This activity is for you if you are in excellent physical condition; if you can cover steep slopes and have no vertigo or health problems; if you regularly do long walks and consider yourself a good sportsman, love nature and are respectful of the environment.
FLEXIBLE PACKAGE: you can rearrange the stages in order to fit days off in between them. We adapt to your prerogatives.
WARNING: The route in stages along the GR131 requires good physical condition and walking safety and is only suitable for regular walkers.
Well-signposted trails
transfers included (taxi and/or regular bus) to/from your accommodation
Order our telescopic poles for 14 € each.
taxi or bus transfers
transfers to each stage, by taxi or public bus
accommodations
small charming hotels, with breakfast (more information in Hotels tab)
stages
3 stages of approx. 10-12 km each to cross El Hierro from east to west along the Camino del Guanche.
Combine it with other islands
Want to include other islands in your trip? You will save on ferry transfers or inter-island flights. We organise free of charge the connections between islands for you!
The Guanches were the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands until the arrival of the Spaniards. The Guanche population is of Berber origin, and it is assumed that they arrived on the islands around 1800 years ago. They developed differently on each island, so they have been given different names depending on the island: Benahoritas on La Palma; Bimbaches on El Hierro; Guanches on Tenerife and La Gomera…
Their way of life and customs were similar: they lived by herding, 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 their 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 designations 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
El Hierro has remained hidden from mass tourism. The island is one of the best kept treasures of the Canary Islands archipelago. And it is this particularity that gives it the quality of offering the most spectacular hiking routes and the most surprising landscapes in the archipelago.
To walk El Hierro trail GR 131 is to go back to its cultural origins. The route follows the same itinerary that the people of El Hierro follow every four years in a devout procession towards their virgin: the Virgen de Los Reyes.
Other routes on El Hierro
The routes along the coast come across forests of perpetual mist that create a paradoxical contrast of temperatures, vegetation and an atmosphere straight out of a fairytale.
These laurisilva forests have awakened the popular imagination and have woven the most incredible stories about what is engulfed under the protection of the centenary trees of La Llanía.
If we walk the routes that take us to the northern end of the island we will soon come across the natural wall that protects El Hierro and creates a quasi lunar landscape of magnificent plains in its valleys. The gentle hills reward us with one of the most impressive, beautiful and evocative views in the whole world: the roof of El Hierro, from where we can observe the island of Tenerife with its spectacular Pico del Teide.
El Hierro trail GR 131
For a 5-day getaway, discover the most spectacular hiking route in three stages.
Along the GR131 you will cross the Cumbres de El Hierro walking from coast to coast from one end to the other. You will reach the highest peak on the island, the Pico del Mal Paso , and you will discover the mythical Hermitage of the Virgen de Los Reyes , and the legendary Orchilla Lighthouse .
Total route, on foot: 43.5 km .
Do not miss out on visiting the spectacular El Hierro trail GR 131!! What are you waiting for!?
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Transfer (on your own) to Valverde.
+ Hotel Boomerang (or similar - Valverde)
2
Day 2 | 1st stage
Tamaduste ▸ San Andrés
By the sea, in the idyllic enclave of Tamaduste, the ascent of this first stage of the GR 131 to San Andres begins.
The vegetation on the first stretch of the coast is made up of beautiful tabaibales, which will disappear as the ascent continues.
The profile of the road is steep and the ascent is rapid. When you reach Valverde, the capital of El Hierro with a population of just 1,600, you will have reached an altitude of 900 metres. The sea of mist is present and forces the temperature to drop.
The path continues between fayas and heather and climbs steadily up to San Andrés. We are in the area of influence of the trade winds and on the way we can see La Gorona del Viento, a hydroelectric power plant that covers the demand of the whole island.
The village of Tiñor is located at the base of the Herreña plateau and foretells our arrival at the end of the first stage.
Shortly after, the agricultural village of San Andrés appears, 1100 metres above sea level, where we will find shelter after this first stage on the GR 131.
11,6 km | +1049 m / -20 m
+ Hotel Boomerang (or similar - Valverde)
3
Day 3 | 2nd stage
San Andrés ▸ Cruz de Los Reyes
After breakfast, a short transfer takes us to San Andrés, from where we continue along the GR131 to La Llanía. The ascent is now moderate and crosses enclosures with livestock and fields of crops that are now abandoned. We reach the cliff from where the whole area of El Golfo stretches out at our feet.
The GR 131 skirts the cliff and continues its ascent to Cruz de Los Reyes an extraordinary 360º view, with the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma on the horizon.
A taxi awaits to take us to the hotel in Pozo de la Salud (El Golfo)
10 km | + 382 m / -60 m
+ Hotel Pozo de La Salud (o similar - Sabinosa)
4
Day 4 | 3rd stage
Cruz de Los Reyes - Ermita Virgen de Los Reyes - Orchilla lighthouse
The 3rd stage corresponds to the initial part of the pilgrimage, which is repeated every four years. After a brief transfer to Cruz de Los Reyes, the ascent continues to Pico de Malpaso, the highest point on El Hierro, at 1501 metres.
Little by little the path descends until it reaches the Cruz de Los Humilladeros, from where it begins a steep descent that takes us to the Ermita de La Virgen de Los Reyes. After visiting the church, the path now leads steadily downhill over wide areas and through lava formations to the lighthouse of Orchilla, which marks the end of the Old World and also the end of the Camino de Guanche.
There the taxi awaits us again to return to Pozo de La Salud.
16,8 km | +145 m / -1393 m
+ Hotel Pozo de La Salud (or similar - Sabinosa)
5
Day 5
Departure
Transfer (on your own) to the airport for departure or extension of the stay in El Hierro.
TOUR LOCATION
The GR131 of El Hierro: a programme designed for experienced hikers who wish to explore the most emblematic routes of El Hierro. A three-stage route that offers various levels of difficulty determined by the length of the route. We have designed a route of 5 days and 4 nights, divided into 3 stages with daily milestones that will allow you to conquer one of the most unique hiking routes in the Canary Islands. On these treks you will have the appropriate technical and logistical support and on each route the most convenient accommodation in El Hierro.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMME: you can rearrange the stages in order to fit days off in between them. We adapt it to your wishes.
STAGES AND ACCOMMODATION:
arrival in El Hierro
arrival transfer on your own
1st night in Valverde > Hotel Boomerang
1st: Tamaduste - San Andrés
walking distance: 11,6 Km
total climbs: + 1.049 m
total drops: - 20 m
2nd night in Valverde > Hotel Boomerang
2nd: San Andrés - Cruz de Los Reyes
walking distance: 10 Km
total climbs: + 382 m
total drops: - 60 m
3rd night in Sabinosa > Hotel Pozo de La Salud
3rd: Cruz de Los Reyes - Faro de Orchilla
walking distance: 16,8 Km
total climbs: + 145 m
total drops: - 1.393 m
4th night in Sabinosa > Hotel Pozo de La Salud
Optional: Sabinosa - Mirador de Bascos
OPTIONAL
walking distance: 11,6 Km
total climbs: + 874 m
total drops: - 883 m
5tf night in Sabinosa > Hotel Pozo de La Salud
Optional: Camino de Jinama - Mirador de La Peña
OPTIONAL
walking distance: 13,6 Km
total climbs: + 919 m
total drops: - 654 m
6th night in Sabinosa > Hotel Pozo de La Salud
Optional: San Salvador - Mirador de Isora
OPTIONAL
walking distance: 11 Km
total climbs: + 157 m
total drops: - 635 m
7th night in Sabinosa > Hotel Pozo de La Salud
departure day
airport transfer on your own
We certify your stages on the
Camino del Guanche
Get the T-shirt with logo and inscriptions that certify your itinerary along EL HIERRO's Camino del Guanche after completing the stages.
We will send it to you at the end of your trip (*) together with a named certificate, to be displayed wherever you want.
(*) Free shipping by regular mail. When you make your reservation you only have to tell us your size and shipping address.
