information before the trip to the airport pickup and start of the trip, every single thing is thought with care, they really want to make your experience as magical as possible. And they succeeded, even adapting the plans due to any weather/injury/request/etc. Our group quickly grew from strangers on day 1 to very much a family feeling by the end of the trip. This trip was really a very special experience for me that blew any expectations I had out of the water. The only feedback I have is they have set the bar super high to other trips! Many and massive thank you for all the team and fellow adventurers!
What an incredible trip! The hikes are varied and out of this world. It was hot in June but still great since the guides were attentive to everyone’s pace, searching for shadows and winds, ending the days at the beach or at the pool! We were lucky to travel with such guides so dedicated to sharing their knowledge and energy. Thank you, Ferre, Pier and Adán! The accommodation and food were amazing too and it was a pleasure to meet my fellow travellers!
Fantastic hiking experience - it is a unique way of seeing the island, and learning about the history and topography too. Highly recommend it!!
Fabulous trip with some wonderful guides for whom nothing was too much trouble. The hiking is top-notch with plenty of interest and different scenery - some long climbs and a tough descent makes for some great days out. I would highly recommend bringing walking poles especially for the last day's descent. The accommodation is quirky but charming (best bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper). Loved the beach yoga on the last morning too!
Amazing trip, catered for everyone, really felt like we were seeing the best of the island.
This trip was fantastic. Gran Canaria sensational in itself, in terms of the scenery and the diversity of the landscapes. But, also the host team were brilliant. Ana was wonderful in the administration back at the host HQ, and the guides we had on the trip were very professional and everything worked like clockwork. The accommodations were clean and ready, the day bags arrived when and where they were supposed to be. There were very few problems that I saw, and the team was well organised and prepared.
You would think that there has to be some minor issues at least, but I'm struggling to think of any. All in all, it was a smooth trip, against the backdrop of this magnificent island, the interior of which, many tourists shamefully miss out on. I'd thoroughly recommend it to others, and may even come back myself for another walk through!
Great hiking in a fantastic environment with guides who can tell you all about the area.
Totally recommend this adventure. It was interesting, challenging and really well navigated and organised. The views are amazing! Our hosts really care for the island and have spent a lot of time understanding the landscape, the people and the way of life. I had a fantastic time meeting people who loved hiking, exploring and eating our weight in bread!
Fantastic trip! Gran Canaria is a beautiful island and the trek takes you through the heart of it, to parts of the island you would otherwise never see. The trail is perfectly curated, with stunning and varied scenery throughout. In terms of difficulty, it's definitely a decent workout, but very manageable (and enjoyable!) for anyone with a decent level of fitness and a good pair of shoes.
The group dynamic was great, with a real mixture of personalities and everyone gelled from the off.
Special mention to our fantastic guides Ferre, Robin and Pierre, whose unique mix of energy, humour and wisdom really made the trip. This was my first MBA trip and the bar has been set very high.
This was a fantastic trip, the views were out of this world! The organisers were some of the best I have come across at MBA.
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 148kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This trek requires a good level of fitness. You must be capable of hiking all day up paths of moderate difficulty with steep, loose sections. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the loose footing and long climbs will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
You can fill your bottles up at the guesthouses every day and your host will provide water stops at most lunch spots. The water on Gran Canaria is perfectly safe to drink - the locals mostly choose not to as it has been treated from the sea so contains minimum minerals and sometimes a slight chlorine taste. This can be eradicated with a cordial or similar to add to your bottle if you like. Your host will also provide mineral water from 5ltr bottles should you choose not to drink the water.
Gran Canaria enjoys year-round warmth and sunshine with very little seasonal variation. Summers are hot and dry while winters are just slightly cooler, with the potential for a few showers. The island’s southerly location is on the same latitude as the Sahara, meaning it is much hotter than mainland Spain in the winter. However, it will get cooler at night, and once in the high interior of the island, the temperature can drop by quite a few degrees.
While hiking you can expect fairly consistent daytime temperatures of 18-24ºC and mostly clear skies; however, in the winter it can drop as low as 5ºC at night time. It can also be windy on the top of the peaks, and as you will be passing through different microclimates, it's not unusual to experience days where you will be hiking in 15ºC in the morning and 30ºC in the afternoon. As you will be getting up pretty high there is, of course, the chance of some showers in the mountains but these are rare, short and sharp if they do occur. The sea temperature will be approx 18-26ºC, so very swimmable in the winter months.
Your overnight luggage will be transported with you in the van each day. During the day, you can leave your bag in your room at the mountain chalet.
For current advice about travelling in Spain, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
