Gran Canaria: The Red Canyon Tour with Local Food Tasting

Planning a day out on Gran Canaria and looking for a trip that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and delicious local flavors? This guided Red Canyon tour with food tasting is catching attention for good reasons. With an average rating of 4.7 based on over 200 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it worth the price of $95 per person. But, as with any experience, it’s worth digging into what you really get and whether it suits your travel style.

What we love about this tour is how it offers breathtaking viewpoints like Guriete and the Caldera de Tirajana, plus an authentic taste of Canarian culture through local food and community visits. It’s a well-rounded day with varied scenery, historical stops, and a chance to cool off with a swim in a local beach. That said, it’s not perfect — expect a full 8-hour itinerary with some long drives and a few moments that might feel rushed, especially if you’re not keen on walking or uneven terrain.

This tour works best for adventurous travelers eager to see the island’s diverse landscapes and learn about its history. It’s also suited to those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, light hiking, and regional cuisine. If you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed, less active day, some parts might be challenging. Still, for anyone looking to get a comprehensive glimpse of Gran Canaria in one day, this trip has plenty of appeal.

Key Points

• Diverse scenery: From viewpoints to canyons, the landscape is a highlight.
• Cultural insights: Learn about the aboriginal Canarií people and their heritage.
• Local flavors: Tasting regional products and enjoying traditional lunch adds a real flavor of the island.
• Active components: Includes a 650-meter hike with some uneven terrain—good for those comfortable with light trekking.
• Long day: Up to 8 hours, with substantial travel time between stops.
• Expert guides: Reviews praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive day exploring some of the most striking natural and cultural features of Gran Canaria. You’ll start with hotel pickup and head inland to discover the dramatic reddish cliffs of the Red Canyon and the volcanic Caldera de Tirajana. These geological formations are not just stunning but tell stories of the island’s fiery origins, shaped over millions of years.

From there, the journey takes you to Santa Lucía de Tirajana, a charming village that feels like stepping back in time with its traditional streets and local life. Here, you’ll get the chance to sample local delicacies, which adds a tasty layer to your understanding of Canarian culture. The stop at La Fortaleza de Ansite immerses you in the island’s ancient aboriginal history — caves and sacred sites that reveal stories of the original inhabitants.

One of the biggest highlights is the hike through Barranco de Las Vacas, a hidden geological treasure. The route is described as gentle with winding paths, but it involves a 650-meter hike with some uneven terrain and a 40-meter elevation gain, so good shoes and a willingness to walk are necessary. Several reviews mention this part as both beautiful and somewhat challenging, especially under the sun.

Finally, the day wraps up with a swim at a local Canarian beach in Arinaga, offering a chance to relax and cool off after a busy morning. You’ll return to your hotel with a head full of memories, photos, and perhaps some regional snacks to take home.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-up and Travel Time

Your day begins early with pick-up from a range of locations, including Las Palmas, Playa del Mogan, Maspalomas, and more. Depending on where you’re staying, the initial drive can take 1.5 to 2 hours, especially if you’re in the north. While some reviews mention long bus rides, the comfort and organization seem generally well-managed, with air-conditioned vehicles and guides who keep things engaging.

Guriete Viewpoint

The first scenic stop is at Mirador El Guriete, a lookout that offers panoramic views over the island. This is the perfect spot for photos and to get an initial sense of Gran Canaria’s rugged terrain. Expect about 20 minutes here, enough to take in the views and snap some pictures.

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Santa Lucía de Tirajana

Next, you visit the picturesque village of Santa Lucía, where you’ll have an hour to explore, stroll the streets, and perhaps buy some local products. It’s a lively spot that showcases traditional Canarian architecture and lifestyle. Here, you’ll enjoy a food tasting and regional snacks, which travelers find delightful, especially the local jams, cheeses, or liqueurs.

La Fortaleza de Ansite

The next major stop is the ancient fortress and cave dwellings — an archaeological site that offers insights into the island’s first inhabitants. The visit lasts about an hour and a half, giving you time to explore the caves and learn about the Canarií people’s history. Several reviews highlight the stories guides share, making this part both educational and atmospheric.

