Gran Canaria Walking Festival

The Peak of the Navigators

GRAN CANARIA WALKING FESTIVAL 2024

25 October

Friday 25th October 2024 / Route 2

The Peak of the Navigators

We begin this route very close to the highest point of the island's geography, but this is not the peak to which we refer with the name of this stage. What we have called the ‘summit of the navigators’ is another point that we will pass along our route. Popular tradition has it that this point, seen from a specific area of the sea, seemed to be the highest point of the relief of Gran Canaria, and after seeing it, the crew members of a ship that had suffered several problems during a storm, swore that the next time they saw land, they would put a cross on the highest point of the place.

On the other hand, on this route we will be able to talk about historical aspects that link the summit of Gran Canaria with the capital itself, given that the remains of the snow wells that served so well in ancient times still remain. Nowadays, 3 of them are still preserved in the area, which offer us pieces of the history of the place. The connection between these wells and the pine trees is also direct, as part of this tree, characteristic of the Canary flora, had a very specific use when transporting the compacted ice to the capital.

Practically from the beginning of the route, the descent will be almost uninterrupted, being the stage of this edition of the festival where the highest accumulated altitude will be descended.

During this route, we will pass through two protected natural areas, which are the ‘Paisaje Protegido de Las Cumbres’, and the ‘Reserva Natural Especial de los Marteles’, and we will have passed through two municipalities, San Mateo and Valsequillo. Once we enter the more urban area of the route, we will have left these ENPs, ending the stage in the ‘Área Recreativa del Troncón’ in the municipality of Valsequillo de Gran Canaria.

Technical data

Physical difficulty

High

Technical difficulty

Medium

Type of route

Linear

Distance

11,6 Km approx

Duration

5:30h approx

Total elevation gain

356 m approx

Cumulative negative difference in altitude

1,536 m approx

Track

Google Maps

Elevation Profile

Urban Section
5
%
Path
90
%
Forest Track
5
%

Information to bear in mind

As in all the routes, it is compulsory to bring water, 2 litres minimum, sun protection, cap or hat, as well as to be alert to the weather conditions, in order to have waterproof clothes in case it is necessary. Recommended: walking sticks.

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

It is also important to remember the commitment to follow the indications and recommendations of the guides at all times.

Pico y Pozos de las Nieves – Morrón de la Agujereada – Pico del Saucillo/Cruz del Saucillo – Casa Tajinaste

Place names that refer to the place where the greatest snowfalls on the island occurred, and to the uses to which these constructions were put in ancient times.

A rock formation that is the highest point of Gran Canaria.

Peak that serves as the natural dividing line between the municipalities of San Mateo and Valsequillo, and which also has a curious oral tradition around the cross located there.

Between Tenteniguada and San Mateo is located the country house Tajinaste, on the edge of the Caldera de Los Marteles Natural Park. It is a very cosy and quiet house with an ideal location to enjoy hiking in Valsequillo.

An amazing journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the summit of Gran Canaria

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
  • Snack-type lunch

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

Program
GCWF '24

24 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 1

Under the shelter of Doramas

We inaugurate the 2024 edition of the Gran Canaria Walking Festival by going into the midlands of the north of the island. On this route, we will join the municipalities of Valleseco and Moya, undoubtedly two of the greenest municipalities of Gran Canaria.

25 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 2

The Peak of the Navigators

We begin this route very close to the highest point of the island's geography, but this is not the peak to which we refer with the name of this stage. What we have called the ‘summit of the navigators’ is another point that we will pass along our route.

26 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 3

Discovering the Aldea coastline

This route runs in its entirety through one of the municipalities with the greatest identity of the Gran Canarian island relief, and which, without doubt throughout its history, its idiosyncrasy has allowed it to preserve a good harmony with nature, thus contributing to the convergence between the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage, with social and economic development, linked mainly to the primary sector.

27 / OCTOBER / ROUTE 4

Road To the Top

We will end this edition of the Gran Canaria Walking Festival in the unique municipality of Tejeda. Situated in the central summit of the island, this village has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

The price of each route includes: transport, picnic, guides, insurance, snack or tasting lunch and gifts.