5 stages of ◆Camino del Guanche◆ Including transport of luggage and persons, maps, descriptions & GPX-files – Difficulty: ▲▲▲▲△
Camino del Guanche
Gran Canaria trail GR 131 – 5 stages:
Includes 7 nights in strategic accommodation, breakfast included. 5 walking days through the Gran Canaria trail GR 131, self-guided. We organise all the necessary transfers for each stage, with luggage transfer from hotel to hotel.
full itinerary: 76,8 Km
total climbs:△ 3564 mts
total drops: ▽ 3563 mts
STAGES AND ACCOMMODATION:
arrival in Gran Canaria
arrival transfer on your own
1st night in Maspalomas ▸Hotel Los Calderones
1st: Maspalomas - Arteara
walking distance: 17,3 Km
total climbs: + 468 m
total drops: – 121 m
2nd night in Maspalomas ▸Hotel Los Calderones
2nd: Arteara - Tunte
walking distance: 10,1 Km
total climbs: + 599 m
total drops: – 60 m
3rd night in Tunte ▸Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte
3rd: Tunte - Cruz de Tejeda
walking distance: 15,8 Km
total climbs: + 1.061 m
total drops: – 433 m
4th night in Cruz de Tejeda ▸Hotel El Refugio
4th: Cruz de Tejeda - El Hornillo
walking distance: 17,4 Km
total climbs: + 657 m
total drops: – 1.427 m
5th night in El Hornillo ▸Refugio El Hornillo (shared room)
or 5th night in Cruz de Tejeda ▸Hotel El Refugio (private room)
5th: El Hornillo - Agaete
walking distance: 16,2 Km
total climbs: + 779 m
total drops: – 1.522 m
6th & 7th night in Agaete ▸Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves
departure day
airport transfer on your own
SEE DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This programme is for you if you are in excellent physical condition; if you can cover steep slopes and have no vertigo or health problems; if you regularly do long walks and consider yourself a good sportsman, love nature and are respectful of the environment.
Videoconference information – personalised information by video-talk on your arrival day
Information material – maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
GPX Tracs – to follow your tourss with your mobile device
Taxi or public bus transfers – all necessary transfers for each route, except on arrival and departure day
Support 24h – we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or doubt you may have
Choose your dates now and book your trip !
Any arrival date is possible – You decide your travel dates and programme start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations.
Booking: With a firts payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
Get in advance !! …and get a 10% discount for bookings made 90 daysbefore the arrival date.
Get in advance !! …and get a 10% discount for bookings made 90 daysbefore the arrival date.
Want to include other islands in your trip? You will save on ferry transfers or inter-island flights. We organise free of charge the connections between islands for you!
The Guanches were the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands until the arrival of the Spaniards. The Guanche population is of Berber origin and it is assumed that they arrived on the islands around 1800 years ago. They developed differently on each island, so they have been given different names depending on the island: Benahoritas on La Palma; Bimbaches on El Hierro; Guanches on Tenerife and La Gomera…
But their way of life and customs were similar: they lived by herding, berry picking and local fishing. They lived in caves and did not know how to use metals. They did not sail, so there was no interaction between the tribes on the different islands.
In their journeys on foot with their herds, they used paths and trails previously marked by the animals. They used these trails to reach places suitable for grazing, crossed deep ravines and maintained relations with the various menceyatos of each island.
Today these trails are for the enjoyment of contemporary hikers and have technical designations such as GR 130 or GR 131. But we, in homage to those hardened hikers of the past, prefer to call them…
Camino del Guanche
Connect several islands
For more than 2 islands, we organise free of charge the connections between those islands that are arranged consecutively (next to each other).
This offer is not valid for islands with other intervening islands (e.g. La Gomera and Gran Canaria – La Palma and Lanzarote – Fuerteventura and Tenerife).
Arrival and departure flights to your destination are not included. However, if you prefer, we can take care of the booking of your flights.
Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport on arrival and departure days, but we can organise it for you to fair prices ▻ Arrival: Airport-Maspalomas……………. 40 € ▻ Departure: Agaete-Airport … 65 €
If you have difficulty boarding your walking poles on the flight, we can provide you with our telescopic poles for €14 each.
Take out Cancellation Insurance for your trip for few Pounds and ensure you get a full refund of everything you paid, including your flights.
Valid in more than 35 different cases for health, legal, labour or extraordinary reasons.
Gran Canaria trail GR 131
Gran Canaria island is a small sample of the world contained in an area of barely 1500 km2. An island that can be explored on foot along its ancestral paths.
