Maspalomas: Hiking in the Waterfalls with Sky Rebels

Gran Canaria has a greener side. Sky Rebels’ half-day hike to Barranco de los Cernícalos takes you away from Maspalomas for a nature walk shaped by waterfalls, native plants, family stories, and two warm local guides, Inés and Juanjo. I like the tiny group size, limited to six people, and the personal way the guides connect the route to island life.

I also like that the price includes pickup, walking sticks, sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. The main consideration is the walk itself: 8 to 9 kilometers with about 300 meters of uneven ground, so it is not a casual stroll in hotel shoes. You must bring proper hiking footwear, water, comfortable clothes, and sun protection.

Key points before you book

• A small group of six or fewer: You get more attention from Inés and Juanjo, especially on the trickier sections.
• A waterfall route near Maspalomas: Barranco de los Cernícalos offers a sharp change from the dry, built-up south of Gran Canaria.
• Local stories instead of plant names alone: The guides explain how families used water, stone, wood, and plants in daily life.
• A four-hour walk with a comfortable pace: Expect stops for views, wildlife, explanations, food, and photographs.
• More than 300 endemic species: The route offers a close look at Gran Canaria’s special flora and fauna.
• Lunch and transport are covered: Sandwiches, local fruit, chocolate, snacks, walking sticks, and hotel-area pickup are included. Bring your own water.

Why Barranco de los Cernícalos makes a fine change from Maspalomas

Maspalomas is known for sun, sand, resorts, and easy access to the sea. This outing gives you a very different picture of Gran Canaria. After about 40 minutes in the van, you reach Barranco de los Cernícalos, a mountain ravine where water and plant life shape the route.

The change is part of the appeal. You leave the busy resort zone and enter a setting that feels cooler, quieter, and more enclosed. The path follows water uphill, with scenic views and plant life that you would not see around the southern hotels.

I like this route for people who want nature without committing to a hard full-day mountain trek. The stated difficulty is easy to medium, and the walking time is about four to four and a half hours with stops. Still, easy to medium means uneven ground, not a paved park path. You need steady footing and enough energy for a gradual uphill walk.

The waterfall is the natural reward. The exact conditions can vary, but the route is built around the ravine, its water, and the scenery along the way. The waterfall section has been a major highlight for many people who booked this outing, and it gives the walk a clear purpose beyond simply getting from one point to another.

Meeting the Sky Rebels team in Maspalomas

Sky Rebels was founded in 2013 by Inés and Juanjo, both native to Gran Canaria. Their connection to the ravine is personal. Their relatives lived in the area, and they describe it as a kind of childhood playground.

That background matters. You are not simply walking behind a guide who has memorized a few facts. The route is tied to family stories and local ways of life. Inés and Juanjo explain how people adapted to the area and used its resources, including water, natural materials, and plants.

Their guiding style also adds a light touch. The walk includes storytelling, humor, and small surprises rather than a nonstop stream of technical information. One memorable detail from the outing is an Indiana Jones song used to add some fun to the day. There is also a gecko-related moment that has become part of the experience for some groups.

I would choose this tour if you enjoy guides who talk with you, not at you. The small group makes that easier. With no more than six participants, you can ask questions, keep up with the group, and get help when a section feels awkward.

The 40-minute ride from the resort area

Pickup begins early, with times listed between 8:05 and 8:30 depending on your stop. The van ride to the ravine takes about 40 minutes. That is a useful length: long enough to leave the resort area, but not so long that transport takes over the day.

You can meet the van at several points around Maspalomas and nearby San Agustín. The stops include Cruce Faro, Faro de Maspalomas bus station, Avenida Touroperador Neckermann, Servatur Don Miguel, Parque Tropical bus station, and Avenida de la Unión Europea near San Agustín.

The pickup choices are practical for different arrivals. Cruce Faro works for people coming from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán by public bus. Parque Tropical suits people coming from Las Palmas by public transport. If you are driving, Avenida Touroperador Neckermann has free parking in the area.

Check your exact pickup point and time carefully. The stops are spread through the resort zone, and arriving at the wrong one could create an avoidable morning scramble. The return follows the same general area, with drop-offs at six listed locations.

Food is not allowed in the vehicle, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. That is worth knowing before you pack. Save the sandwich, fruit, and snacks for the proper break on the route.

Four hours beside water, plants, and wildlife

The main section lasts about four hours. You walk roughly 8 to 9 kilometers, with around 300 meters of unevenness. The route includes scenic views, wildlife viewing, and stops for explanations.

The walk is not just a checklist of plants. Gran Canaria has more than 300 endemic species, and Inés and Juanjo use the route to explain what makes island life special. You may learn about plants beyond their medicinal uses, as well as the materials people gathered to make tools and manage daily tasks.

That practical angle is one of the tour’s strongest features. It turns the ravine from a pretty place into a lived-in place. Water is not just something to photograph. It helps explain why people settled, worked, and adapted in areas like this.

The guides also discuss local flora and fauna in ways that connect to the setting. Look and listen as you walk, since wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed or scheduled. The focus is on understanding the area and noticing what is around you, not on promising a particular animal encounter.

