Tenerife: Los Arcos Canyoning Tour with Guide

Los Arcos is a dry canyon shaped by volcanic ash and erosion, with orange walls, moss, and eight rappels to bring you through it. The first descent is about 22 meters, so you get a real taste of the activity early on.

I like two things in particular: Jorge’s patient instruction makes this a practical first canyoning trip, and the canyon’s colors and rock formations give you more to notice than the next rope descent. The small group, capped at eight, also leaves room to ask questions and take the descents at your own pace.

The main consideration is the physical and mental effort. You’ll walk to and from the canyon, handle several hours of rappelling, and work at height. It is not suitable for people afraid of heights or those with several listed health or mobility concerns.

• Eight rappels: The first is about 22 meters, with different technical passages along the descent.
• A volcanic setting: Look for the orange rock, moss, and formations shaped by ash and erosion.
• A guide-led introduction: Jorge explains safety and technique, and shares details about the canyon and local nature.
• A six-hour outing: Plan for a 45-minute approach walk, a 15-minute briefing, about 3.75 hours in the canyon, and a walk back.
• A small group: No more than eight participants can join, with English and Spanish guidance.
• Gear and photos included: Bring your own food, water, and suitable shoes; hotel transport is not included.

The first rappel sets the tone

The trip begins at Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa, where you meet the guide and get ready for the approach. Before setting out, check your route carefully if you are driving from the north. The recommended road is TF-21 from La Orotava, following the signs toward El Teide. GPS directions may send you along steep, narrow shortcuts, which are a poor way to start an active day.

The walk to the canyon takes about 45 minutes along a gently sloping forest track. It is not a technical approach, but it does add real walking to an already active outing. Wear suitable hiking shoes or trail-running shoes, and carry water and food in a small daypack. Hiking boots can be rented if you contact the provider in advance.

At the canyon, you’ll get a safety briefing that lasts about 15 minutes. This is where the guide introduces the equipment and explains how to move through the rappels. If you are new to canyoning, give the briefing your full attention. The first descent is about 22 meters, and knowing what to do before you step over the edge can make the whole activity feel more manageable.

Jorge is the guide name most often associated with this trip. The supplied details also include the spelling Chorche, so you may see either version. Participants describe him as patient and clear in his instructions, with explanations about technique, the canyon’s geology, and local plants and animals. That mix matters: you are not only following a rope system, you’re learning what you’re looking at as you move through the canyon.

Eight descents through orange volcanic rock

The guided canyon section lasts about three hours and 45 minutes. Its central feature is a sequence of eight rappels, also called abseils. You’ll descend using ropes along the canyon walls, with the guide preparing each passage and explaining what to do. This is active participation, not a scenic walk with a few photo stops.

The canyon formed as volcanic ash accumulated and was later shaped by erosion. That geology gives the walls their distinctive look, with warm orange tones and patches of moss. Light can shift the colors as you move through the narrow sections, so the scenery changes from one descent to the next. Take time to look around when you are safely positioned, rather than focusing only on the rope.

The first 22-meter rappel is the biggest single detail to consider before booking. If you are nervous about heights, this may not be the right outing: people afraid of heights are specifically listed as unsuitable. If you are uncertain but keen to try, tell the guide how you feel. People who were new to canyoning describe Jorge as giving clear instructions and allowing time to proceed, but no guide can make a height-based activity comfortable for everyone.

The eight descents offer more variety than repeating one short rappel. The route includes different technical passages, and you’ll use a single-rope technique. That can make the activity rewarding for a beginner who wants to learn a real outdoor skill, as well as for someone who has rappelled before and wants a striking place to do it.

There is no promise of water-based canyoning here. The route is described as a dry canyon, so come for the rock, rope work, and views rather than swimming or waterfalls. That distinction is useful when comparing Tenerife outings: Los Arcos is about moving down the canyon walls, not splashing through a stream.

Small-group guidance makes a difference

With a maximum of eight participants, this is a more personal outing than a large-group adventure. The guide can explain each descent to the group and check in as you go. That is especially helpful when some people are confident and others need a little more time to get comfortable with the rope and height.

The repeated praise for Jorge centers on practical qualities: he explains the steps, stays patient, and makes safety a clear priority. Participants also valued his knowledge of the canyon’s history and geography, along with details about the surrounding nature. One person noted that he pointed out endemic fauna. For you, that means the gaps between rappels can be part of the learning, not just time spent waiting for the next person.

The activity includes all canyoning equipment and accident insurance. Several participants have also appreciated that the equipment was in good condition and that the guide let them check it. You should still listen closely to instructions and follow the guide’s directions throughout. The inclusion of gear does not make the activity risk-free; rappelling requires attention and careful movement.

