Canyoning Barranco de El Río with Natura Xtreme Tenerife - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Canyoning Barranco de El Río with Natura Xtreme Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerifechallenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

4–6 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have good cardiovascular fitness and upper body strength for rappelling and scrambling.

Overview

Natura Xtreme Tenerife’s Barranco de El Río canyoning route tests skill with a 50-meter rappel through Anaga’s laurel forest. This is volcanic terrain and waterfalls meeting adrenaline, perfect for adventurers seeking Tenerife’s wild side.

Details

Set within the rugged Anaga Rural Park near La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Natura Xtreme Tenerife offers an adrenaline-fueled canyoning experience at Barranco de El Río superior. This route slices through volcanic rock formations cloaked in the laurel forest’s dense greenery, a remnant of the ancient subtropical ecosystem that defines this northeastern tip of Tenerife. The canyon’s tight, twisting paths descend alongside rushing waterfalls and natural pools that swell in the rainy season, challenging adventurers with technical rappels, including a standout 50-meter vertical drop that tests your nerve and skill.

Unlike the more trodden hiking paths around Tenerife, this canyon places you in intimate contact with one of the island’s wildest environments, its geology shaped by aeons of volcanic activity and water erosion. The laurisilva forest, thick with endemic flora such as the Canary laurel and dragon tree, muffles sound and cools the air, enhancing the sensory immersion. Local guides from Natura Xtreme Tenerife bring you safely through the route, combining expert instruction with a deep knowledge of the canyon’s natural history.

Barranco de El Río is not just a physical challenge—it's an encounter with the island’s raw character that few tourists seek out. Guests gain a fresh perspective on Tenerife’s biodiversity, where microclimates create pockets of lush greenery far from the island’s sunbaked beaches. This canyoning trip is a standout for those wanting more than a simple hike, delivering a potent mix of technical skill, natural splendor, and cultural context.

Natura Xtreme Tenerife has carved out a niche within Tenerife’s adventure scene by offering sustainably guided trips that emphasize safety and environmental respect. Their local expertise and commitment to preserving Anaga’s fragile ecosystems make them a trusted choice for canyoning enthusiasts and newcomers alike. For travelers based in nearby Santa Cruz or La Laguna looking to escape into the island’s rugged highlands, Barranco de El Río superior is an unparalleled gateway to Tenerife’s secret wilderness.

Adventure Tips

Wear secure, grippy footwear

Steep rock faces and wet surfaces require sturdy canyon shoes or approach shoes with excellent traction.

Bring waterproof bag for valuables

The chance of getting splashed or submerged means protecting electronics and personal items is key.

Prepare for changing weather

Anaga’s microclimate can shift quickly—carry lightweight layers and waterproof gear.

Trust your certified guides

Technical canyoning requires experience; following guides’ instructions ensures safety and enjoyment.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Small natural pools within the canyon that appear only after rainfall
  • Secluded viewpoints with panoramic vistas of the Anaga cliffs

Wildlife

  • Canary laurel pigeon
  • Tenerife lizard

History

The Anaga Rural Park preserves some of the oldest ecosystems in Macaronesia, with laurisilva forests dating back millions of years.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to minimize impact by following leave-no-trace principles and respecting protected flora and fauna during trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning
Golden hour
Overcast days for soft light

Best Viewpoints

  • Top of the 50-meter rappel
  • Waterfall base
  • Forest canopy edges

What to Photograph

Waterfalls in motion
Contrasting volcanic rock and greenery
Local wildlife

Recommended Gear

Canyoning harness and helmet

Essential

Critical safety gear for all rappels and navigating rocky terrain.

Neoprene wetsuit

Essential

Provides thermal protection during cold water descents and prolonged exposure.

fall|winter|spring specific

Waterproof dry bag

Essential

Keeps essentials safe and dry as you move through wet sections.

Sturdy canyon shoes

Essential

Ensures grip on wet volcanic rock and slippery surfaces.

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