The pace appears designed to keep the group together without rushing. Stops break up the walking, and the guides give clear instructions on the trickier parts. That support is especially useful if you feel nervous around heights or uneven sections. The route does include a few awkward spots, but they are described as brief rather than prolonged.

You should still be honest about your ability. People with mobility impairments, pregnant women, children under 12, and people over 70 are not considered suitable for this activity. Those limits are not a criticism of the tour. They reflect the distance, uneven ground, and need for secure footing.

The waterfall, the food stop, and the walk back

The waterfall is the central visual payoff. You follow the river up the ravine and reach a setting that feels very different from southern Gran Canaria. The route’s appeal comes from the combination of water, rock, plants, and mountain views, not from one isolated viewpoint.

A light lunch is included during the outing. You receive sandwiches, local fruit, chocolate, and snacks. A vegetarian option was available for at least one participant, but you should communicate dietary needs when booking rather than assume every requirement is covered.

The food adds real value. A four-hour walk is long enough for hunger to affect your enjoyment, and carrying a simple meal means you do not need to organize lunch separately. The local fruit and chocolate also make the break feel more thoughtful than a basic packaged snack.

Water is not included. Bring enough for the whole walk, since the tour specifically requires it. Do not treat the stream or waterfall as a drinking source. A refillable bottle is a sensible choice, but the key point is to start with sufficient water.

Walking sticks are included. They can help on uneven ground, especially during the uphill sections or on the return. Proper hiking shoes remain mandatory, so the sticks are an aid, not a substitute for footwear with a secure grip.

What the $100 price really covers

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a waterfall in Gran Canaria. It is also more than a self-guided walk. The price includes round-trip pickup, a small group, two guides, four hours on the route, walking sticks, sandwiches, fruit, chocolate, and snacks.

The two-guide setup is important. Inés and Juanjo can share the work of explaining the area, keeping the group together, and helping during more difficult moments. With a maximum of six people, the fee buys a more personal outing than a large coach excursion.

I see the best value for visitors without a car, people who want local context, and anyone who would rather not plan the route alone. You also avoid the effort of arranging transport from Maspalomas to the ravine and organizing food for the day.

The value is weaker if you already have a car, hiking experience, and a strong preference for walking alone. A self-guided outing may cost less, though it would not include the local stories, transport, safety guidance, or packed food. The choice comes down to what you want the day to provide.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make it easier to fit the hike around changing holiday plans.

The practical packing list

Take the requirements seriously. You need:

• Proper hiking shoes
• Comfortable walking clothes
• Sun protection
• Enough water for the route
• Any personal items you need during four hours of walking

The Canarian sun can be strong even when the air feels cool near the ravine. Sun protection is not just for the beach. A hat and sunscreen are sensible, though only the listed essentials are formally required.

Do not bring food into the van, and leave drones, alcohol, and drugs at your accommodation. The food provided by Sky Rebels is intended for the route, not for eating during transport.

Wear clothes that allow you to move freely. The route is not described as technical, but uneven ground and short tricky sections call for comfort and balance. You should not arrive in sandals or city shoes and hope to manage.

Who will enjoy this hike most

I would recommend this outing to adults and older teens who want a nature-focused day with a human touch. It works especially well for you if:

• You are staying in Maspalomas or San Agustín
• You want to see a greener, quieter side of Gran Canaria
• You enjoy stories about local families and traditional life
• You prefer a small group to a large bus tour
• You are comfortable walking 8 to 9 kilometers
• You like having transport, food, and walking sticks arranged

It may not suit you if you want a relaxed sightseeing trip with almost no walking. It is also a poor fit if you have mobility limits, are pregnant, are under 12, or are over 70, based on the stated restrictions.

The social side matters too. Inés and Juanjo are described as friendly, funny, and attentive. If you prefer a quiet solo walk with no commentary, their lively style may feel like more than you want. If you like conversation and stories, it is likely to improve the day.

Final call: book it for local nature and personal guiding

I would book Sky Rebels’ Barranco de los Cernícalos hike if I wanted a break from resort life and a well-organized route with local meaning. The strongest reasons are the maximum group size of six, the personal connection Inés and Juanjo have with the area, and the mix of nature, history, humor, food, and practical help.

The $100 price makes sense when you use the transport, two guides, meal, and walking equipment. Bring your own water, wear serious hiking shoes, and expect a real four-hour walk rather than a quick waterfall photo stop.

Choose it for the waterfall, but book it for the way Inés and Juanjo explain Gran Canaria. That is what turns a pleasant hike into a more memorable day.

FAQ

Where does the hike take place?

The walk takes place at Barranco de los Cernícalos in Gran Canaria.

How long is the full activity?

The activity lasts 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours, including transport. The walk itself takes about four to four and a half hours.

How far do you walk?

The walking distance is approximately 8 to 9 kilometers.

What is the difficulty level?

The route is rated easy to medium and includes about 300 meters of unevenness.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live tour is available in Spanish and English.

Is water included?

No. You must bring enough water for the hike. Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and chocolate are included.

Who should not join this activity?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people over 70.