GRAN CANARIA - ISLAND OF CONTRASTS
Often referred to as a continent in miniature the Canary Island of Gran Canaria offers a unique
walking experience, from the rugged coastline broken up with sandy beaches and whitewashed
villages, to lush forests, tropical plantations and arid volcanic mountain ranges.
Your journey starts in the whitewashed fishing village of Agaete on the Northwest Coast of the island. On
arrival take some time to explore the winding narrow streets, and sample the local goats cheese or fresh
seafood paella. From here you will follow walking routes which take in the lush vegetation of the Agaete
Valley, where bananas, mangoes, papayas and citrus trees grow in abundance. Walk the ancient Camino
Reales along mountain ridges and deep ravines offering panoramic views of the valleys below.
Your base for the next few days is the village of Tejeda in the centre of the island, set in the protected
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. On a clear day you will enjoy views across the mountains and out to Tenerife
in the distance. Visit the village market and try some traditional sweets and marzipan made with locally grown
almonds and honey. During your daily walks you will experience some of the islands most famous sights
including the volcanic landscape of Roque Nublo and Gran Canaria’s highest peak Pico de las Nieves.
Your tour comes to an end in the tiny rural village of La Lechuza. From here you have the choice of another
challenging yet rewarding day of walking, or a day trip to the capital city of Las Palmas. Soak up the
atmosphere is this bustling city while enjoying some tapas in one of the café filled side streets.
Your trip includes seven nights hand-picked accommodation in high quality small authentic hotels. We also
include door to door baggage transfers, comprehensive route notes, a detailed map and pre-departure
information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it. So all you have to do is relax and enjoy
your walking adventure!
• The volcanic landscape of the 80 metre tall monolith of El Roque Nublo.
• Explore the charming whitewashed Mediterranean villages brimming with bougainvillea.
• The Caminos Reales - an extensive network of paths and classic routes.
• Lush tropical valleys, rolling sand dunes and dense woodlands.
• Gran Canaria’s white sandy beaches and rugged coastline.
WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US?
Macs Adventure specialise in great value self guided walking holidays. As passionate and regular walkers we
know what makes for an unforgettable trip and we deliver outstanding holidays with every last detail taken
care of. Great walking routes, breathtaking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation are guaranteed.
From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a specialist who knows Gran Canaria inside
out. They will help you plan every aspect of your holiday and to make the most of your time on Gran Canaria
with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions.
What’s Included? Accommodation: 7 Nights between 3 hotels Meals: 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lunch and other dinners are not included but are always available at your accommodation or nearby. Baggage Transfer: Included Transfers: Airport transfers included Information Pack: Detailed route notes, maps and emergency support.
Tour: Walking in Gran Canaria Code: WSPSGC Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday Price: See Website Single Supplement: See Website Dates: All Year Days: 8 Days (6 days walking) Nights: 7 Nights Start/Finish: Gran Canaria Airport Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Closest Airport: Palermo Airport
HIGHLIGHTS Is It For Me? This trip is best suited to keen walkers and is graded moderate to strenuous. The walks are of 4.5 to 7.5 hrs a day, some long as-cents and descents (max of 1300m in as-cent, 715m in descent). Some options for easier alternate routes.
GRAN CANARIA:
ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA
Day Route Km
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Arrive Gran Canaria/Transfer to Agaete Walk the Camino Real via Mirador de la Paloma Walk to Tejeda Walk around Roque Nublo Walk from Tejeda, via Altavista Walk to to La Lechuza Walking route OR visit Las Palmas Onward travel
0
10.5
11/16 12/20
9.5/14
12.5/19 15.5/14
Code: WSPSGC Days: 8 (6 Days Walking) Nights: 7 Overnights: 2 Agaete, 3 Tejeda, 2 La Lechuza
DAY 1
Arrive Gran Canaria/Overnight Agaete
Arrive at Gran Canaria Las Palmas Airport where
a driver will be waiting to take you to your
accommodation just outside Agaete (1 hour).
Take some time to explore the charming fishing
village of Agaete or relax by the swimming pool
for the afternoon.
Dinner & Overnight: Finca Las Longueras,
Agaete
Your accommodation for the next two nights is a
colonial mansion, located in a tranquil valley
outside Agaete. With a backdrop of craggy
mountains, a pool surrounded in palm trees. and
a tropical garden filled with oranges, lemons,
papayas and avocadoes this is a great base for
you to explore from.
