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Canary Islands Walking - Gran Canaria

Canary Islands, Spain - Trip code LOC Walking and Trekking
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102Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Get off the beaten beach path and explore volcanic Gran Canaria on our one-week walking tour. Staying in Aguimes and remote Aldea, discover dramatic landscapes, steep gorges and semi-tropical valleys on foot. From the cave dwellings of the Guayadeque Canyon to the Roque Nublo mountain, witness a new side to the island as we tick off its lesser-known gems.

Why we love this trip
  • Roque Nublo - Witness the distinctive volcanic rock formation, one of Gran Canaria's most famous landmarks.
  • Canarian cuisine and sangria - Refuel after long walks, sampling authentic dishes in picturesque villages.
  • Historic trails - Follow the network of 'caminos reales' to explore the island's mountainous interior.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Public Bus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Aguimes

Our trip starts in Aguimes a small, traditional town in the east of Gran Canaria.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Aguimes at any time. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

We don't provide arrival transfers on this tour, but information on how to reach the hotel will be provided in your final documentation.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to explore the narrow streets of Aguimes\ historic old town, wander to the Parish Church of San Sebastian to soak up the neoclassical architecture or find a quiet cafe and acclimatise to the relaxed pace of life.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rural Casa de los Camellos (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Circular walk to the Guayadeque Canyon

Today, we'll set off on our first walk, heading to one of the island's biggest landmarks, the Guayadeque Canyon. Running southeast along the slopes of Pico de las Nieves, the canyon is a hiking hot spot thanks to its wild, winding pathways, unique plants and sweeping other-worldly vistas. As we get closer to the gorge, you'll notice the volcanic landscape take on a lunar feel reminiscent of the canyons of North America.

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the area is fairytale-esque with ancient cave dwellings carved into the lava rock. The rugged landscape is awash with native flora and fauna and as we walk there are traces of lava fields, left behind from an eruption of the smaller volcano. There is the option to visit the visitor centre and museum for anyone looking for more insight into the geological and human history of the area.

Later we leave the gorge and head up to the ridge and the Degollada Bermeja pass before heading back to Aguimes on a gentle descent through open countryside and meadows.

Please note, there is little shade in the countryside around Aguimes. Strong sun protection is a must as well as a sun hat.

Today's 12-kilometre/7.4-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 550 metres/1,804 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rural Casa de los Camellos (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Walk to the base of Roque Nublo and see Acusa Seca cave dwellings

This morning, we'll drive west to Degollada del Aserrador. From here, we'll walk uphill on a picturesque trail to the plateau with views of Roque Nublo mountain. A gentle ascent brings us to the base of Roque Nublo, the landmark rock of Gran Canaria, where we'll have views across the island and - weather permitting - across to neighbouring islands of the Canaries.

After a picnic lunch, we'll descend to La Culata where we'll have a rest stop in a café before continuing to Acusa Seca by bus. On arrival, we'll set off for a shorter walk to see the ancient cave dwellings. Then, we'll drive to La Aldea, our base for the next three nights.

Today's combined 10-kilometre/6.2-mile walks are expected to take around four-and-a-half hours in total. The first walk has 380 metres/1,246 feet of ascent and 560 metres/1,837 feet of descent and the second walk has 20 metres/65 feet of ascent and 220 metres/721 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Aldea Suites (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Ancient village trail

Hopping on the local public bus this morning, we'll travel a short distance to the start of today's walk at the Aldea Pass (700 metres/2,296 feet). From here, we'll follow an ancient pathway that once connected the villages of La Aldea, Tasarte and Veneguara. It's an undulating trail with one steep but short downhill section. On our left-hand side, we'll see the impressive walls of Los Azulejos, green layered rock sheets topped by the Inagua Forest.

When we reach the village church of Veneguera, we'll take a short break for lunch before continuing our walk over the last pass that leads us into the Barranco de Mogan. Here, there'll be time for a coffee break while we wait for the public bus that will take us back to La Aldea.

Today's 11-kilometre/6.8-mile walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 200 metres/656 feet of ascent and 400 metres/1,312 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Aldea Suites (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Free day. Opportunity to relax or walk along the coast of La Aldea

Today is free for you to relax or take on an extra, optional walk.

You might like to relax and enjoy village life in La Aldea, or head to the nearby beach, 5 kilometres/3 miles away. Further afield, you could visit the city of Galdar and see the Cueva Pintada Museum to learn about aboriginal life on the islands before stopping off for a dip in the ocean on your way back.