Lunch in Santa Lucía

Afterward, you’ll get a chance to sit down for a regional Canarian lunch. The included meal is described as a taste of local cuisine, with some reviewers mentioning the dishes being basic but tasty. It’s a good way to refuel before the active afternoon.

Barranco de Las Vacas Hike

Post-lunch, the adventure continues with a walk through the Barranco de Las Vacas, a scenic ravine with gentle, winding paths and unique rock formations. Expect about 20 minutes for photos, and the route takes roughly an hour and 15 minutes. The terrain is uneven, with some sections that might be challenging for those with a fear of heights or limited mobility. Several reviews praise the beauty of this spot, calling it a hidden gem.

Coastal Swim in Arinaga

The day concludes with a visit to the fishing village of Arinaga, where you’ll have about 40 minutes to relax with a swim in an authentic Canarian beach. The water is inviting, and it’s a perfect way to cool off after a full day of sightseeing and hiking.

Return Journey

After this, you’ll head back to your starting point, with about 2 hours of travel depending on your pickup location. Expect to arrive back in your hotel around early evening, tired but enriched by the experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews frequently highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides, particularly Angelica, Victor, and Raul. They make the experience more engaging with storytelling and answering questions. Many mention the stunning viewpoints and the photos they took, especially of the canyon scenery and mountain vistas.

The food tasting and lunch also get notable mentions, with several reviewers praising the regional delicacies and the opportunity to learn about local products. One reviewer even said, “The Red Canyon was beautiful even if small,” but emphasized that the overall experience was still worthwhile.

Some travelers found the long bus rides and the partly rushed schedule a minor downside, especially if you’re not keen on long hours on the road or walking on uneven paths in the heat. For example, one review pointed out that the journey from Las Palmas could take nearly 2 hours each way, which might be tiring for some.

The consistent praise for the diverse locations and the guides’ expertise makes this tour appealing for those wanting a mix of nature, history, and culture in one day.

The Value for Money

At $95, this tour offers a full day of sightseeing, cultural insights, and food tastings, which many consider a good deal given the variety and quality of experiences. Reviews mention the excellent guides and well-organized stops, making the price feel justified. The included transport, lunch, and tasting add to the convenience, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the island.

However, keep in mind that long transfers and walking are part of the package, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with active exploration. For those seeking a relaxed, less physically demanding day, this might be a bit strenuous.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see a variety of landscapes and learn about local history and culture. If you love scenic viewpoints, light hiking, and regional cuisine, you’ll find it fulfilling. It also suits those who don’t mind a full schedule and some bus time, as the day is packed with diverse stops.

If you’re traveling with children over 5, and they’re used to walking and outdoor activities, they might enjoy this trip too. However, if mobility is an issue or you prefer slow-paced sightseeing, you may want to consider other options.

FAQ

Is there a dress code or specific clothing I should wear?
Wear layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures, and bring sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. A hat, sunscreen, and water are also recommended.

How long is the hike involved?
The hike is about 650 meters with a 40-meter elevation gain, involving some uneven paths. It takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, with an alternative path available if needed.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes tastings of local products and a regional lunch, giving you a genuine taste of Canarian flavors.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, transportation is included, with pickup in the morning from several locations, depending on your area.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring essentials such as a hat, swimwear, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, hiking shoes, and a jacket. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as the terrain can be uneven.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, groups are limited to 20 participants, ensuring a friendly, intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines panoramic views, cultural history, and local cuisine, this Gran Canaria Red Canyon tour hits many marks. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience engaging and educational. The scenery — from viewpoints to the canyon itself — is genuinely stunning, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

The inclusion of food tastings and a regional lunch adds a flavorful touch that elevates the trip beyond just sightseeing. It’s a well-rounded option for travelers who enjoy a moderate amount of activity, don’t mind bus rides, and want to see a good slice of what the island has to offer in one day.

While the long travel times and some terrain challenges might not suit everyone, for those comfortable with a bit of walking and adventure, it’s a memorable way to connect with Gran Canaria’s natural beauty and history. Just remember to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera — and you’re set for a day full of discovery.

In summary, this tour offers a vivid look at Gran Canaria’s landscapes, history, and local flavors, all led by enthusiastic guides. It’s best suited for travelers who want a packed, insightful, and scenic experience — and don’t mind a full day on the road and on foot.

You can check availability for your dates here: