FOLLOWING THE LAST FOOTPRINTS IN GUGUY

GRAN CANARIA WALKING FESTIVAL 2022

30 October

Sunday 30 October / Route 4

FOLLOWING THE LAST FOOTPRINTS IN GUGUY

Sheltered by cliffs and ravines, what is now the refuge of tabaibas and cardones (different species of spurges) was once the refuge of the pre-colonial population known as the Canarii. Protected by the Guguy massif, this route is a hike in the "Far West" of Gran Canaria, full of history, legends and majestic landscapes. Get ready to enjoy this magical place on a hard but full day of hiking.

In this last journey along the trails, we will start in the village of Tasarticowhere we will meet one of the defenders of these ravines, Tasarte, who together with Bentejuí took part in the famous battle of Ajódar, not far from these immense western ravines. Although history, legends and myths have blended into our reality, this route is vital for the conservation of our culture, flora and fauna.

After a first ascent of about 2.5 km with a considerable slope, we will enter the Guguy massif, which will give us the first impressive views of the Guguy Grande ravine. We will then descend for about 3 km on a steep path down to Guguy Beach, one of the most beautiful spots on our coastline and a unique place on Gran Canaria.

There, we will have the opportunity to go for a quick swim in the refreshing ocean, weather and time permitting. After a 30-minute break at this beautiful beach, we will make our way back along the same trail we used on our way in.

Technical data

Physical difficulty

High

Technical difficulty

High

Type of route

Linear

Distance

11,2 KM

Duration

6 h

Total elevation gain

1.085 m+

Cumulative negative difference in altitude

1.085 m-

Track

Link

Google Maps

Link

Elevation Profile

Link

Urban Section

Path

Forest Track

Information to bear in mind

This is a route with a high level of difficulty. You will be directly exposed to the sun, as the vegetation of the area does not provide any shade. The terrain has some technical aspects that also make the itinerary quite challenging, the ground is stony and there are steep slopes both uphill and downhill. It is also the longest route of this edition.

There are no alternative paths for this route, we therefore offer the possibility to go back in the first 3 and 6 km of the route, with support staff to return to the starting point.

It will be a long and hard day of hiking, but of breath-taking beauty, as well as the environmental and cultural value of the area are simply unique. Although your safety will be guaranteed at all times, we recommend that beginners to hiking refrain from signing up for this route.

Finally, as on all the routes, you must bring water - 3 litres minimum for this one -, as well as water purification tablets if you don't want to bring an additional 2 litres. You should also bring sun protection and a hat, and be aware of the weather forecast, in order to have waterproof clothing if necessary. During this route, we’ll have the opportunity to swim in the ocean, weather and time permitting, so we recommend bringing a swimsuit and towel, and a dry change of clothes for after the swim.

Accompanied minors from 16 years of age can participate, it is important to take into account the duration of the routes.

Interesting Spots

Tasartico, Guguy Grande, Playa de Guguy

Hotel La Aldea Suites

Nestled in the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás and located in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas of Gran Canaria, is the Hotel La Aldea Suites, a small paradise between the mountains and the sea. A hotel located between Protected Natural Parks (Roque Nublo, Tamadaba, Inagua and Güi-Güi) and just 5 minutes from little-traveled beaches that remain intact.

PICK-UP

Time

MEETING POINT

6:45 h

Alfredo Kraus Auditorium- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

7:00 h

Tourist information Office, next to the CC Yumbo Centrum- Playa del Inglés

ARRIVAL

Time

MEETING POINT

18:45 h

Alfredo Kraus Auditorium- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

18:30 h

Tourist information Office, next to the CC Yumbo Centrum- Playa del Inglés

A breathtaking trail with unforgettable views of the heart of the volcano.

Although this route is very difficult due to the steep slopes up and down, the technical aspects of the terrain and the exposure to the sun, walking through these lands is a singular experience for several reasons. This area is of vital importance for the conservation of the Tabaibal-Cardonal (mixed plant formation located in the lowland and coastal area of the Canaries), and other numerous endemic species of flora and fauna that add to the beauty of the landscape of this region. For these reasons, the Government of the Canary Islands has proposed that the area become part of our National Parks Network, as it is a unique geological and archaeological area in the Canary Islands. Walking this route is undoubtedly an experience full of magic, an adventure where we will conquer mountains to get to the coast.

The tasting of local products will take place at the Hotel La Aldea Suiteslocated in an exceptional area nestled between the mountains and the sea.

This route includes

Civil liability insurance
Accident insurance
Picnic
Guided route and interpreter of the natural, ethnographic and cultural values of the island
Transport to and from the start and end points of the route (from Las Palmas G.C or Playa del Inglés)
Specialised guided tours in several languages
Tasting Canarian products

Enjoy your experience to the fullest thanks to the free app specifically created for our Gran Canaria Walking Festival.

Program
GCWF '22

27 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 1

THE HEART OF THE VOLCANO

Both the most recent and the oldest geological features of our island will guide us on our first day as we atop the Montañon Negro, border and walk into the Caldera de Tejeda.

28 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 2

ANSITE YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Preserved throughout history, under the protection of La Fortaleza, we will embark on a journey through time in the Caldera de Tirajana, to finish in one of the most picturesque villages in the interior of Gran Canaria.

29 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 3

IN SEARCH OF WATER

Water, a drop of water, the ravines are dry! Something similar would be sung by the first settlers of these islands when they discovered the flow of Barranco Hondo as we see it on this route. The path of water will lead us to the fertile Valle de Agaete.

30 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 4