Barranco de las Vacas & Ancient Canarian Caves

Barranco de las Vacas & Ancient Canarian Caves

Discover one of Gran Canaria’s most spectacular landscapes and the remarkable archaeological heritage of the island’s ancient inhabitants, with Inés & Juanjo, two native Gran Canarian guides, in a small group of no more than 6 guests.

Pickup from Maspalomas · Approx. 4 hours · Max. 6 guests · 2 native guides · Picnic included

Barranco de las Vacas rock formations in Gran Canaria

Barranco de las Vacas Gran Canaria

Your experience at a glance

Pickup
Maspalomas

Duration
Approx. 4 hours

Group size
Maximum 6 guests

Guides
2 native Gran Canarian guides


More than the iconic photo

Barranco de las Vacas is one of Gran Canaria’s most striking landscapes, known for its curved walls, warm colours and extraordinary shapes. It is also one of the island’s most photographed natural sites.

But the experience goes far beyond the iconic photograph.

With us, you will discover the landscape from a different perspective — not simply by taking a photograph, but by understanding the stories, heritage and places that surround it.

We created this experience to combine nature, photography and local culture, taking you beyond the viewpoint and into a different side of Gran Canaria.

Curved rock formations inside Barranco de las Vacas in Gran Canaria

Your Barranco de las Vacas experience

Your experience starts early in Maspalomas, with pickup in our comfortable vehicle and a small group of no more than 6 guests.

We head inland towards Barranco de las Vacas, where you can explore its distinctive rock formations, enjoy the landscape and take photographs.

But the experience goes beyond the canyon itself. We introduce you to the archaeological heritage of the area and the stories of Gran Canaria’s ancient inhabitants, before continuing towards Temisas, a traditional rural village surrounded by the landscapes of inland Gran Canaria.

During the excursion, we also provide a light picnic with a sandwich, fresh fruit and local products.

After approximately four hours, we return to Maspalomas.


Inside Barranco de las Vacas canyon in Gran Canaria

01 · BARRANCO DE LAS VACAS

Why visit Barranco de las Vacas early?

Barranco de las Vacas is one of Gran Canaria’s most photographed landscapes, known for its curved rock formations, striking colours and unusual shapes.

We visit early because it is one of the best ways to experience the canyon at a quieter time, before it becomes busy. This gives you more space to explore the surroundings, take photographs and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.

The colours and textures of the canyon change with the light throughout the day, creating beautiful contrasts between the rock formations and the sky. There is no need to rush — we allow enough time to appreciate the landscape and take the photographs you came for.

Starting early also leaves you with plenty of time to continue exploring Gran Canaria after the excursion.

Come for the photograph. Stay for the landscape, history and stories behind it.

02 · CAVES

Ancient Canarian heritage

Beyond the spectacular rock formations, Barranco de las Vacas is connected to the ancient history of Gran Canaria.

The surrounding landscape contains traces of the island’s pre-Hispanic past, including natural caves and spaces that were once used by the island’s ancient inhabitants.

Cave interior in the archaeological landscape near Barranco de las Vacas, Gran Canaria

The site is visited respectfully and in very small groups, allowing you to appreciate its archaeological and natural surroundings away from the crowds found at more established tourist attractions.

During our visit, we share some of the stories and traditions connected to this heritage, helping you understand the landscape from a different perspective.

It is one of the details that makes this experience different from simply visiting the canyon, taking a photograph and leaving.

03 · TEMISAS

Rural Gran Canaria

The experience continues to Temisas, one of the traditional rural villages of inland Gran Canaria.

Surrounded by mountains, ravines and agricultural landscapes, Temisas offers a glimpse of a quieter side of the island, away from the main tourist resorts.

Church of Temisas in Gran Canaria

Here, we share stories about local life and the landscapes that have shaped the communities of inland Gran Canaria.

It is a simple but meaningful part of the experience. After discovering the dramatic landscape of Barranco de las Vacas and the archaeological heritage of the ancient Canarians, you get to see how people continue to live and work in the island’s rural interior.

Why experience Barranco de las Vacas with Sky Rebels?

We are Inés & Juanjo, two native Gran Canarian guides who love sharing the island we call home.

We created this experience because we wanted to share a different side of Gran Canaria — one that goes beyond the famous photograph of Barranco de las Vacas. And because we are the people who created and lead this experience, you’ll be exploring it with us, not simply following a standard itinerary.

We combine nature, photography, local stories and the archaeological heritage of the island’s ancient inhabitants, bringing together the places and stories that make this part of Gran Canaria special.

We deliberately keep our groups small, with a maximum of 6 guests. This gives us time to interact with you, adapt the pace when possible and share the experience in a more personal way.

We don’t simply drive you to a viewpoint, take a photograph and move on. We want you to understand the landscape, discover its stories and experience Gran Canaria with us.

Sky Rebels guide sharing Gran Canaria with a small group of guests

What our guests say

★★★★★ Google

“Pocas veces he experimentado tanta inteligencia, encanto, pasión y profesionalismo en una visita guiada.”