In the past, these paths were used to move goods from north to south and from east to west. Today they are used for the leisure and enjoyment of hikers from all over the world who come to Gran Canaria for the attraction of its trails.
The Gran Canaria trail GR 131 belongs to the European network of footpaths, also called E 7. Our Camino del Guanche follows most of this path, but also some sections of the so-called “Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria”.
Throughout its 5 stages you will be able to enjoy an unusual variation of landscapes, on an island that has become popular for its beach side, in the south of the island.
While its soft sandy beaches and warm waters are a treasure trove for sun and sand lovers, the breathtaking western cliffs also offer an unusual vision of drama and beauty.
It is well worth a visit to its inland villages, which show us a simple but exquisitely beautiful architecture as well as the extraordinary uniqueness of its landscapes.
Definitely, the experience of walking along the Gran Canaria trail GR 131 will offer you a new and attractive vision of the island.
Characteristic corners and enclaves of Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is an island full of contrasts and with many characteristic places. Here are some of the most outstanding places on the island:
The Maspalomas Dunes: This is a golden sand dune system and a popular place to stroll and enjoy the sun and sea.
Roque Nublo: It is an iconic rock formation in the centre of the island and one of the most photographed places in Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: This is the island’s capital and has a wealth of museums, art galleries and beautiful beaches.
Tejeda: A charming mountain village in the centre of the island with spectacular views and typical Canarian architecture.
Barranco de Guayadeque: An impressive gorge that is home to numerous archaeological and cultural sites, as well as several caves that have been converted into restaurants.
Puerto de Mogán: A beautiful fishing port with pastel-coloured buildings and freshwater canals that give it the nickname “Little Venice”.
Agaete: A picturesque village in the north of the island with natural hot springs and a port that connects to Tenerife.
These are just some of the most characteristic places in Gran Canaria, but there are many more charming corners and places on the island that are worth discovering, for example: Gáldar. This is a town in the north of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands. It was the pre-Hispanic capital of the island and today it is known for its historical and cultural heritage, as well as for its nearby beaches and beautiful landscapes.
You shouldn’t miss a visit to Teror either, together with Tejeda it is one of the most beautiful villages on the island, with traditional Canarian architecture and an important role in the religious history of Gran Canaria.
…And of course, Artenara. Located in the centre of the island, it enjoys spectacular views of the Roque Nublo and the Caldera de Tejeda, an impressive geological formation created by volcanic activity.
The hotel is located just a few steeps from Maspalomas dunes. After leaving your luggage at the reception, you will start walking north until you find the first signs of the trail.
You walk northwards, up the avenue until you find the markings of the so-called "Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria". This path enters through the Barranco de Vicentillos ravine and then continues along the Barranco de Fataga ravine until you reach Arteara.
Arteara was an aboriginal enclave. The Arteara Necropolis is located in its valley, as well as countless small plantations of tropical trees. From there, transfer back to Tarajalillo.
17,3 km | +468 m / -121 m
+ Masai Mara Resort (Arteara)
3
Day 3
2nd stage: Arteara - Tunte
Today your walk will start directly in Arteara, following the Camino de Santiago to Tunte, until San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
This is a fairly easy stage that will take you to the midlands of the beautiful interior of Gran Canaria.
The parish church of San Bartolomé dates from the 17th century and has a splendid Baroque façade and an interesting interior decorated with murals and religious sculptures. Tunte is also home to the "La Fortaleza" Interpretation Centre, a symbolic enclave of the Guanche resistance to the Spanish conquerors.
10,1 km | +599 m / -65 m
+ Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte (Tunte)
4
Day 4
3rd stage: Tunte - Cruz de Tejeda
Today's stage takes you to the heart of Gran Canaria: Cruz de Tejeda, 1,560 metres above sea level. The trail climbs up to the summit area, skirting part of the Caldera de Tejeda before reaching the destination.
Cruz de Tejeda is an emblematic enclave in Gran Canaria. From here you have a spectacular panoramic view over a large part of the island, including Roque Nublo, one of the best known natural icons of Gran Canaria.
The Hotel El Refugio is a strategic accommodation for both hikers on the GR 131 and those walking the Camino de Santiago. Opposite is the Parador Cruz de Tejeda and an excellent viewpoint overlooking the western part of Gran Canaria.
15,8 km | +1.061 m / -433 m
+ Hotel El Refugio (Cruz de Tejeda)
5
Day 5
4th stage: Cruz de Tejeda - El Hornillo
The trail from Cruz de Tejeda to El Hornillo is part of the GR 131, which is also known as the Water Route. Leaving Artenara behind, the GR 131 starts descending, passing three dams: Presa de Soria, Presa de Las Niñas and Presa de Chira.
