Tenerife: Guided Canyoning Experience in Los Arcos

Tenerife: Guided Canyoning Experience in Los Arcos

This guided canyoning tour in Los Arcos, located in the Canary Islands, offers an exciting 6-hour adventure suitable for beginners. For $72 per person, participants enjoy abseiling down walls up to 20 meters amid volcanic landscapes, with trained guides ensuring safety and fun throughout. The tour departs from La Caldera, starting at the car park next to Los Andes cafeteria, and includes all necessary canyoning equipment along with accident insurance.

What sets this experience apart is the chance to learn about the geological history of Los Arcos from knowledgeable local guides while enjoying the area’s spectacular shapes and colors. While it is designed for beginners, the activity involves some physical effort, including a 45-minute approach walk and several rappels, making it ideal for those seeking a manageable yet thrilling outdoor activity. The tour is limited to 9 participants, fostering an intimate and personalized atmosphere.

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Key Points

• Suitable for beginners, with safety and guidance prioritized
• Includes all necessary canyoning equipment and accident insurance
• Rappel walls up to 20 meters, with varied heights for excitement
• Learn about Tenerife’s volcanic geology and endemic flora from guides
• 6-hour guided experience, starting from La Caldera and ending at the same point
• Limited group size ensures personalized attention and safety

Starting Point at Casa Forestal and Easy Access to Los Arcos

The tour begins at Casa Forestal, where participants assemble before being driven in a short 5-minute transfer to the canyon access point. From there, the 45-minute approach walk takes you into the canyon’s entrance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. This starting location offers convenient amenities like a nearby bus stop and toilets, making logistics straightforward.

The drive to the access point is included in the experience, and the meeting point is clearly marked. The area around the gorge has recently experienced a large fire in summer 2023, and nature is gradually restoring itself. The approach may involve crossing some fire-damaged areas on foot, adding a recent history element to the journey.

Exploring the Unique Scenery of Los Arcos Canyon

Once in the canyon, you’ll marvel at the spectacular rock formations shaped by water erosion over many years. The walls are primarily made of volcanic ash, giving the landscape its distinctive look. The Los Arcos natural formations, with their carved arches, make for impressive photo opportunities and a sense of being in a true natural wonder.

Throughout the descent, the surrounding landscape is especially noteworthy for its geological features, which guides will explain in detail. The canyon’s colors and shapes provide a constantly changing backdrop that keeps the experience engaging from start to finish.

Abseiling Walls of Up to 20 Meters

The heart of the activity involves abseiling down multiple walls, with the highest reaching approximately 20 meters. Each rappel is different, with varying heights and challenges, ensuring a dynamic experience. The guides conduct a short training workshop beforehand, so participants know how to use the ropes safely.

The walls are made of volcanic ash, which adds a unique texture to the rappelling experience. As you descend, you’ll admire the diverse landscape and learn how these vertical drops contribute to the canyon’s dramatic appearance. The guide’s professionalism and clear instructions help build confidence, even for first-timers.

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Learning and Discovering Tenerife’s Geology and Flora

A standout feature of this tour is the chance to gain insights into Tenerife’s geological background. The local guides are well-versed in the volcanic history of the region, helping participants understand how the canyon and its formations came to be.

Along With geology, guides point out the endemic flora, sharing stories about the island’s native plants and animals. This educational component enriches the adventure, making it more than just a physical activity but also an opportunity to connect with Tenerife’s natural environment.

The Approach and Return Walks

After completing the series of abseils, participants enjoy a 35-minute walk back along the same route to the starting point. This part of the journey offers a chance to reflect on the experience and take in the scenery along the way. While the approach and return involve walking through fire-damaged areas, the natural beauty and geological interest remain compelling.

The entire activity is paced to balance adrenaline-pumping descents with manageable walks, ensuring a comfortable experience for most participants. Shoes suitable for hiking and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to stay comfortable during these sections.

Practical Details: What to Bring and Wear

Participants should come prepared with hiking shoes or sportswear, along with long pants, a jacket, and warm clothing in case it gets cold. Bringing water, snacks, and a daypack enhances comfort during the approach and return walks.

Other essentials include a charged smartphone, garbage bag for waste, and hair tie if needed. The tour explicitly prohibits smoking, drones, vaping, alcohol, and drugs for safety reasons. Since the activity is not suitable for children under 16 or pregnant women, the physical demands are moderate but should still be considered.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This canyoning activity is designed for beginners, but it still requires moderate physical effort. The approach and return walks involve uneven terrain, and rappelling can be physically tiring. The tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, people over 60, or individuals with certain physical limitations, including those under 3 ft 9 in or over 280 lbs.

Participants should be comfortable with heights and able to wear the provided safety equipment. Proper footwear and clothing are essential to ensure comfort and safety throughout the adventure.

Safety and Group Size

Safety is a top priority, with trained guides leading the experience. The group size is limited to 9 people, fostering an environment where guides can give personalized attention and ensure everyone’s safety. The guides are praised for their professionalism, patience, and ability to explain technical details clearly.

All necessary canyoning gear, including helmets and harnesses, is supplied, and accident insurance is included. The activity proceeds only in suitable weather conditions, with flexible rescheduling or refunds available if safety concerns arise.

Weather Considerations and Cancellation Policy

The activity can be canceled or rescheduled if bad weather or other warnings prevent participation. Participants have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund if the activity is canceled due to weather or other safety issues. This policy ensures peace of mind while planning your adventure.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

With a 4.8 out of 5-star rating based on 196 reviews, this tour is highly regarded for its knowledgeable guides, safety measures, and spectacular scenery. Reviewers often mention how the guides share interesting facts about Tenerife’s geology and flora, making the experience educational as well as thrilling.

Many appreciate the personalized attention from guides like Alexis, noting his friendly, professional approach, which helps even those with height fears feel safe. The combination of adventure, learning, and good organization makes this canyoning tour a standout activity in Tenerife.

The Sum Up: An Exciting and Educational Canyoning Adventure

This Los Arcos canyoning experience offers a perfect balance of adventure and learning, with abseiling up to 20 meters in a stunning volcanic landscape. The small group size and professional guides ensure safety and a personal touch that enhances the enjoyment.

While the activity involves some physical effort and may pass through fire-damaged areas, the overall experience remains accessible for beginners seeking a manageable yet exciting outdoor adventure. The chance to learn about Tenerife’s geology and native flora adds depth, making this tour more than just a thrill.

Ideal for those who want to try canyoning in a safe environment, appreciate scenic beauty, and gain insights into the island’s natural history, this tour offers excellent value for its price. Be prepared with suitable clothing and footwear, and you’ll find yourself with unforgettable memories of Tenerife’s rugged beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this canyoning tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners, with a short training workshop and safety measures led by trained guides.

What is the maximum height of the abseils?
The highest walls you will rappel down are approximately 20 meters tall, with each descent varying in height.

Are all canyoning equipment and insurance included?
Yes, the tour includes all necessary canyoning gear such as helmets and harnesses, along with accident insurance.

Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, if bad weather or safety concerns prevent the activity, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants should bring hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, food, a daypack, and a charged smartphone. Wearing long pants and a jacket is recommended for comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby