Tenerife: Los Arcos Canyoning Tour with Guide

The canyon turns orange in the sun. This six-hour outing takes you into Los Arcos de Chimoche, a dry volcanic canyon where eight rappels lead through narrow rock passages, mossy walls, and broad views above Tenerife. I like the small groups, capped at eight people, and I especially like that the guide handles the technical setup while still teaching you how to descend safely.

The scenery is the other big draw. Volcanic ash, erosion, and time have shaped the canyon into warm orange walls with green moss and changing shades of light. The main caution is simple: this is an active mountain day, not a gentle sightseeing walk. You need a reasonable level of fitness, a steady head for heights, and proper hiking footwear.

The guide, Jorge, receives especially strong praise for his calm instruction, good humor, and care with nervous beginners. At $82 per person, the tour is fairly priced for a six-hour activity that includes equipment, accident insurance, and photos, though you will need to bring your own food, water, and transport.

Key points to know before you book

• Eight rappels, starting with a 22-meter descent: The first drop gives you the clearest idea of the adventure ahead.
• A dry volcanic canyon: You will not be wading through pools or waterfalls. The appeal is the rock, the rope work, and the setting.
• A 45-minute uphill approach: The descent is only part of the effort. Reaching the canyon requires a walk on a forest track.
• Small groups of up to eight: This allows the guide to watch each person closely and give individual help.
• Photos are included: You can focus on the ropes and views instead of trying to manage a camera.
• Best for confident beginners and active adults: No previous canyoning experience is required, but height and mountain walking are part of the deal.

Why Los Arcos feels different from a standard Tenerife outing

Tenerife is famous for beaches, resort promenades, and Mount Teide. Los Arcos shows you a quieter side of the island, one shaped less by buildings and more by volcanic material and erosion.

The canyon formed as layers of volcanic ash were cut and worn away over time. That process produced the warm orange rock and the arched, winding passages that give the area its character. Moss clings to parts of the walls, adding green to the rusty stone. As the light shifts, the canyon can appear brown, copper, orange, or almost red.

You will experience this scenery from inside the canyon rather than from a lookout. That matters. A viewpoint gives you a quick picture, but canyoning slows you down and places you beside the rock walls, under ledges, and at the base of each rappel.

This is also a useful choice if you have already hiked around Tenerife and want a more physical way to see the island. Several people who tried the activity for the first time found the combination of geology, plants, views, and rope work more memorable than a simple walk.

Meeting at Mirador de La Bermeja

The meeting point is Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa, shown by the location code 8FXP+CC Aguamansa. You will need to arrange your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

If you drive from the north, including La Orotava, follow the TF-21 toward El Teide. Take care with navigation apps. The shortest GPS route can send you onto steep, narrow roads, which is not the sort of surprise you want before a canyoning trip.

Allow extra time to find the meeting point and get ready. You should arrive with water, food, warm clothing, rain gear, and a daypack. Mountain weather can feel different from the coast, so do not rely on Tenerife’s usual beach forecast.

You must wear hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. The provider can offer hiking boots for rent, but you need to contact them in advance to request a pair. Long trousers are optional, although they may feel more comfortable against rock and vegetation. Smoking and vaping are not allowed during the activity.

The 45-minute approach through the forest

The approach begins on a forest track with a gentle slope and takes about 45 minutes. It is not the dramatic part of the day, but it serves an important purpose: you walk into the setting gradually, warm up your legs, and leave the road and ordinary sightseeing behind.

Do not treat this walk as a minor footnote. You will later need to move through rocky canyon terrain, so the approach adds to the total physical demand. If you are comfortable with a moderate mountain walk and can carry your own water and food, it should be manageable. If you dislike uphill walking, remember that the day includes both the approach and the return.

The group carries or wears the required canyoning equipment, with the guide helping organize the technical gear. The small group limit is useful here. A maximum of eight people is far easier to manage on a rope descent than a large commercial group.

The safety briefing before the first rappel

At Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche, the guide gives a safety briefing of about 15 minutes. This is where the activity becomes less intimidating for first-timers.

You learn how the equipment works and how to position yourself for the descent. The guide explains the basic movement needed for rappelling and checks that everyone understands the process before the first major drop.

Jorge is repeatedly praised for being patient, clear, and reassuring. That is especially valuable because the first rappel is about 22 meters. You may know the theory on the ground, but standing at the edge of a high descent is a different matter. A calm guide who checks on you and gives instructions one step at a time can make the difference between panic and progress.

The guide also manages the rope systems and safety checks. You are not left to figure out the technical side alone. Still, this is participatory. You will learn the basics and take an active role in each descent rather than simply being lowered like cargo.

Eight rappels through orange volcanic walls

The guided canyon section lasts about 3.75 hours. Its main structure is eight rappels, with additional walking through the canyon between the technical sections.

The first rappel, at roughly 22 meters, is the big psychological hurdle. It gives you a clear sense of the height and the need to trust your foot placement and rope technique. If you are new to canyoning, expect a few nerves. The guide’s job is to keep the pace steady and give each person the time they need.

The descents are not all identical. The changing rock shapes and passages make the route feel varied, and the technical sections provide the right amount of excitement for beginners who want a real adventure without signing up for an extreme expedition.

You will move through narrow parts of the canyon, around rock formations, and beneath walls marked by moss. The stone is the star of the route. The orange color comes from the volcanic ash and later erosion, while the moss adds softer green tones. It is a setting that rewards looking up and around, not just watching your feet.

