The Barranco de Los Palmitos Route brings several aspects of the area to life in El Trapiche: agricultural landscapes, traditional architectural styles and evidence of water management are all found along the same route. If you are considering Trapiche as a destination for your stay, this gives you a specific focus for planning: cultural history and nature observation can be combined on one tour.

The Route and Traces of Everyday Life

The route begins in El Trapiche, at the car park of the park next to C.E.I.P. El Trapiche. From there, it follows the GC-330 road towards the Iglesia de San José de la Montaña. The route passes old houses built in the traditional Canarian style. The starting point, road section and named church provide concrete landmarks to bear in mind when planning your tour.

Along the route are alpendres, irrigation channels, washhouses and cantoneras. These features illustrate the area's agricultural tradition and way of life. One example of water management can be found in Trapiche Bajo: the group “CANTONERAS (5) Y LAVADERO” channelled water to various growing areas intended for banana plantations and filled some water basins. Its function brings to life the connection between water distribution and cultivation.

The Acueducto de La Palmita can also be seen along the route. It crosses the northern slope of Lomo de La Palmita and adds a striking structure in the landscape to the other traces of water management.

Landscape and Nature Observation

The route passes through agricultural landscapes and barranco streambeds, reaching a palm grove beside an old water well. In the riverbed, you can observe the watercourse, as well as reed beds and pitas. Other plants visible along the route include Canary Island date palms, tamarisks, mastic shrubs and native shrubs. Birds found along the route include kestrels, herons, blackbirds and tits. The Lagarto canarión (Gallotia stehlini) is also native and endemic to Gran Canaria.

Church and Practical Route Planning

San José de la Montaña (Trapiche) is located in the Arucas area. If you would like to include the church in your visit, check access arrangements for services before you go.

Explora Arucas lets you use the route offline, without an internet connection. For route planning, the platform also provides information on difficulty, elevation difference and estimated walking times. Take these three figures into account when planning your time and route, and check the route details again before setting out, as local trail conditions may change. The estimated walking times give you an indication of how long the route may take, while difficulty and elevation difference describe other aspects of the route. Treat this information as distinct planning details, not interchangeable figures.

For the broader travel overview: Arucas.