Alternatively, keen walkers might like to head out on a coastal walk in the vicinity of La Aldea, with great views across the Atlantic Ocean.

Today's optional 6-kilometre/3.7-mile walk is expected to take around two hours with 200 metres/656 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Aldea Suites (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Visit Tejeda village and walk Pico de las Nieves

This morning, we'll drive to the village of Tejeda (1,050 metres/3,445 feet) for a stroll through the old village and a pit stop for coffee. From there, we'll continue by bus to the vicinity of Pico de las Nieves (1,942 metres/6,371 feet), the highest peak of the island. Here, we'll walk up to the peak with with fabulous views, before continuing down to Degollada de los Gaatos (1790 metres/5872 feet) and enjoy a picnic lunch with views of Roque Nublo. We'll descend to Cruz Grande where the bus is waiting and head to San Bartolome for a coffee stop. Finally we drive back to Aguimes for our final two nights.

Today's 9-kilometre/5.6-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and 800 metres/2,624 feet of descent.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rural Casa de los Camellos (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Circular walk around Santa Lucia

Today, we'll travel by local bus (a 55-minute journey) the hamlet of Rosiana where we start our walk following the Culata gorge, one of the key natural feature of the centre of the island. Popular with hikers it is known for its dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. We reach Santa Lucia village with its traditional Canarian architecture of whie-washed houses and narrow streets. We take time for coffee before heading back to Aguimes.

Today's 12-kilometre/7-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 500 metres/1640 feet of ascent and 950 metres/3,116 feet of descent

Accommodation:

Hotel Rural Casa de los Camellos (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Aguimes

Our tour ends after breakfast at our hotel in Aguimes.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Aguimes at any time.

We don't provide airport transfers but the airport is easy to reach in around 20 minutes. Our tour leader will be on hand to help you book a taxi or catch the local bus. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Canary Islands

Climate

The Canary Islands enjoy a relatively stable climate making them a good year round destination. The warmer temperatures in the winter months also make the islands a great winter walking holiday choice. The best months for walking are October to April, avoiding the heat of the summer, the evenings can still be chilly and rain is possible in January and February. The Canary Gulf Stream and trade winds provides each island with its own micro-climate, bringing different climatic conditions to each side of the islands.

Time difference to GMT

The Canary Islands are -1hrs from mainland Spain

Spain

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands, the Canaries and Balaerics, experience very mild winters and warm summers, making them ideal year round destinations.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


From La Aldea de San Nicolas:
Fare to local beach (Puerto du Mogan) on local bus 1.40€ each way
Taxi fare to local beach €6 (maximum 4 people) each way
Fare to Galdar €3.50 on local bus each way
Galdar Museum €6 (over 65 €3)
Fares for optional walk from Degollada de la Aldea to Los Azulejos approx. €4
Las Palmas - €25, local bus also available
Maspalomas - Sand dunes on the beach €25, local bus also available

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)
-Folding seat pad is also a good idea for picnic lunches

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew

Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £15 of local c urrency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Canary Islands

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Foreign Exchange

Spain

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£20.00 - 35.00
Beer price
£1.50 - 3.50 (depending on the region/area in Spain)
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
In cities and most major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Public Bus

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we stay in two comfortable-grade hotels. Accommodation and service levels in Spain are generally very good. To bring you closer to your destination, we tend to use small, family-run hotels. Due to this, porters and/or lifts aren't usually available. Please keep in mind when you're packing that you'll have to carry your own luggage.
In Aguimes, we stay at Hotel Rural Casa de los Camellos, a historic country house in the heart of town. The hotel features traditional Canarian architecture, with interior courtyards and a garden. Rooms have good amenities, including air conditioning, WiFi, TVs and en-suite bathrooms.
In San Nicolas, we stay at Aldea Suites. Rooms feature air conditioning, WiFi, TVs and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and bar.
It's worth noting that breakfasts in Spain are generally light - sometimes as simple as coffee and a pastry.

Canary Islands

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Spain

Food and drink

Spanish cuisine offers a huge variety of flavours, influenced by diverse regions and cultures. From the tapas of Andalusia to the hearty stews of Catalonia each dish tells a story. Vegetarians are typically well catered for however in the more rural areas choices may be more limited, broadly speaking this holds true for vegans.
Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Spain/Canary Islands: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

1949

Canary Islands

Spain

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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