7 island- 541 Km
The Camino del Guanche
The hiking Adventure GR 131
a tribute to the Guanches
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…
island to island – step by step
Lanzarote GR 131
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71 km · 
in 5 steps·
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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Fuerteventura GR 131
· 156,4 km · in 6 steps ·
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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Gran Canaria GR 131
· 72 km · in 5 steps ·
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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Tenerife GR 131
· 88,5 km · in 6 steps ·
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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La Gomera GR 131
· 38,9 km · in 3 steps ·
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 Camino del Guanche starts in San Sebastián and crosses the whole island from east to west in 3 stages, until it reaches Vallehermoso.
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La Palma GR 131
· 66,3 km · in 3 or 4 steps ·
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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El Hierro GR 131
· 47,5 km · in 3 steps ·
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. It is an island with a very small population and a very rugged relief. It has large forests of fayas and heather on its north side and enormous pine forests in the sunny south. Its west side still shows the scars of recent volcanoes. 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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¿Questions?
I’m hable to help you, to solve doubts and to create your next hiking adventure !
Do you only want to do a few stages?
It is also possible to walk just few stages of Camino del Guanche or combine them with different islands. Tell us which stages you would like to do and we will send you a proposal according to your requirements as soon as possible.
We will organise your transfers and provide you with all the necessary information.