Roque Bentayga in Gran Canaria
The Roque Bentayga is the gateway to the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria (UNESCO World Heritage since July 2019). It is the third most important peak on the island (after the Pico de las Nieves and the Roque Nublo); and also the most unknown of them. However, it holds surprising secrets that make it worth a visit.
What is Roque Bentayga?
This is a geological formation of volcanic origin on the edge of the caldera of Tejeda. The highest point is 1,414 metres above sea level and is accessible by a medium-difficulty hiking route.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Roque Bentayga is part of an ancient Canarian aboriginal settlement that includes a troglodyte settlement, a necropolis and an almogarén (a place of rituals).
Where is Roque Bentayga?
Located towards the west of the island, it draws an almost straight line with Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo. Very close to the GC-60 (the road that connects Maspalomas with the centre of the island); you can reach it from any point of Gran Canaria in just over an hour. Although certain roads (e.g. from Mogán) can be quite complicated for inexperienced drivers or those who do not know the island well enough.
There is no direct public transport, but there are buses that can drop you off at nearby points from which you can walk (about a 20 minute journey).
The Bentayga almogarén
An “almogarén” is a place where the ancient inhabitants of Gran Canaria performed ritual practices. These first inhabitants were animists and had a deep knowledge of astronomy. In this culture it was essential to be able to measure the passage of time in order to plan the crops; so they used surprising resources to create calendars.
Specifically, in the Bentayga almogarén, they took advantage of the particular shape of the peak of the rock (with a v-shaped indentation), to make a sun marker that could indicate the autumn equinox. In this way, it can be seen that on this specific day, the sun passes exactly through this cleft at dawn; this first ray of sunshine touches a specific area of the rock, where these aborigines carved a circle and a series of ritual bowls.
The main hypothesis is that on this particular day rituals were performed to propitiate the harvest. Even today some people go up at dawn during these dates to see this curious game of light in first person.
What can I visit in this area?
We are at the entrance to the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, so the variety of places to visit is enormous. Some recommendations:
- Bentayga Interpretation Centre: This is a museum located at the base of the rock. The entrance is free and it is open every day of the year from 10.00 to 17.00. You can see reproductions of archaeological remains, interact with some devices, watch videos and have more information about this place.
- Hiking: As we have indicated, it is possible to hike to the summit. The path is quite vertical and of medium difficulty, so it is advisable to wear suitable footwear and clothing. You can also go hiking at the site of the Cuevas del Rey (the old troglodyte settlement). In this case it is only recommended for people in good physical condition and with experience in these activities.
- Caldera de Tejeda: From this point you can quickly reach the towns of Tejeda, Cruz de Tejeda, Artenara, etc. Any of these towns is recommended for a visit (although our favourite is Artenara).
Discover Roque Bentayga and other secrets of Gran Canaria with Sky Rebels
At Sky Rebels, we organize private excursions to discover the Roque Bentayga; as well as the most interesting spots in the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria. If you want more information or want to make a reservation, please contact us.
Risco Caido and the Sacred mountains of Gran Canaria
Risco Caido and Sacred Mountains
Are you interested in history, archaeology and ethnography? Do you want to know more about the surprising history of the first inhabitants of Gran Canaria?
We propose a journey through time in which you will be able to discover how the ancient Canary Islanders adapted in an amazing way to the orography and their environment to develop a civilisation full of mysteries. But also how some aspects of this curious way of life still survive today.
- Two local guides
- No commercial stops
- Canarian homemade food included
- Maximum 6 passengers per group
Where is the Roque Bentayga?
There is no direct public transport, but there are buses that can drop you off at nearby points from which you can walk (about 20 minutes).
What is Roque Bentayga?
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Roque Bentayga is part of an ancient aboriginal Canary Island settlement that includes a troglodyte settlement, a necropolis and an almogarén (a place for rituals).
What is the Bentayga’s almogaren?
Specifically, in the Bentayga almogarén, they took advantage of the particular shape of the peak of the rock (with a “v” shaped indentation) to make a solar marker that could indicate the autumn equinox. It is thus observed that, on this specific day, the sun passes exactly through this slit at dawn; this first ray of sunlight touches a specific area of the rock, where these aborigines carved a circle and a series of ritual bowls.
The main hypothesis is that on this particular day, propitiatory rituals for the harvests were performed. Even today, some people still go up at dawn on these dates to see this curious play of light at first hand.
