Gran Canaria Hiking with GC Active Tour in Maspalomas - Las Palmas

Gran Canaria Hiking with GC Active Tour in Maspalomas

Las Palmaschallenging

Difficulty

challenging

Duration

9 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for individuals with good endurance and moderate to strong cardiovascular fitness.

Overview

Experience Gran Canaria’s towering peaks and pine forests on a full-day hike with GC Active Tour. Perfect for families, this trek delivers panoramic views and lasting memories beyond the coast.

Details

Rising sharply from the Atlantic, Gran Canaria’s rugged interior offers a dramatic contrast to the island’s sun-drenched coastlines. Based in Maspalomas, GC Active Tour invites adventurers to tackle the island’s highest peak, Pico de las Nieves, through a compelling 9-hour guided hike that weaves through the island's varied terrain. This isn’t just a trek; it’s an immersion into the volcanic origins and ecological diversity that define this Canary Island.

Your journey begins amidst dense Canary pine forests, where towering Pinus canariensis create a cool refuge and a unique habitat distinct to these islands. The trail gradually unfolds, climbing toward the wind-sculpted summit of Pico de las Nieves. From this vantage point—standing nearly 1,950 meters above sea level—views extend out to Tenerife’s imposing Pico del Teide on clear days, a stunning reminder of the geological ties among the Canaries.

What makes this experience particularly special is GC Active Tour’s commitment to immersive, family-friendly adventure. Appropriate for ages 8 and up, the route balances challenging ascents with moments to soak in the island's natural and cultural layers. Lunch is served mid-hike, offering a chance to refuel while surrounded by spectacular vistas.

Gran Canaria is a tapestry of microclimates and landscapes—deep ravines, volcanic rock formations, and patches of endemic flora. This trip highlights these features with local guides who share insight on the island’s unique ecosystem and history.

GC Active Tour’s presence in Maspalomas brings an essential outdoor offering beyond the beaches, connecting visitors to Gran Canaria’s vibrant mountainous core. It’s a standout in Las Palmas province for those seeking a day-long, physically rewarding hike that unveils the island’s untamed beauty and enduring volcanic legacy.

Adventure Tips

Start Early

Begin your hike in the morning to avoid afternoon wind and maximize daylight for the 9-hour experience.

Stay Hydrated

Carry at least 2 liters of water to stay hydrated as mountain air can be unexpectedly dry.

Wear Layers

Temperatures vary widely from forested trails to summit; wear moisture-wicking layers for comfort.

Footwear Matters

Use sturdy hiking boots with good grip to navigate rocky paths and uneven terrain safely.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Barranco de Guayadeque—a less-visited valley with cave dwellings and lush vegetation
  • Roque Nublo—an iconic volcanic rock formation reachable by a shorter, scenic trail

Wildlife

  • Canary Island chiffchaff—a small, endemic bird commonly heard in pine forests
  • Gran Canaria giant lizard—rarely spotted but native to the island’s rocky areas

History

The mountainous interior of Gran Canaria has long been inhabited by the Guanches, the island’s original Berber settlers, whose practices shaped much of the landscape’s agricultural terraces.

Conservation

GC Active Tour emphasizes responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to minimize impact by sticking to trails and respecting native flora and fauna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning
Golden hour before sunset
Midday on clear days

Best Viewpoints

  • Summit of Pico de las Nieves
  • Canary pine forests lining mountain paths
  • Overlooking Barranco valleys

What to Photograph

Panoramic mountain vistas
Unique endemic vegetation
Textured volcanic rock formations

Recommended Gear

Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential

Necessary for stability on rocky and variable terrain through forests and mountain paths.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Allows adjustment to changing temperatures from forest shade to exposed summit winds.

Sun Protection

Essential

Include sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect against strong UV radiation at altitude.

spring specific

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

Essential

Keep hydrated throughout the long hike with ample water supply.

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