challenging
9 hours
Suitable for individuals with good endurance and moderate to strong cardiovascular fitness.
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.
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.
Begin your hike in the morning to avoid afternoon wind and maximize daylight for the 9-hour experience.
Carry at least 2 liters of water to stay hydrated as mountain air can be unexpectedly dry.
Temperatures vary widely from forested trails to summit; wear moisture-wicking layers for comfort.
Use sturdy hiking boots with good grip to navigate rocky paths and uneven terrain safely.
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.
GC Active Tour emphasizes responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to minimize impact by sticking to trails and respecting native flora and fauna.
Necessary for stability on rocky and variable terrain through forests and mountain paths.
Allows adjustment to changing temperatures from forest shade to exposed summit winds.
Include sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect against strong UV radiation at altitude.
spring specific
Keep hydrated throughout the long hike with ample water supply.