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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.

 

The volcanic Gran Canaria offers far more than the beaches it is best known for. Staying in Aguimes and remote Aldea, discover dramatic landscapes, steep gorges, high peaks and semi-tropical valleys, exploring the Island on foot.

Why we love this trip
  • Roque Nublo - A distinctive rock formation and Gran Canaria's most famous landmark
  • Canarian cuisine and sangria - Dine alfresco in picturesque villages
  • Historic trails - Follow the network of 'caminos reales' to explore the 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 the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Aguimes at any time. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to explore the historic narrow streets with pretty painted houses of the 'old town', or find a quiet cafe to sit in to acclimatise to the relax pace of life.

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

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 make a walk into the main landmark of this side of the island - the stunning Guayadeque Canyon that runs south east along the slopes of Pico de las Nieves. There are lots of endemic plants, but the volcanic landscape has a lunar feel as we get closer to the deep gorge, reminiscent of Northern American canyons. We walk along a tarmac road for 30 minutes before heading into the gorge. This area has been inhabited since the stone age and the remains of cave dwellings from these times are still visible. As we walk we will also see some traces of lava fields from an ancient eruption of a smaller volcano. After the gorge we head back to Aguimes via the Degollada Bermeja pass on foot. Please note there is little shade in the countryside around Aguimes, so strong sun protection is needed.

Today's 12 kilometre/ 7.40 miles walk is expected to take around four hours with 550 metres/ 1804 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 drive west to to Degollada del Aserrador. From here we walk uphill on beautiful 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 and offering great views across the island and - weather allowing - across to neighbouring islands of the Canaries.

After a picnic lunch we descend to La Culata where you can have a drink in a local café before continuing by bus to Acusa Seca and see cave dwellings during a second, shorter walk. Then, drive Artenera and onto La Aldea, our base for the next 3 nights.

Today's combined 10 kilometre/6.20 miles walks is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with respectively 380 and 20 metres/ 1246 and 65 feet of ascent and 560 and 220 metres/ 1837 and 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, we travel a short distance to the start of today's walk at the Aldea Pass (700m/2296ft). From here we follow an ancient pathway that in former days connected the villages of La Aldea, Tasarte and Veneguara. It is an undulating trail with 1 steep but short downhill section. On our left-hand side we enjoy the impressive walls of Los Azulejos, green layered rock sheets topped by the Inagua Forest. When we reach the village church of Veneguera we take a short break for lunch before continuing our walk over the last pass that leads us into the Barranco de Mogan. Here there will be time for a coffee break while waiting for the public bus that will take us back to La Aldea.

Today's 11 kilometre/6.80 miles walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 200 metres/656 feet of ascent and 400 metres/1312 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 has been left free. You may wish to relax around the hotel, enjoying the village life in La Aldea, or decide to go to the nearby beach 5 kilometres/3.10 miles away. Further afield you could visit the city of Galdar and see the Cueva Pintada Museum to learn about aboriginal life on these islands. On your way back stopping off for a dip in the ocean.

Alternatively keen walkers may wish to take the optional coastal walk in the vicinity of La Aldea, with great views across the Atlantic.

Today's optional 6 kilometre/3.70 miles walk is expected to take around 2 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 drive to Tejeda village (1050m/3445 ft) for a stroll through the old village and coffee. From there, we continue by bus to Pico de las Nieves (1942m/6371 ft), the highest peak of the island. Here, we walk up to Pico de la Nieves then down to Degollada de los Hornos (1719m/5640 ft) and enjoy a picnic lunch with views to Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo. We descend to San Bartolomé and drive back to Aguimes for our last 2 nights.

Today's 9 kilometre/5.60 miles walk is expected to take around four hour with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and 800 metres/2624 ft of descent.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rural Casa de los Camellos (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Descend from village of Santa Lucia to Aguimes

Today we travel by local bus (50 min) to Santa Lucia for our long but scenic walk back down to Aguimes. As we start our descent we pass an old maize mill, before walking down into the Hondo Ravine and up to Lomo de Don Pedro. We continue eastwards to Temisas village following signed trails, then part of a 'Camino Real' marked out by stones to Aguimes town.

Today's 15 kilometre/9.30 miles walk is expected to take around five-and-a-half hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and 950 metres/3116 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 are free to depart from Aguimes at any time.

It takes approximatively 20 minutes to get to the airport from the hotel. Your Tour Leader will assist you either you choose to 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
£8.00 - 12.00
Dinner price
£16.00 - 20.00
Beer price
£1.50 - 3.50 (depending on the region/area in Spain)
Water price
£1.4
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.
Travellers Cheques
Not recommended.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Public Bus

Accommodation notes

This two centre trip gives you the flexibility to unpack and get to know different areas of the island. 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.

One thing to be aware of in Spain is that breakfast tends to be a smaller affair, often just fruit juice or 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

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: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

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. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health 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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