Trasmontaña reveals itself through two distinct themes: historic water management and banana cultivation. On the descent along Camino del Laurel, two structures in the Cantoneras y Lavaderos complex are visible; others follow the Acequia that runs there. Access conditions may vary.
Waterworks and Washhouses
The complex comprises five stone cantoneras and four small, individually built stone lavaderos. People washed on their knees in the lavaderos. Three cantoneras are elongated, one is almost square, and the fifth is in a rectangular shelter. The lavaderos are the complex’s washhouses; the number, material and different shapes of the cantoneras are notable.
The Acequia del Guincho carried water belonging to the Heredad and later the Porrón; several washhouses were built along the canal. Around 1572, the Acequia Alta, a section of the Acequia de Arucas, was extended to Trasmontaña to carry water to the El Prior estate, which belonged to the Mayorazgo. The two canals represent different historical connections: the Guincho supplied water for the Heredad and later the Porrón, while the Alta carried water to El Prior.
Further markers of the past stand along the old royal road: Trasmontaña’s historic estates and manor houses include buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Traditional estate complexes associated with Trasmontaña include residential and agricultural buildings, stables and granaries arranged in walled, L- or U-shaped layouts. This design brings together different functions within an enclosed complex and offers a different perspective on the history of the estates than the waterways do.
The agricultural estates associated with Trasmontaña were centers of large landholdings established after the conquest. During the interwar period, these estates flourished through banana monoculture. Thus, the waterworks stand alongside an agricultural history in which banana cultivation played a special role.
Banana Cultivation and Historic Houses
Mundo del Plátano at Hacienda La Rekompensa offers a guided tour of a banana plantation. The tour covers the history, cultivation and varieties of the Canarian banana and also includes a tasting of products made from Canarian bananas. Visitors can also see a fully restored Canarian house dating from 1804. Check visitor arrangements before you go.
Circular Route and Event Dates
A circular route through Trasmontaña to Montaña de Arucas and Montaña de Cardones, described in November 2022, starts in the town, follows the Paseo de San Patricio and the Acequia Alta, and climbs to Montaña de Arucas. The description at the time noted construction-related restrictions near the summit. Check the current route conditions before setting out.
A Fiesta de San Patricio is listed for Trasmontaña in August. Check the specific event dates for your travel period before your trip.
Discover more destinations: El Estanco, Santa Brígida, El Chorrillo, Maspalomas, Vega De San Mateo, Telde, Las Marciegas, Tafira Baja
For the main travel overview: Gran Canaria.