El Hornillo is a tiny village, with only a small church, situated in the upper part of the Barranco de Agaete. But its refuge offers safe shelter to GR 131 hikers on their descent to Agaete.
We are now on the west side of the mountain massif of Gran Canaria. A very sunny area but with frequent winds.
17,4 km | +657 m / -1.427 m
+ Refugio El Hornillo (El Hornillo)
6
Day 6
5th stage: El Hornillo - Agaete
Today it is time to descend through the Barranco de Agaete, a fertile valley where a favourable microclimate allows coffee plantations to flourish, cultivated in a traditional way, together with plantations of all kinds of tropical fruits.
The Villa de Agaete, just over 100 metres above the sea, looks like a village frozen in time and has a pleasant colonial atmosphere. Old mansions form a beautiful central square, lined with centenary trees that cast their shade on the terraces of old traditional cafés.
But the GR 131 trail ends at Puerto de Las Nieves itself. You still have to walk a few minutes to reach the picturesque Puerto de Agaete, an enclave that invites you to relax after the 5 stages.
16,2 km | +779 m / -1.522 m
+ Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves (Agaete)
7
Day 7
Beach Day in Agaete
The port of Agaete offers a pleasant seaside atmosphere. Next to the harbour, a beach of fine black sand stretches southwards, closing at the Dedo de Diós, a characteristic basalt monolith pointing skywards.
A multitude of gastronomic establishments with terraces that spread their tables along the pedestrianised streets invite you to enjoy a day of calm and relax by the sea.
+ Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves (Agaete)
8
Day 8
Departure
Transfer on your own to the airport for departure.
TOUR LOCATION
Walking through the island of Gran Canaria is a genuine experience. You will enjoy a wide variety of landscapes and breathtaking views. Will allow you to connect with nature and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMME: you can rearrange the stages in order to fit days off in between them. We adapt it to your wishes.
STAGES AND ACCOMMODATION:
arrival in Gran Canaria
arrival transfer on your own
1ªst night in Maspalomas > Hotel Los Calderones
1st: Maspalomas - Arteara
walking distance: 17,3 Km
total climbs: + 468 m
total drops: - 121 m
2ªnd night in Maspalomas > Hotel Los Calderones
2nd: Arteara - Tunte
walking distance: 10,1 Km
total climbs: + 599 m
total drops: - 60 m
3rd night in Tunte > Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte
3rd: Tunte - Cruz de Tejeda
walking distance: 15,8 Km
total climbs: + 1.061 m
total drops: - 433 m
4th night in Cruz de Tejeda > Hotel El Refugio
4th: Cruz de Tejeda - El Hornillo
walking distance: 17,4 Km
total climbs: + 657 m
total drops: - 1.427 m
5th night in El Hornillo ▸Refugio El Hornillo (shared room)
or 5th night in Cruz de Tejeda ▸Hotel El Refugio (private room)
5th: El Hornillo - Agaete
walking distance : 16,2 Km
total climbs: + 779 m
total drops: - 1.522 m
6th & 7th night in Agaete > Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves
departure day
departure transfer to the airport on your own
We certify your stages on the
Camino del Guanche
Get the T-shirt with logo and inscriptions that certify your itinerary along GRAN CANARIA's Camino del Guanche after completing the 5 stages.
We will send it to you at the end of your trip (*) together with a named certificate, to be displayed wherever you want.
(*) Free shipping by regular mail. When you make your reservation you only have to tell us your size and shipping address.
Los Calderones aparthotel is located in the tourist district of Maspalomas, very close to the dunes and extensive white sand beach of the south of Gran Canaria. This holiday complex with a swimming pool is very close to the beach. The rooms are designed as duplex. The proximity to the starting point of the GR 131 makes it ideal for the first two nights of the Camino del Guanche in Gran Canaria.
Spacious rooms with balcony-terrace, kitchenette and other utensils for the preparation of picnics. With supermarkets and other services in the vicinity, as well as a coastal promenade to the lighthouse and beach.
Breakfast included in the hotel cafeteria.
RURAL SUITE SANTIAGO DE TUNTE
Beautiful rural accommodation located in Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana). The accommodation is located in the old town of Tunte, within a hive of winding streets. It is an old rural house exquisitely renovated.
Traditional Canarian style rooms. Warm and comfortable, decorated with peasant elements from the last century, following the customs of the time. The municipality of San Bartolomé is at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level.
Breakfast included in a local café.
