A water-filled gorge, traditional rural heritage and hiking trails shape the different sides of Los Carrizales. At the upper reaches of the Barranco de Los Carrizales, you can visit the hamlet of the same name. From the gorge, views extend to the sea and the nearby island of La Gomera. To plan your visit, you can first decide whether to focus on the landscape, a visit to the hamlet or a particular route.
Gorge, Landscape and Rural Heritage
The Barranco de Los Carrizales lies within the protected Parque Rural de Teno. For much of the year, water flows through almost the entire gorge; water conditions may change seasonally. The drops in the barranco are also a specific feature of canyoning: they are no more than 15 metres high. The landscape and activity are therefore closely linked here, but each requires different planning.
The hamlet is considered an important example of traditional Canarian rural heritage. Its traditional houses include single-storey buildings made of stone, wood, bricks and locally sourced clay. If you are interested in rural architecture, the hamlet offers its own reason to plan a visit, in addition to the landscape.
Agriculture is also part of the area’s local character. Traditionally preserved onion varieties are still grown in the hamlet of Los Carrizales in Buenavista del Norte. The red onions from Los Carrizales are among the area’s notable local products and are highly regarded in Tenerife. So, alongside the gorge and trails, the rural heritage and a well-known local product are also in the spotlight.
The Difference Between Hiking and Canyoning
The Teno hiking trail network includes PR TF-51.1 Los Carrizales, which is 2.2 kilometres long. Another route runs from Los Carrizales to Roque de Abache: it is 5.2 kilometres long, rated moderate and has an elevation gain of 300 metres. These distances help you compare the two hiking options; the route to Roque also involves the trail conditions described below.
The path to Roque de Abache follows the Los Carrizales ridge, is unmarked and is exposed in places. Suitable footwear and sure-footedness are recommended for this route. From the summit, views extend towards Los Gigantes and as far as Punta Teno. The distance, elevation gain and trail conditions are therefore useful factors to consider together before setting out.
Canyoning in the barranco offers a different way to experience the gorge. The guidance published by the Cabildo in 2017 stated that a permit was required for canyoning in the barranco. Check the current reservation procedure before taking part. The information about water flowing almost continuously applies to much of the year; conditions may change seasonally. This distinguishes the activity from the hiking trails, without treating them as the same kind of excursion.
Plan Your Journey and Stay
The hamlet can be reached via the TF-436 road and a road branching off to the left towards Los Carrizales. Check road conditions before setting out. A municipal route through Masca, Valle de El Palmar, Teno Alto and Buenavista recommends the hamlet as a stop. This recommendation offers another framework for planning your journey; it does not replace your own decision about which places and activities to combine.
These are different kinds of trips, and therefore different starting points for your planning. Once you know what you would like to do in the area, you can tailor your hotel search accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Juan Fernández, Bocacangrejo, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Arona, Icor, El Pris, Buzanada
For the broader travel overview: Tenerife.