There is no need to rush. A canyoning group naturally pauses while each person completes a rappel, giving you time to take in the rock and the views. The guide also adds information about the canyon’s geological story, local flora, and fauna. Jorge has even pointed out endemic wildlife and explained how the formations developed, making the activity more than a sequence of rope descents.

One practical detail deserves attention: the canyon includes loose rock and natural hazards. One account describes a brief fall of very small stones, and another mentions stinging nettles in the area. Follow the guide’s route carefully, watch where you place your hands and feet, and avoid wandering off while waiting.

The views from inside the canyon

Los Arcos is not only about adrenaline. From the canyon, you get a close look at Tenerife’s volcanic structure and panoramic views across the surrounding area.

The views arrive in fragments. You may see a broad outlook from an open section, then turn into a shaded passage where the walls take over your attention. That contrast gives the route its charm. It is not a single postcard scene repeated for hours.

The warm color of the rock works especially well with the changing light. Moss-covered sections create different shades across the walls, and the narrow corridors make the open views feel more rewarding when they appear.

If you enjoy geology, this is one of the stronger reasons to choose the tour. The guide explains the canyon in plain terms as you see the evidence around you. You are not simply told that Tenerife is volcanic; you are standing inside a formation shaped by volcanic ash and erosion.

Finishing at the Chimoche track

After the eighth rappel, you reach the Chimoche track, marking the end of the canyon descent. The technical work is done, but you still have a walk back to the starting point.

The return takes about 30 to 35 minutes on foot. This is shorter than the approach, but tired legs may notice it. Plan for the full outing, not just the 3.75-hour canyon section. The total experience is advertised as six hours, allowing time for the approach, safety talk, descents, pauses, and return.

The end of the route is a good time to appreciate the scale of what you have done. You began on a forest track, entered a volcanic canyon, completed eight rope sections, and walked out through the mountain setting. It is a satisfying half-day challenge rather than a quick add-on activity.

What the $82 price includes

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Tenerife, but the price compares well with the amount of support involved. You receive:

• A canyoning guide
• All canyoning equipment
• Accident insurance
• Photos from the experience

The equipment is important to the value. Buying or renting the complete set of canyoning gear would be inconvenient for a short holiday, and a first-time participant benefits from having a guide manage the technical setup.

The photos add another useful touch. You can concentrate on moving safely and enjoying the views instead of trying to take pictures while wearing equipment or waiting beside a rappel. Jorge is also praised for taking good photos and sharing them without an extra charge.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring enough water and food for the six-hour outing. Hotel transfers are also excluded, so the tour works best for people with a rental car or another reliable way to reach Mirador de La Bermeja.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This tour suits active adults and teenagers aged 13 or older who want a first canyoning experience with close instruction. It is particularly good for beginners who are curious about rappelling but want a guide who will explain each step and avoid pushing them too fast.

You should be comfortable with heights, walking on uneven mountain ground, and spending several hours outdoors. You do not need prior canyoning experience, but you do need to take the safety instructions seriously and be willing to participate.

The activity is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, or people with back, heart, mobility, or seizure-related conditions. It is also not suitable for people who are afraid of heights, anyone over 65, or anyone weighing more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

These restrictions are not minor fine print. The route involves high rappels, walking, and technical movement in a natural canyon. If any of those limits apply to you, choose a lower-impact Tenerife activity instead.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear hiking shoes or trail-running shoes with a secure fit. Hiking boots may be available to rent, but arrange this with the provider before arriving.

Pack warm layers, rain gear, water, food, and a small daypack. Long trousers are optional, though they can offer extra comfort around vegetation and rock. Avoid bringing anything you cannot secure or protect during the descents.

Check the meeting instructions carefully rather than trusting the fastest GPS route. The warning about steep and narrow shortcuts from La Orotava is worth taking seriously.

The activity is offered in English and Spanish. The group is limited to eight participants, which helps the guide provide personal help during the rappels. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later, useful if your Tenerife plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Los Arcos canyoning tour?

Book it if you want a genuine outdoor challenge, striking volcanic scenery, and a carefully guided introduction to rappelling. The strongest reasons are the eight varied descents, the unusual orange-and-moss canyon, the included equipment and photos, and Jorge’s patient approach with beginners.

Skip it if you want a relaxed nature walk, dislike heights, or would struggle with the forest approach and return walk. The six-hour schedule also deserves space in your day.

For the right person, $82 is good value. You get a full mountain experience, not just a short thrill ride, and the guide’s instruction lets you try something technical without needing to arrive as an expert.

FAQ

How long does the Los Arcos canyoning tour last?

The activity lasts about six hours. This includes the safety briefing, the canyon descent, the approach walk, and the return walk.

How many rappels are included?

The route includes eight rappels. The first descent is approximately 22 meters high.

Do I need previous canyoning experience?

No previous canyoning experience is stated as a requirement. The guide provides instruction and safety guidance, and the activity is suitable for beginners who are comfortable with heights and outdoor exertion.

What equipment is included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, food, water, rain gear, hiking shoes, and a daypack. Long trousers are optional. Hiking boots may be available to rent if you contact the provider in advance.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet the guide at Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa. The starting location is identified as 8FXP+CC Aguamansa. From La Orotava, follow the TF-21 toward El Teide and be cautious with GPS shortcuts on steep, narrow roads.