HOTEL EL REFUGIO
After reaching Cruz de Tejeda, at an altitude of 1515 metres, we find the Hotel El Refugio. It is a rustic accommodation but with all the comforts to spend the night after the third stage. It has an excellent restaurant as well as a cafeteria and a small supermarket where you can stock up.
Simple, sober and clean rooms, with heating and full bathroom. Excellent views of the natural surroundings. It has all the basic comforts for an absolute rest favoured by a quiet place, with clean and pure air in the mountainous central area of Gran Canaria.
REFUGIO EL HORNILLO (*)
On the descent towards Agaete you will find this old house-hermitage, nowadays transformed into a refuge for walkers. El Hornillo offers bed and board in a simple but pleasant atmosphere, ideal to enjoy a night in a privileged environment for its quietness.
This is an enclave of traditional pilgrimages in the past that today has become an essential place to visit for walkers and hikers at weekends.
Simple but well maintained rooms, in the style of traditional Canarian buildings. In the same building there is a simple bar-restaurant where you can have dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast before setting off again.
(*) Shared rooms (bunk beds) and shared bathroom. If you prefer a double or single room with private bathroom, we will arrange the return to Cruz de Tejeda for a 2nd night at Hotel El Refugio at no extra cost.
HOTEL PUERTO DE LAS NIEVES
And finally we come to the north of Gran Canaria, to Puerto de Agaete. A sunny enclave by the sea where the Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves is located. After this fifth stage El Camino del Guanche comes to an end and allows you to relax in some facilities that offer a heated indoor swimming pool, solarium with spectacular views or enjoy the small beach next to the harbour.
Very comfortable and well-equipped rooms with terrace and views of the cliffs in the northwest of Gran Canaria.
The Port of Agaete has a myriad of excellent fish restaurants, set on outdoor terraces facing the docking quay.
Watching the ferry connecting Gran Canaria with Tenerife embark and disembark and the hustle and bustle of passengers and vehicles coming and going is a daily side attraction.
PRICES / SERVICES
rates for bookings less than 90 days in advance
7 | 8 days:
975 € per person in a double room (2 persons)
| Supplement for single use (...and for 3rd person) + 185 €.
INCLUDED:
7 hotel nights with breakfast
5 Hiking tours on the GR 131 - 5 stages
Taxi transfers and regular bus transfers
Video-meeting on arrival day
NOT included:
Flights to/from Gran Canaria
Lunches & dinners
in/out Airport transfer
For an advantageous price, we organise your arrival and departure transfers by taxi. ▻ Arrival: Airport-Maspalomas ................... 40 €
▻ Departure: Agaete-Airport .......... 65 €
Singles
The program is suitable for single travelers, although the final price is different due to higher costs:
Solo Traveller .... 1.475 €
BOOKING:
With a firts payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. Pay the rest amount 15 days before your arrival date. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
Additional overnights
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
To successfully achieve the 5 stages from GR 131, it is necessary a good physical condition, steady walk and lack of vertigo. According to the year season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable warm clothes permanently, to be removed as layers if necessary. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Although most of this trail is roomy enough, certain sections are quite aerial and require caution. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.
Trails
The Canary Islands has a well signposted network of trails. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. In addition to the detailed map of Gran Canaria, you will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Luggage transfer
We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
You can book at any date!
Request more information
Miguel
Travel organisation
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Flying to GRAN CANARIA allows you to enjoy an island full of contrasts. But it also gives you the chance to take advantage of the best low-cost flights to the Canary Islands.
...And from there, connect to any of the other islands of the Canary Archipelago with local flights of
... or perhaps take advantage of the excellent ferry connections to visit the neighbouring island of Tenerife, from Agaete harbor, in the north of Gran Canaria (1 hour and 20 minutes crossing), even taking your hire car with you.
Arrival in Gran Canaria
1st stage: Maspalomas - Arteara 
17,3 km | +468 m / -121 m
2nd stage: Arteara - Tunte
10,1 km | +599 m / -65 m
3rd stage: Tunte - Cruz de Tejeda 
4th stage: Cruz de Tejeda - El Hornillo
5th stage: El Hornillo - Agaete
Beach Day in Agaete
Simple, sober and clean rooms, with heating and full bathroom. Excellent views of the natural surroundings. It has all the basic comforts for an absolute rest favoured by a quiet place, with clean and pure air in the mountainous central area of Gran Canaria.
Simple but well maintained rooms, in the style of traditional Canarian buildings. In the same building there is a simple bar-restaurant where you can have dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast before setting off again.