Photos of the experience are included, which is a useful extra when your hands are busy and you may not want to manage a camera. You can focus on the descent and the scenery, then have images to remember the day. Food and drinks are not included, so pack your own rather than counting on a stop along the route.

The walk out and the day’s real time commitment

Once you finish the eight rappels, you reach the Chimoche track. From there, the route returns on foot to the starting point. The walk back is described as about 30 minutes, while the itinerary gives 35 minutes. Either way, allow roughly half an hour, and remember that this comes after several hours of canyoning.

The full activity lasts about six hours. The schedule includes a 15-minute safety briefing and around three hours and 45 minutes of guided canyoning, in addition to the walks in and out. The approach is about 45 minutes. Exact timings can vary, so keep the day open rather than planning a tight appointment immediately afterward.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, Mirador de La Bermeja. The listed starting location is 8FXP+CC Aguamansa, which can help with navigation, but the driving advice is worth following: from La Orotava, take TF-21 toward El Teide instead of relying blindly on GPS shortcuts.

This is a small-group activity, but it is still a shared outing. You’ll move through the route with the other participants, and the guide will manage the descents as a group. If you prefer an independent pace or want to spend a long time photographing each wall, a guided canyoning route may feel structured. If you value coaching and safety instruction, that structure is part of the appeal.

What to bring, and who should think twice

Wear hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. These are the allowed footwear types, and the provider can arrange hiking boots for rent if you request them. Do not arrive in casual shoes and assume they will be acceptable. Long trousers are optional, though the suggested packing list includes them; choose what you’ll be comfortable wearing during an active outing.

Pack warm clothing, rain gear, water, food, and a daypack. The canyon is described as dry, but that is not a reason to leave weather protection behind. The supplied guidance specifically recommends warm clothing and rain gear. Smoking and vaping are not allowed during the activity.

The trip is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, people with epilepsy, or people over 65. The stated weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. These restrictions are specific, so check them against your own circumstances before booking rather than treating the tour as a general outdoor walk.

You should also be honest with yourself about heights and rope work. A first-time participant can learn the basics here, but beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. The activity asks you to follow instructions, rappel repeatedly, and remain comfortable in a canyon setting. If that sounds exciting but a little daunting, the guide’s role is important. If it sounds frightening, choose a different way to see Tenerife.

Is $82 fair value for Los Arcos?

At $82 per person, the price covers a six-hour guided activity, canyoning equipment, accident insurance, and photos. You are paying for more than access to a scenic spot: the guide leads the route, provides instruction, and manages eight rope descents. For a first-time participant, that instruction and included gear are central to the value.

The price does not cover food, drinks, or transport to the meeting point. Those are modest but important additions to your planning. You’ll need to organize your own drive and bring enough food and water for an active half-day. If you are already staying nearby and have suitable shoes, the package is more straightforward to budget for.

The trip has a strong record of five-star ratings, with particular praise for Jorge’s calm teaching, safety-minded approach, and explanations of the canyon. That consistency supports the price, especially if you want an introduction rather than a self-guided outing. Still, value depends on your appetite for the activity: if heights and repeated rappelling do not appeal, a well-run tour is not a good buy for you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability. These terms offer some flexibility, but you should still confirm the date, meeting point, and footwear before you commit.

Should you book this canyoning trip?

Book Los Arcos if you want an active way to see Tenerife, are curious about rope work, and like the idea of a guide who teaches as you go. The orange, moss-covered walls and volcanic formations give the route a clear sense of place, while eight rappels make it a substantial activity rather than a brief thrill.

It is especially suitable for adults who are physically able to manage the walks and comfortable enough with heights to try a 22-meter first descent. Beginners can take part, and the guide’s step-by-step instruction is a major part of the offer. If you want a relaxed outing, dislike heights, or fall into one of the listed suitability restrictions, skip it.

Before booking, check that the six-hour timing works, arrange your own transport to Mirador de La Bermeja, and pack the recommended essentials. If those details fit, this is a focused, well-supported way to explore a striking corner of Tenerife.

FAQ

How long does the Los Arcos canyoning tour take?

The activity lasts about six hours, including the walks, safety briefing, and guided canyon section.

How many rappels are included?

The route includes eight rappels. The first is about 22 meters.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guide provides instruction, and first-time participants have completed the activity. You still need to be comfortable with heights and rope descents.

What footwear should I wear?

Wear hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. Hiking boots may be available to rent if you contact the provider.

Are long trousers required?

No. Long trousers are optional, though they are included in the suggested packing list.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a canyoning guide, all canyoning equipment, photos, and accident insurance.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Bring your own food and water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point at Mirador de La Bermeja.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.