The Camino del Guanche is a tribute to the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands. A population of stocky inhabitants of Berber origin who walked the islands on foot, crossing them from side to side as they led their herds to the best pastures. They inhabited the islands some 1800 years ago and were colonised and enslaved after the arrival of the Spanish. On each island they developed in different ways, which is why they have been given different names depending on the island: Benahoritas on La Palma; Bimbaches on El Hierro; Guanches on Tenerife and La Gomera…
But their way of life and customs were similar: they lived by shepherding, berry picking and local fishing. They lived in caves and did not know how to use metals. They did not sail, so there was no interaction between the tribes on the different islands.
In their journeys on foot with the herds, they used paths and trails previously marked by the animals. They used these trails to reach places suitable for grazing, crossed deep ravines and maintained relations with the various menceyatos of each island.
Today these trails are for the enjoyment of contemporary hikers and have technical names, such as GR 130 or GR 131. But we, in homage to those hardened hikers of the past, prefer to call them… Camino del Guanche
· 74,8 km · in 5 stages ·
An island that reflects its volcanic dimension in its purest form. Dark and rough at first sight but full of contrasts and magical colours. A different island that never ceases to surprise. Walking along its paths means penetrating into the soul of Lanzarote and enjoying the landscapes only available on the Camino del Guanche.
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· 98,1 km · in 6 stages ·
Fuerteventura’s antiquity has redrawn its outline. It is the largest of the Canary Islands, from end to end. The modulation of its mountains and its soft shapes captivate at first sight. Soft landscapes, rounded shapes and light colours, with a spectacular turquoise sea and white beaches as a backdrop. Along the Camino del Guanche you will enjoy its open views over a landscape reduced to minimalism.
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· 76,8 km · in 5 stages ·
Gran Canaria is the administrative centre of the province of Gran Canaria and has autonomous government institutions shared with Tenerife for the whole of the islands. In the south, tourist development is extensive. But its inland area is surprising for its rural character, which has remained untouched by the developmentalism of the last 40 years. The Camino del Guanche runs through almost virgin landscapes, in an island whose landscape diversity and extraordinary nature will not leave you indifferent.
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· 101 km · in 6 stages ·
At 3,715 metres, the island of Tenerife is the highest island in the archipelago and has the highest peak in Spain: Mount Teide. It is a large and very mountainous island, with splendid pine forests and recent volcanic areas. A jewel for hiking enthusiasts. The Camino del Guanche runs along the GR 131, crossing the island from one side to the other through Monte de La Esperanza, Las Cañadas del Teide and the natural monuments of the south. A challenge in 6 spectacular stages, walking from point to point.
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· 40,1 km · in 3 | 4 stages ·
La Gomera is a small island that can be reached on foot. Its splendid forests of lush laurisilva spread throughout the central part, projecting a mantle of clouds that provides them with permanent humidity. The island is lush green and jungle-like, with monolithic basalt rocks standing in the middle of the landscape. The GR 131 starts in San Sebastián and crosses the whole island from east to west in 3 stages, until it reaches Vallehermoso.
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· 89,8 km · in 6 stages ·
A loop itinerary, with 6 stages along the GR 131 and Camino Natural from La Gomera. A demanding walk for experienced hikers. 6 stages that intensely discover all the facets of this small pearl in the Atlantic. Walking from east to west, crossing the lush forests of the best preserved laurel forest of the Canary Islands and ending in Puerto Santiago, in the south of La Gomera.
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· 66,3 km · in 3 or 4 stages ·
The Isla Bonita lives up to its name, offering hikers its enormous diversity of landscapes, splendid views and pure nature. With volcanoes as recent as Tajogaite, La Palma is a young island with extensive volcanic areas in the south. In its centre, the huge crater of La Caldera de Taburiente shows a unique depression, a product of erosion. The peaks of La Palma, in the north, reach 2,426 metres and allow you to walk around La Caldera along the GR 131. This path, which we call Camino del Guanche, emulates the routes taken by the ancient aborigines when they transhumed their livestock. A route that can be tackled in 3 or 4 stages that will not leave you indifferent.
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· 38,4 km · in 3 stages ·
It is the smallest in the Canary Islands. Its route along the GR 131 ends at the westernmost point of the Canary Islands: the Faro de Orchilla lighthouse. The 3 stages of the Camino del Guanche cross its ridges through almost virgin landscapes. A route that starts and ends by the sea, from Tamaduste to the lighthouse of Orchilla. On this route you will enjoy superb views over the different islands of the archipelago.
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· 83,8 km · in 5 stages ·
A loop itinerary, with 3 stages along the Camino Natural de El Hierro and 2 final stages along the GR 131. A demanding walk for experienced hikers. 5 stages that intensely discover all the facets of this small pearl in the Atlantic. Walking from west to east along the southern flank of El Hierro and from east to west along the northern side of the island.
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