DAY 2
Walking on the Camino Real
Enjoy a breakfast of freshly squeezed juice and
warm homemade bread on the terrace before
starting your first walk. Leaving the hotel you will
walk up a path along a ravine to the village of
San Pedro. From here you will start your ascent
along the Camino Real to Montana Bibique
(645m), a rugged outcropping at the top of the
steep cliffs, with views over the lush Agaete
Valley.
Walk further on to the Mirador Vuelta de la
Paloma (850m) which looks out over several
valleys. The descent from Puerto de las Nieves
follows a narrow gravel path along the ridge and
is not for the faint hearted. Once at the bottom
take a bus or taxi back to Agaete. If you are
afraid of heights you are best to retrace your
steps from the Mirador back to the hotel instead
of following this path.
Walk: 10.5km , 4.5 hrs, 525m ascent, 650m
descent
Overnight: Finca Las Longueras, Agaete
DAY 3
Walk to Tejeda
Today you will enjoy views of the impressive
summit of la Cumbre on your way to your next
hotel situated in the mountain village of Tejeda,
where you’ll spend the next three nights.
After a short taxi transfer (10 min), you will start a
challenging walk today taking on two steep
ascents to reach an elevation of 1715m.
Following the ancient Camino Real to the village
of Fagajesto, you will then walk a tarmac section
along a high ridge surrounded by pastures. Stop
for a rest before beginning your second steep
ascent of the day, following paths through pine
forests near Galdar. After descending to the
crossroads at Cruz de Tejeda stop for a cool
refreshment before descending down the ridge to
Tejeda. En route you will pass the south side of
an extinct volcanic crater, with views to the sea.
Walk: 11/16km, 7.5hrs, 1300/700m ascent,
700m descent
Dinner & Overnight: Hotel Fonda de la Tea,
Tejeda
This rustic 19th century guesthouse is warm and
comfortable and provides a great base for the
next few days. Relax with a book in the courtyard
or enjoy the spectacular views over the Gran
Canaria Biosphere Reserve while soaking up the
sun on the rooftop terrace.
DAY 4
Walk around Roque Nublo
Today you will traverse the steep volcanic terrain
around the famous landmark of Roque Nublo.
This may not be the highest peak on Gran
Canaria but it is the most identifiable, as it is
visible from almost anywhere on the island.
Follow steep paths zigzagging up toward Roque
Nublo. As you get higher, gaze hundreds of
meters down steeply eroded ravines. On the
descent follow a different route through a
peaceful pine forest before catching a bus back
to Tejeda.
Walk: 12/20km, 5.5-7.5hrs, 800m ascent,
400/800m descent
Overnight: Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda
DAY 5
Walk from Tejeda via Altavista
Today you will do one of the loveliest walks of
the trip over the Altavista ridge, at the edge of
Tamadaba Natural Park on a huge extinct crater
(caldera).
After taking a transfer to the start of the walk in
the morning, you will walk all day with the clouds
below you and enjoy sweeping views all the way
to Tenerife. This afternoon you will be transferred
from Artenara back to Tejeda, where you will
have time to visit the spice garden and sample
different spices. Enjoy the sunset from the hotel’s
roof top terrace this evening, with the silhouette
of Bentayga Peak in the background.
Walk: 9.5/14km, 3-4.5hrs, 300/500m ascent,
300/450m descent
ITINERARY
GRAN CANARIA:
ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA
Overnight: Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda
DAY 6
Walk to La Lechuza
After a short transfer to La Culata you begin a
walking route which takes you up over La
Cumbre toward the green north of the island.
Ascending up to Roque Nublo, you will follow the
ridge enjoying views to Gran Canaria’s highest
peak, Pico de las Nieves (1951m). Descend
along footpaths, rural tracks and tarmac to your
accommodation where you can cool off with a
refreshing dip in the pool.
Walk: 12.5/19km, 5-7.5hrs, 500/785m ascent,
325/410m descent
Dinner & Overnight: Hotel Rural Las Calas, La
Lechuza
Your accommodation for the next two nights is a
century old manor house, in a fertile valley set
amongst an orchard filled with fruit, almond and
palm trees. Make use of the swimming pool in
this small rustic hotel.
DAY 7
Walking route or visit to Las Palmas
Today you have the choice of another day of
walking or a day trip to Las Palmas. The walking
route offers stunning views alongside gullies and
valleys brimming with a huge variety of tropical
vegetation.