★★★★★ GetYourGuide

“An early start but well worth it to visit Barranco de las Vacas virtually alone. The cave trip was fascinating. Much more than we could have imagined. History brought to life by our interesting and funny guides!”

★★★★★ Tripadvisor

“They took us to beautiful, off-the-beaten-track locations that we would never have discovered on our own, which made the trip feel really special and unique.”


What’s included

Your experience includes everything you need to enjoy Barranco de las Vacas comfortably, from pickup in Maspalomas to the return journey.

  • Pickup and drop-off in Maspalomas
  • Transportation in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Two native Gran Canarian guides — Inés & Juanjo
  • Small group of maximum 6 guests
  • Light picnic with a sandwich, fresh fruit and local products
  • Insurance

Practical information

⏱️ Duration

Approximately 4 hours, including transportation from and back to Maspalomas.

🌅 Start time

We start early in the morning to visit Barranco de las Vacas before the busiest part of the day. Your exact pickup time depends on your pickup location.

🥾 Walking

The walk is relatively short, but the terrain is uneven, rocky or sandy in places. You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground.

🎒 What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection and a light jacket, depending on the season.

And don’t forget your camera 📷 — Barranco de las Vacas is one of the most photogenic landscapes in Gran Canaria.

👥 Group size

Maximum 6 guests, allowing us to explore at a relaxed pace and provide a more personal experience.

☀️ Weather

The experience takes place outdoors and depends on weather and local conditions. If conditions make it unsafe, we will contact you and discuss the available options.


A different side of Gran Canaria

If you are looking for more than the usual tourist highlights, come and discover Gran Canaria with us.

Barranco de las Vacas may be the reason you book this experience, but it is only the beginning.

From the dramatic rock formations of the canyon to the archaeological heritage of Gran Canaria’s ancient inhabitants, and from the quiet landscapes of Temisas to the stories we share along the way, you will discover places and perspectives that are easy to miss when travelling on your own.

We created this experience to bring together nature, history, photography and local life — not as a checklist of attractions, but as a way of experiencing Gran Canaria through the places we know and love.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the experience take?

The experience takes approximately 4 hours, including transportation from and back to Maspalomas, and visits to Barranco de las Vacas, the caves and Temisas.

How many people are in the group?

We deliberately keep our groups small, with a maximum of 6 guests.

The experience is guided by Inés & Juanjo, two native Gran Canarian guides. Travelling in such a small group gives us time to interact with you, adapt the pace when possible and share the experience in a more personal way.

Is the experience suitable for everyone?

The walks are relatively short, but some sections include uneven, rocky or sandy terrain.

You should have reasonable mobility and feel comfortable walking on uneven ground. If you are unsure whether the experience is suitable for you, please contact us before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring water or your preferred drink, comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip, suitable clothing for walking and sun protection.

Conditions can be different from those in Maspalomas. Before the excursion, we will contact you with specific recommendations based on the expected conditions.

Is food included?

Yes. During the experience, we provide a light picnic with a sandwich, fresh fruit and local products.

Is the tour available in English and Spanish?

Yes. Our tours are conducted in English and Spanish.

If you have any specific language requirements, please contact us before booking.

Can I do this experience as a private tour?

Yes. If you prefer to discover Gran Canaria exclusively with your family or group, you can book a private tour with us. Discover our private tours in Gran Canaria.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you cancel more than 48 hours before the start of the activity, we will refund the amount paid, less a 10% per passenger administration fee.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the start of the activity are non-refundable.

No refund will be provided in the event of a no-show, late arrival that prevents participation in the activity, failure to follow safety instructions, or if a participant is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sky Rebels also reserves the right to exclude any participant from the activity, without a refund, in the event of inappropriate or abusive behaviour towards the guides, other participants or third parties, or if their behaviour may affect the safety or enjoyment of the group.

If Sky Rebels has to cancel the activity for technical reasons or due to weather conditions, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid.

Where and when will you pick me up?

We offer pickup from six designated meeting points in Maspalomas and the surrounding tourist area:

8:05 — Cruce Faro bus stop
Recommended if you are travelling from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán by public transport (Bus Line 1).
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8:10 — Faro de Maspalomas bus station
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8:15 — Avda. TTOO Neckermann · Campo de Golf 4 bus stop
Recommended if you are travelling by car. Free parking is available in the area.
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8:20 — Servatur Don Miguel
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8:25 — Parque Tropical bus station
Recommended if you are travelling from Las Palmas by public transport (Bus Line 30).
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8:30 — Centro Comercial San Agustín bus stop (No. 11042)
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Choose the pickup point that is most convenient for you when booking. Please arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the scheduled pickup time.


Discover Barranco de las Vacas with Inés & Juanjo

Join us for a small-group experience combining one of Gran Canaria’s most striking landscapes with ancient Canarian heritage, photography and rural life.

Guest enjoying Barranco de las Vacas in Gran Canaria

Maximum 6 guests · 2 native guides · Pickup from Maspalomas

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