Barranco de los Cernicalos

Barranco de los Cernicalos, what a carve up

The Barranco de los Cernicalos bridges two municipios. Telde, where we’re dropped off after a four-hour hike. And Valsequillo, where we’re picked up. In a Las Vegas sans the bright lights of Nevada’s. But one with a sea of cloud to clear the blear from our eyes. Come on, guys, it was a dawn start.

Hike when you like

There’s some debate if GC, with its Eternal Spring, has a rambling season. Yet the summer spike means hiking in the heat. Still, the Barranco de los Cernicalos, with tree and bush, offers shade. And if taking photos, you’ll burn carbs at a lower rate as you go slow to catch it all on film. Picture that if you will, friends.

Canarian waterways

One more way to beat the heat’s to set off am instead of pm. The path follows a stream and indeed crosses it, with logs for bridges. There are waterfalls aplenty, such as the one at the end which is a popular spot to cool off. So don swimwear under your hiking get-up. As the family-friendly nature of this trek rules out skinny dipping.

Natural Gran Canaria

UNESCO rank Gran Canaria a World Biosphere Reserve. Due to areas of outstanding natural beauty like the Barranco de los Cernicalos, famed for its wild olive and willow trees, along with the kestrels after which it’s named. Which itself is part of the Los Marteles reserve, which borders not just Telde and Valsequillo, but Santa Lucía, Agüimes, San Mateo, San Bartolmé, Ingenio, and Tejeda too. Giving you an indication of its size. Hey, big can be as beautiful as small, you know.

Disclaimer: Mr Gran Canaria Local paid in full for a Valsequilleando trek. This Valsequillo-based hiking group offer guided walks every Sunday. The cost is 6,00€ per person. Their calendar also includes dates where you can visit dairies and vineyards, along with learning how to kayak.