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…
Choose your island
Choose your island
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
from island to island – stage by stage
Lanzarote GR 131
·
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino del Guanche on more than two islands, you will save on ferry transfers or inter-island flights.
We will organize for you free of charge the ferry or flight connections between contiguous islands.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many kilometres are there in each stage?
It depends on each island. But on average each stage is about 14 km long.
What gradients should I expect at each stage?
Here again, the answer is that it depends on the island. The eastern islands have less relief and the trails are more undulating, with less unevenness. However, the relief of the western islands is steeper, reaching heights of over 2,000 metres.
What weather should I expect during the walks?
The Canary Islands have a spring climate almost all year round. However, the Canarian spring is perceived differently on the coast or at higher altitudes. There is a rule of thumb that for every 100 metres of altitude, the temperature drops by 1 degree. This is more or less true, as factors such as haze, wind or cloud cover can have an influence. But it is useful to understand that at an altitude of 2000 metres you should wear warm clothes and sun protection, because of what could happen.
Where can I eat or snack during the stages?
Depending on each island and each stage, you can find “guachinches” and bars where you can have lunch. But this is not always the case and in some cases it is essential to organise a picnic to take with you.
But... What is a guachinche?
This is a home-cooked meal place, usually run by a family where the wife cooks and the husband serves the customers.
Will I find water during the walks?
The Camino del Guanche follows the central mountain ranges of each island, crossing them through their summit areas. It is not common to find fountains or refreshment points, so we recommend carrying 1.5 litres of water (per person – minimum) on each stage.
What does the booked accommodation include?
Breakfast is included, but not dinner. This will be on your own.
How are transfers carried out?
We move your luggage with taxis from one accommodation to another. On certain stages there are support transfers to take you back to your accommodation after the stage. Or to take you to the start of the stage in the morning. All these transfers are always by taxi.
Do I have to pay the taxi fare?
No. The cost of all transfers is already included in the price of your booked package.
Are flights also included in this package?
No. Your flights are not included in the price of your package.
If I do more than one island, how do I get from one island to another?
The islands are connected by ferry (sea) and by air (about 30 minutes by domestic flights). If you wish, we can arrange ferry and/or domestic flights reservations for you. However, this will be at a separate cost.
What do I get as certification of my Camino del Guanche?
You will get a T-shirt with the logo and the name of the island you have walked on.
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