If you decide to visit Las Palmas today, you start
off with a walk to San Mateo where you will catch
a bus to Las Palmas. Explore the historic town
centre taking in the Castillan-style colonial
architecture, the Santa Ana Cathedral. Soak up
the atmosphere before returning to the hotel for
your final night.
Walk (Optional): 15.5/14km, 5-6.5 hrs,
400/715m ascent, 615/715m descent
Overnight: Hotel Rural Las Calas, La Lechuza
DAY 8
Departure Gran Canaria / Onward travel
After breakfast this morning you will be
transferred back to the airport for your onward
travel.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point during
the trip or before or after the holiday.
Tailor Made Holidays
We are always more than happy to tailor our
standard itineraries to suit your holiday plans.
Just let us know what you would like and we will
be happy to arrange tailor made walking holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded Moderate to
Strenuous. Walks of 4.5 to 7.5 hrs a day, some
long ascents and descents (max of 1300m in
ascent, 715m in descent).
The walks follow rural tracks, both surfaced and
un-surfaced, footpaths and animal trails. You
may encounter some loose rock, or muddy /
slippery sections in wet weather. Ascents and
descents can be steep and footpaths rough.
The higher areas may experience occasional
snow during early spring and weather conditions
up high may be totally different from those
experienced in the valleys, so always take extra
warm clothing with you. From June till September
you should protect yourself against sun and heat.
You should be a regular walker and have a good
level of walking fitness to get the most from this
holiday.
Navigation
The routes on this trip are generally way marked
but you will need to follow the route notes and
maps supplied.
Accommodation
We specifically select your accommodation to
ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay
in Gran Canaria. During this trip your stay in
Gran Canaria you will stay at three charming
village hotels. Each has its own character and
history.
Alternate accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into a
different accommodation which is not listed in the
description, and the start or end of some of your
walking routes may be slightly altered. Any
alternative accommodation will be of the same or
better standard as those described.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Three
dinners are included, but lunch and other dinners
are not included. Most hotels are happy to
provide a packed lunch, this should be requested
on arrival, or you can pick up lunch from a local
deli or along the trail. Dinner is available either
at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes
and restaurants.
Getting Around
Transfers are included on days 3,5 and 6,
according to the programme.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, appropriate clothes and a day pack.
Weather
Gran Canaria has the perfect climate for all year walking. Average maximums range from mid teens in the winter to mid twenties in the summer. For more details view climate guide.
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
GRAN CANARIA:
ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA
Getting to/from Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria Las Palmas airport is served by
numerous low cost and charter flights from
throughout the UK. These include Easyjet,
Ryanair, Thomson, and Air Europa. Flying time is
just over 4 hours.
Other airlines fly from throughout Europe and
connect from further afield.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
comprehensive travel insurance to cover illness,
injury, cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.
Price
Please refer to our website for up to date prices
www.macsadventure.com
Availability
You can start your holiday on any date during the
year, subject to availability. Gran Canaria is the
ideal winter walking destination.
Included
• 7 Nights hotel accommodation
• 7 Breakfasts
• 3 Dinners
• Route notes and maps
• Full information pack on local history, culture & traditions as well as advice on restaurants, bars and local attractions
• 24 hour emergency telephone support and assistance
• Return airport transfers
• Luggage transfers between accommodation on days 3 and 6
• Transfers for days 3, 5, and 6 according to the programme
Excluded
• Lunches, dinners not specified, snacks and drinks.
• Travel Insurance.
• Any transfers not specified
• Flights
• Personal expenses such as phone calls, drinks, extra transport etc
Optional Extras
• Extra nights during, before or after the tour
• Single room supplement
Once you have read all the information in this
factsheet or our website, you can then book
online at www.macsadventure.com or by phone
on +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or USA Toll Free +1-
866-355-1037
Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on
+44 (0) 141 530 8886 or email:
[email protected] if you have any
queries and one of our expert team will be happy
to help.
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd
Book with Confidence. We are a member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide full financial protection for your money.
ABTA Member Statement
Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA. Members help holidaymakers
to get the most from their travel and assist when
things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged
to maintain a high standard of service to you by
ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information
on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the
arbitration scheme available to you if you have a
complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London
SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com
TRAVEL INFORMATION
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
HOW TO BOOK
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
GRAN CANARIA:
ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA