Tenerife: Los Arcos Canyoning Tour with Guide

Los Arcos is not a splashy canyon with rushing water. Its appeal is the unusual orange volcanic rock, shaped by ash and erosion into narrow passages and steep walls. You begin with a forest walk, learn the ropes with Jorge, then make eight rappels through a quiet part of Tenerife that most visitors never see.

I like two things right away: the small group, capped at eight, gives Jorge time to coach each person, and the geology makes this more than a rope workout. You also get photos, accident insurance, and all technical equipment included. The main drawback is the approach walk and the first 22-meter rappel, which can feel demanding if you are not comfortable with heights.

Key points to know before booking

• Eight rappels through orange volcanic rock: The route uses single-rope descents, with an approximately 22-meter first rappel.
• A patient guide named Jorge: He explains each movement, checks on you during the route, and adds stories about local geology, plants, and animals.
• A small group of no more than eight: This matters when you need individual help with harnesses, rope technique, or nerves.
• A forest approach before the canyon: Allow about 45 minutes uphill or gently sloping on foot before the main activity begins.
• Photos, equipment, and accident insurance included: You only need to bring suitable clothing, shoes, food, and water.
• A dry canyon, not a swimming trip: Expect rappelling and walking, not pools or waterfalls.

Why Los Arcos is worth the effort

The Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche gives you a different view of Tenerife. Instead of looking across the island from a road or summit, you move through the rock itself. Orange walls, moss, shadows, and changing light create much of the drama.

The canyon formed through the buildup of volcanic ash followed by erosion over time. You do not need a geology degree to appreciate it. As you descend, Jorge explains how the stone took shape and points out local flora and fauna. That added context gives the route a sense of place rather than making it feel like a standard outdoor obstacle course.

The canyon is dry, so this is a good choice if you want canyoning without cold water, swimming, or jumping into pools. The activity still feels adventurous. You use a rope for eight descents, pass through narrow sections, and move carefully over uneven rock.

Meeting at Mirador de La Bermeja

The meeting point is Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa at the location marked 8FXP+CC Aguamansa. You need to arrange your own transport because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Driving from the north, particularly from La Orotava, means following the TF-21 toward El Teide. Take the main road signs seriously. GPS may send you along shortcuts that are steep and narrow, so I would check the route before setting off and allow extra time.

The meeting point is part of the practical challenge of this excursion. It is not a hotel-based tour where you simply step into a minibus. You need a car or another way to reach the starting point, and the mountain setting can make arrival slower than the map suggests.

Once everyone meets, the group goes to Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche. The group limit of eight is useful here. Canyoning involves harness checks, rope instructions, and waiting your turn, so a smaller party keeps the day more personal and limits long periods of standing around.

The 45-minute walk into the canyon

The approach starts on a forest track with a gentle slope and takes about 45 minutes. It is not a technical section, but it is still part of the physical workload. You should arrive ready to walk, not treat the first part as a short transfer.

This walk gives you time to get used to the mountain air and your group before the ropes come out. It also means the most exciting part does not begin immediately. If you want an activity with almost no walking, this is not the right pick.

Wear proper hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. The activity provider may offer hiking boots for rent, but you need to request them in advance. Regular casual trainers are not the stated footwear choice.

Bring water, food, warm clothing, rain gear, and a daypack. Mountain weather can shift, and the canyon itself may feel different from the conditions where you started your day. Long trousers are optional, though they may be more comfortable around rock and vegetation.

Learning the ropes before the first 22-meter rappel

Before the descent begins, you get a safety briefing of about 15 minutes. This is not a formality. Your comfort and control depend on understanding how to move, where to place your feet, and how to follow the guide’s instructions.

The first rappel is approximately 22 meters. It is the moment when the outing becomes real, especially if this is your first canyoning experience. A vertical descent of that length can look intimidating from above, but Jorge works through the process and helps each person at their own pace.

You should expect to use single-rope technique during the route. Jorge prepares the rope systems and explains the movements, while you still need to pay attention and follow directions. The equipment is included, but canyoning is not passive sightseeing. You take an active role in every descent.

Several people who had never tried canyoning before found the instruction reassuring, and one participant described overcoming a fear of heights during the tour. That does not mean the route will feel easy for everyone. If heights cause intense fear, the activity provider lists that as a reason not to take part.

Eight descents through orange and moss-covered walls

The guided canyon section takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. During that time, you complete eight rappels and move through the canyon’s narrower and more striking sections.

The rock is the star. Orange tones shift as light reaches the moss-covered walls, and the confined spaces create shadows that change the appearance of the stone. This is a place for looking around between technical tasks. You get panoramic views in the wider sections, then a closer look at the rock as the canyon tightens.

