Maspalomas: Hiking in the Waterfalls with Sky Rebels

If you’re looking to escape the busy beaches of Maspalomas and truly connect with Gran Canaria’s natural beauty, the hiking tour with Sky Rebels offers a fantastic way to do so. This 5.5-hour adventure takes you through the enchanting Barranco de los Cernícalos, a landscape straight out of a fairy tale, filled with waterfalls, endemic flora, and native wildlife. Accompanied by two passionate local guides, Inés and Juanjo, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the island’s less-traveled corners, combined with engaging storytelling and a genuine passion for their homeland.

What truly makes this tour special is the small-group format—limiting participants to just six people—which ensures a personalized experience filled with insider knowledge. We love how this setting fosters a friendly atmosphere, making it easy to ask questions and truly feel like a local. However, it’s worth remembering that the trek is classified as easy to medium difficulty, with uneven sections and a total walking distance of about 8-9 km. This means it’s suitable for most fitness levels but not ideal for those with mobility challenges or very young children. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who want an active, authentic encounter with Gran Canaria’s natural landscapes.

Key Points

• Authentic local guides bring personal stories, insider info, and humor to the hike.
• Stunning scenery with waterfalls and endemic species that you won’t see on typical tourist routes.
• Small group size ensures a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Support for local business with a tour operated by Sky Rebels, a company founded by passionate residents.
• All inclusive: sandwiches, local fruits, and chocolates make the experience tasty and refreshing.
• Important to bring: proper hiking shoes, sun protection, and enough water for the journey.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins with pickup from one of six convenient locations in Maspalomas, including Avenida de la Unión Europea, the Guaguas station, and some hotels. This arrangement means you can relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Barranco de los Cernícalos (about 40 minutes in a comfortable van), with the bonus of avoiding complex local transport logistics. The van rides set a relaxed tone, giving you a preview of the island’s countryside and a chance to chat with your guides before hitting the trail.

The Hike Itself: Exploring Barranco de los Cernícalos

Once at the starting point, you’ll set out on what’s considered an easy to medium trail, covering 8-9 km over approximately 4 to 4.5 hours of walking. The route is designed to highlight the natural beauty of Gran Canaria—think lush rivers, waterfalls, and scattered endemic plant species. As Inés and Juanjo explain, this place isn’t just scenic—it’s part of their own history, as their relatives have called it home for generations.

During the hike, expect to encounter plenty of surprises, such as wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic viewpoints that aren’t accessible on conventional tours. Reviewers mention that the waterfall is a major highlight, with Elena noting that “the waterfall was stunning and truly worth the trip.” The guides are adept at sharing stories about how local people historically exploited this landscape—water resources, tools, medicinal plants—adding a layer of cultural insight that elevates the walk beyond just sightseeing.

Nature and Endemic Species

One of the standout features of this tour is the focus on local flora and fauna. You’ll learn about the more than 300 endemic species on the island—plants, insects, and possibly some lizards or geckos. Lasse from Denmark pointed out how the guides’ stories about ancestors and their traditional lifestyles added depth to the natural surroundings. This isn’t just a walk through pretty scenery; it’s an education on how humans and nature have coexisted here for centuries.

Food and Refreshments

Included in the price are sandwiches, local fruits, and chocolates, which are perfect for re-energizing during stops along the trail. Reviewers like Alexia from Switzerland appreciated the vegetarian options, and Elena mentioned the light lunch on top of the waterfall, which made the experience feel even more personal. These touches show a thoughtful approach to the tour, ensuring that your energy lasts through the entire hike and that you get a taste of local flavors.

Return Journey and Drop-Off

After four to four and a half hours of hiking, you’ll hop back into the van for the return trip, which takes about 40 minutes. The drop-offs are at the same six locations where pickups occurred, making logistics simple and stress-free. Many reviewers, like David and Sonja, appreciated how smoothly everything was organized from start to finish, making the day feel seamless.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $100 per person, this experience packs a lot of value. You’re paying for more than just the scenery—you get local expertise, personalized attention, and a chance to learn about Gran Canaria’s natural and cultural heritage from guides who genuinely care. The inclusion of food, snacks, and walking sticks further enhances the experience, removing the hassle of organizing those essentials yourself.

Compared to larger, less personalized tours, this small-group hike feels like a true local adventure. The high praise from 37 reviews averaging a perfect 5/5 underscores how well this experience resonates with participants. The guides’ knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling seem to stand out, making this a memorable day for many.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers of most fitness levels who want a more authentic connection with the island’s nature. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate storytelling, wildlife, endemic plants, and scenic waterfalls. Because it’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, it’s best for reasonably fit, curious adults eager to explore off the beaten path.

Practical Details and Tips

• Bring proper hiking shoes: The trail has uneven sections, and good footwear ensures safety and comfort.
• Pack enough water: Hydration is key, especially under the sun.
• Wear sun protection: The tour is outdoors most of the time, so hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended.
• Clothing should be comfortable: Lightweight and breathable are best for the terrain.
• No water or alcohol in the vehicle: For safety and insurance reasons.
• Drones and food in the bus aren’t allowed: Respect the natural environment and other travelers.

When to Book

Because this tour is limited to six participants, spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It’s advisable to reserve in advance, especially if traveling in summer or during busy months.

FAQs

What is the duration of the hike?

The total walking time is approximately 4 hours, covering 8-9 km, with plenty of stops for sightseeing, photos, and snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, it’s recommended for travelers over 12 years old due to the uneven terrain and walking distance.

What should I bring?

Proper hiking shoes, water, and comfortable clothing are essential. Sun protection is also advised to shield from the midday sun.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are provided, and the tour can cater to different dietary preferences upon request.

What languages are guides available in?

The guides speak both Spanish and English, making the tour accessible to most travelers.

Is pickup included?

Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from selected locations in Maspalomas.

Can I cancel this activity?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility in case plans change.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, due to the uneven route and walking distance, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts

This hiking tour with Sky Rebels offers a rare chance to see Gran Canaria through the eyes of native guides who are deeply passionate about their island. The combination of scenic waterfalls, endemic species, cultural insights, and personal storytelling creates an experience that feels genuine and enriching. The small group size fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer meaningful interactions and personalized attention.

While the trek requires a moderate level of activity, most fit travelers will find it manageable and highly rewarding. The inclusion of local food, water, and snacks adds comfort and convenience, making it excellent value for the price. Plus, the ongoing praise from past participants highlights that this tour consistently delivers memorable moments and beautiful views.

This experience is ideal for curious explorers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Gran Canaria—away from crowded beaches and tourist resorts. If you’re after a mix of adventure, education, and fun in a small-group setting, this hike is a fantastic choice.

Support local, explore authentic landscapes, and enjoy a day filled with natural beauty and engaging stories with Sky Rebels’ Waterfalls Hike. It’s a genuine, personable way to experience Gran Canaria’s wild side.