This is a small family hotel located in the capital of the island, Valverde. It has a simple but comfortable appearance and is run by a friendly staff, who take great care of their guests, going out of their way to attend to their every need. Valverde, with a population of barely 5,000 inhabitants, is a quiet urban centre situated 600 metres above the sea on the eastern side of the island.
With only 17 well-appointed rooms, the Boomerang Hotel offers basic breakfast services in a cafeteria attached to the hotel.
All rooms have a private bathroom and television.
The setting is ideal for tackling the first route and enjoying a quiet urban atmosphere in the heart of El Hierro.
BALNEARIO POZO DE LA SALUD
On the north coast, located in the municipality of Sabinosa, next to the mythical Pozo de La Salud and just a few metres from the Atlantic Ocean, we find the Hotel Balneario Pozo de La Salud. It is a 22-room accommodation with excellent facilities where you can enjoy a pleasant climate by the sea.
All the rooms offer an excellent view of the sea, with modern equipment and attention to detail. An extraordinary setting that invites you to extend your stay after the last stage of the GR 131.
BALNEARIO POZO DE LA SALUD
If you extend your stay, the thermal baths next to the hotel will allow you to relax after a day of walking and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in the hotel surroundings.
Although the hotel has an excellent swimming pool, there are natural pools nearby, such as Charco Azul and La Maceta, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in a pleasant local setting.
There are also several restaurants nearby offering excellent fish specialities.
Additional overnights
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
To successfully achieve the 3 stages it is necessary a good physical condition, steady walk and lack of vertigo. According to the year season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable warm clothes permanently, to be removed as layers if necessary. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Although most of this trail is roomy enough, certain sections are quite aerial and require caution. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.
Trails
The Canary Islands has a well signposted network of trails. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. In addition to the detailed map of El Hierro, you will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Luggage transfer
We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
You can book at any date!
Tenerife North Airport (TFN), is the convenient airport to connect with your local flight to the island of El Hierro (VDE). Although there are also connections to El Hierro from Gran Canaria (LPA) with BINTERor CANARYFLY. The jump between islands takes about 40-50 minutes.
but if your flight lands at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), you may prefer to combine it with a nice fast-ferry sea crossing (2,5 hours) from Los Cristianos harbour. Two different companies, FRED OLSENand NAVIERA ARMAS, provide regular connections between Tenerife and El Hierro.
Miguel
Travel organisation
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Book early!! ...and get a 10% discount for bookings made 90 daysbefore the arrival date.
Book early!! ...and get a 10% discount for bookings made 90 daysbefore the arrival date.
PRICES: until 31st October 2025
575 € ▸ 518€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 145 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 998 € ▸ 898 €
PRICES: from 01st November 2025
615 € ▸ 555€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 155 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1070 € ▸ 960 €
Any arrival date is possible - You decide your travel dates and when to start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations.
Booking: With an initial payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
What does this programme include?
Accommodations - 4 nights in small charming hotel, B&B, 5 days
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device
+ Private transfers - all necessary luggage & person transfers for each walk, including arrival & departure day.
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
What is NOT included?
▸Flights or ferries to and from your home city to El Hierro are not included
▸Lunches & Dinners
Cancellation Policy
▸ Up to 14 days before the date of arrival, 100% refund.
▸Between 13 and 7 days before the arrival date, 50% refund, or free of charge dates change.
▸ Between 6 and 3 days before the arrival date, 25% refund, no date changes permitted.
▸48 hours before the arrival date, 0% refund, no date changes permitted.
San Andrés ▸ Cruz de Los Reyes 
Cruz de Los Reyes - Ermita Virgen de Los Reyes - Orchilla lighthouse
Any arrival date is possible - You decide your travel dates and when to start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations. 
Booking: With an initial payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
Accommodations - 4 nights in small charming hotel, B&B, 5 days 
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day 
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival 
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device 
+ 
Private transfers - all necessary luggage & person transfers for each walk, including arrival & departure day. 
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
