The Red Canyon Island Tour

Discover the landscapes, history and traditional villages of Gran Canaria on a full-day journey into the heart of the island.

The Red Canyon Tour takes you beyond the resorts to panoramic mountain viewpoints, ancient Canarian archaeological sites, traditional villages and one of Gran Canaria’s most spectacular geological formations — before finishing the adventure beside the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a fantastic introduction to the real Gran Canaria, combining nature, history, local food and some seriously impressive scenery.

Highlights

• Incredible panoramic views across the Caldera de Tirajana
• Discover traditional village life in Santa Lucía de Tirajana
• Taste authentic local Canarian products
• Explore the ancient caves and archaeological landscape of La Fortaleza
• Learn about Gran Canaria's indigenous Canarií history
• Enjoy a taste of local Canarian cuisine
• Walk through the spectacular Barranco de Las Vacas
• Finish the adventure beside the ocean in Arinaga
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 16 guests

Your Adventure

Our journey takes us into the mountains towards the spectacular Caldera de Tirajana, beginning with panoramic views from the El Guriete viewpoint.

From here, you can appreciate the enormous volcanic landscape that surrounds you and discover how millions of years of geological activity helped create the island we see today.

We then continue to the beautiful village of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, surrounded by palm trees and olive groves. Wander through its traditional streets, discover some of the area's history and learn about local traditions including olive cultivation and beekeeping.

There will also be an opportunity to taste some authentic Canarian products.

Next, we travel much further back in time at La Fortaleza, one of Gran Canaria's most important archaeological landscapes.

Explore ancient caves once used by the indigenous Canarií people as homes and spiritual spaces while your guide brings the history and culture of Gran Canaria's original inhabitants to life.

After all that exploring, it's time for lunch.

We return to Santa Lucía for a taste of local Canarian cuisine before continuing to one of the most photogenic stops of the day — Barranco de Las Vacas.

Walk between the narrow, smooth, terracotta-coloured walls of this extraordinary ravine, sculpted over centuries by water and wind.

And finally, we swap the mountains for the ocean.

Our adventure finishes in the traditional coastal town of Arinaga, where you'll have time to relax beside the Atlantic, stroll along the promenade or enjoy a refreshing swim before beginning the journey home.

What's Included

• Pick-up and return transportation from selected locations
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional accredited guide
• Panoramic visit to the El Guriete viewpoint
• Visit to Santa Lucía de Tirajana
• Tasting of local products
• Guided exploration of La Fortaleza
• Taste of local Canarian cuisine
• Visit to Barranco de Las Vacas
• Coastal stop at Arinaga
• Medical assistance insurance during the activity
• Hiking poles upon prior request
• Photos taken by your guide

Approximate Itinerary

Pick-up and transfer

Pick-ups take place from selected locations around Gran Canaria before we head into the mountains.

El Guriete Lookout

Our first stop offers spectacular panoramic views over the Caldera de Tirajana and towards La Fortaleza. It's also the perfect introduction to the volcanic geology and colourful landscapes of this part of Gran Canaria.

Santa Lucía de Tirajana

Explore this picturesque Canarian village surrounded by palm trees and olive groves.

You'll have time to discover the village before visiting a local shop to taste traditional Canarian products.

La Fortaleza

Journey into Gran Canaria's ancient past as we explore caves associated with the indigenous Canarií people.

Your guide will introduce you to the history and significance of this remarkable archaeological landscape.

Traditional Canarian Lunch

Relax and enjoy a taste of local Canarian cuisine surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Santa Lucía.

Barranco de Las Vacas

Take a short walk into one of Gran Canaria's most distinctive geological landscapes.

Its narrow passage and flowing terracotta-coloured rock formations have made Barranco de Las Vacas one of the island's most photographed natural attractions.

Arinaga

Finish the day on the coast in the fishing town of Arinaga.

Take a stroll along the seafront, relax beside the Atlantic or bring your swimwear and enjoy a refreshing dip before we begin our return journey.

Duration

This is a full-day adventure.

Depending on your pick-up location, the complete experience lasts approximately 9½ to 11½ hours, including around 6½ hours of activities and sightseeing.

Transport time varies according to your collection point.

Difficulty

The Red Canyon Tour is rated Basic–Easy and is suitable for most travellers.

There are two short walks into the ravine, each approximately 1 km or less, so you should be comfortable walking outdoors on natural terrain.

Important Information

The tour is available in English and Spanish.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 16 participants, creating a much more personal way to explore the island.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Places for children are limited.

Gran Canaria's mountain roads can be winding, so if you're prone to travel sickness you may wish to bring suitable medication.

Please advise us of any dietary requirements or food restrictions when booking. With sufficient notice, the team will do their best to provide a suitable alternative, although this cannot always be guaranteed.

The experience is not recommended for guests with reduced mobility, pregnant travellers, people with serious heart or other medical conditions, or guests with recent injuries.

The itinerary may occasionally need to be adapted because of weather, terrain or other conditions on the day.