The route is varied enough to keep the activity from becoming repetitive. Each descent calls for the same basic skill, but the height, angle, and setting can change. You may also encounter loose small stones, so pay attention to the guide and to where you step.

The canyon has a quiet, earthy character. There are no advertised waterfalls or swimming stops, and the attraction is not polished or built for mass tourism. You are there for geology, rope work, and the feeling of moving through a natural volcanic formation.

Jorge adds value beyond the safety instructions. He talks about how the canyon formed, identifies local plants and animals, and offers practical tips about other parts of Tenerife. His calm style comes through in the feedback: he is repeatedly praised for patience, clear explanations, and making beginners feel secure.

The walk back from Chimoche track

After the eighth rappel, you finish near the Chimoche track. The outing is not over at the bottom of the last descent. You walk back toward the starting point for roughly 30 to 35 minutes.

This final walk is much less technical, but you will have already spent several hours walking, handling ropes, and concentrating on your footwork. It is another reason to bring water and suitable shoes. Plan on the full six-hour schedule rather than assuming the rope section is the whole experience.

The return also gives you a chance to relax and take in the surroundings without focusing on the next descent. At the end, you return to the Aguamansa starting area.

What the $82 price includes

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day outdoors in Tenerife. Still, the price covers the guide, canyoning equipment, accident insurance, and photos of the experience. Those inclusions matter because technical gear and a professional rope setup would otherwise add to the cost.

The small group improves the value. With no more than eight people, you get more direct instruction than you might in a large adventure group. A first-time participant may need extra explanation at the first rappel, while a more confident participant may appreciate not being held up by a crowd.

The photos are a nice practical extra. You can focus on the descent instead of asking a companion to stay out of the action and manage a camera. Food and drinks are not included, nor is transport, so budget for your own supplies and drive to Mirador de La Bermeja.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and a reserve-now, pay-later option make planning easier. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before arranging the rest of your day.

Who should book Los Arcos Canyoning

This tour is best for active adults and teenagers aged 13 and over who can walk on uneven ground, tolerate heights, and follow safety instructions. It works particularly well for a first canyoning experience because the guide teaches the basics and the group is small.

You do not need prior canyoning experience. The route is beginner-friendly according to the provided activity information, but beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. The approach walk, repeated rappels, and 22-meter opening descent require a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with exposure.

The tour is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, people with epilepsy, or anyone afraid of heights. It also excludes people over 65 and anyone weighing more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed. You should also be ready for a day without food stops, shops, or hotel support. Bring what you need at the start.

The small details that improve the day

A few simple choices will make this outing more comfortable:

• Wear hiking shoes or trail-running shoes, not casual street shoes.
• Pack water and food in a small daypack.
• Bring warm layers and rain gear even if the weather looks fine at sea level.
• Consider long trousers if you prefer more coverage around rock and vegetation.
• Leave time for the drive, especially from northern Tenerife.
• Do not rely blindly on GPS shortcuts near La Orotava.
• Tell the guide early if you are nervous about the first rappel.
• Keep your attention on the route, since loose small stones and uneven surfaces can occur.

Jorge is repeatedly praised for checking on people during the route and giving each person time to descend. That is exactly the sort of guide support you want when trying canyoning for the first time. You still need to listen, move carefully, and accept that the day will be physical.

Should you book this canyoning tour?

Book it if you want a small-group adventure with real rope work, volcanic geology, and a guide who teaches as he leads. The strongest reasons are the eight rappels, the unusual orange-and-moss canyon, the included photos and equipment, and Jorge’s patient approach with beginners.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing trip, a short walk, or a wet canyon with swimming. The 45-minute approach and final walk add effort, and the first 22-meter rappel is a serious height for anyone uneasy on a rope.

For active visitors with six hours to spare, Los Arcos offers a more intimate side of Tenerife than the usual viewpoints and beach stops. Bring the right shoes, plan your own transport, and you get a focused, memorable outdoor day for $82.

FAQ

How long does the Los Arcos Canyoning Tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours, including the approach walk, safety briefing, canyon descent, and walk back to the starting point.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet the guide at Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa, at the location marked 8FXP+CC Aguamansa.

How many rappels are included?

The descent includes eight rappels. The first is approximately 22 meters high.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. You receive instruction before the descent, and the route is described as suitable for beginners. You still need to be comfortable with heights and able to follow the guide’s instructions.

Is canyoning equipment included?

Yes. All canyoning equipment is included, along with a canyoning guide, accident insurance, and photos of the experience.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to bring your own food and water.

Do I need to bring hiking shoes?

Yes. Hiking shoes or trail-running shoes are allowed. Hiking boots may be available to rent, but you need to contact the activity provider to request them.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Who cannot join the tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, people with epilepsy, people afraid of heights, people over 65, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.