Tenerife: Guided Canyoning Experience in Los Arcos

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with Tenerife’s rugged natural beauty, a guided canyoning tour at Los Arcos might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally tried this adventure, the reviews and details paint it as an experience packed with excitement, learning, and breathtaking views. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re after a physically engaging activity that lets you see the island from a different perspective—up close to its volcanic formations and endemic flora.

What really appeals about this tour is how it’s designed for beginners. You don’t need prior canyoning experience to enjoy the thrill of rappelling down volcanic ash walls that reach up to 20 meters. Plus, the guides seem to be both knowledgeable and friendly, making safety a priority while still keeping the fun quotient high. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or those with mobility restrictions—so it’s best for active, adventurous travelers ready to get a little dirt on their hands.

If you’re someone who loves nature, is eager to learn about Tenerife’s geological and botanical features, and doesn’t mind a bit of physical activity, this tour is likely right up your alley. It’s a perfect fit for those curious about volcanic landscapes and eager to check off an adrenaline-pumping experience from their travel bucket list.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: The tour is designed for those new to canyoning, with full safety instructions and expert guides.
• Spectacular Scenery: Expect to see the iconic Los Arcos formations, created by water erosion, along with volcanic ash walls.
• Educational Element: Guides share insights about Tenerife’s geology and endemic flora, enriching the adventure.
• Balanced Challenge: Rappelling walls up to 20 meters offers a good adrenaline rush without overwhelming physical demands.
• Value for Money: At $72 per person, the experience offers a full day of adventure in a stunning natural setting.
• Group Size: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Los Arcos Canyoning Adventure

This guided canyoning trip is carefully planned to give you a taste of Tenerife’s raw natural beauty while maintaining safety and comfort. The tour kicks off at Casa Forestal next to the Los Andes cafeteria, a convenient starting point with nearby bus stops and toilets. From there, your guide will transport you to the access point, which is about five minutes away. Once there, an approach walk of around 45 minutes sets the stage for the adventure.

During this approach, you get to enjoy the fresh mountain air and perhaps spot some endemic plants, as your guide provides insights about the local flora. It’s also worth mentioning that the area was affected by a fire in summer 2023, so you might encounter some recovering patches of nature—still beautiful but a reminder of how resilient the environment is.

The Equipment and Safety Briefing

Before descending, everyone dons helmets and harnesses, and there’s a short training session. This is where your guide will explain how to use the equipment and what to expect at each abseil. The highest wall you’ll rappel down reaches about 20 meters, which sounds intimidating but is manageable with proper guidance. Many reviewers mention feeling safe throughout, thanks to the professionalism of their guides.

The Rappelling Experience

As you make your way down each volcanic ash wall, the scenery never fails to impress. The formations are unique, with their shapes and colors shifting as you descend and navigate through narrow sections. The water that carved these canyons moved slowly over many years, creating the natural sculptures that make Los Arcos so photogenic.

Reviewers rave about the variety—each abseil is different, providing a mixture of excitement and wonder. One said, “de Los arcos canyon is very beautiful and an easy 7 rapels,” suggesting it’s a well-balanced activity that’s not overly demanding but still exciting enough for adrenaline lovers.

The Return Walk and Additional Notes

After the final abseil, you’ll walk back to the starting point, taking about 35 minutes. This part offers a chance to absorb the surrounding landscape and reflect on what you’ve just experienced. Because nature is slowly recovering from the summer fires, you might cross some affected areas, which adds a touch of awareness about local environmental issues.

More Great Tours Nearby

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, including transportation, training, and the canyoning itself. It’s a small group activity, limited to 9 participants, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and allows guides to give more personalized attention. This makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate adventure rather than a large tour bus.

The Practicalities: Cost, What to Bring & What Not to

At $72 per person, the tour offers good value considering the full day of active exploration, guided instruction, and all necessary equipment included. It’s important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Casa Forestal.

Be prepared with the right clothing: warm layers, long pants, sturdy hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate gear. Bring water, snacks, and a daypack to carry your essentials. Many reviews highlight how helpful it is to wear proper footwear; some recommend bringing or renting hiking boots for better grip and safety.

On the flip side, certain items are not allowed—no smoking, drones, vaping, alcohol, or littering. The activity is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or those with certain physical restrictions, making it clear that this adventure is for active, healthy individuals comfortable with heights.

The Experience Provider and Booking Flexibility

Operated by Natura Xtreme Tenerife, the tour boasts a high satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 from nearly 200 reviews. Flexibility is a plus—if weather or other conditions prevent the activity, you can reschedule or get a full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Booking options include paying later, which is convenient for flexible travel plans. Tours are offered in English and Spanish, making it accessible for a broad range of visitors. The small-group size ensures a relaxed, personal experience—many reviewers mention how guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive.

Review Highlights: What Others Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the professionalism of guides like Alexis (or Alex), who is praised not only for safety but also for sharing interesting facts about Tenerife’s geology and plants. Several mention how guides made them feel safe despite the height and adrenaline of rappelling. One reviewer said, “Alex is very professional: very calm, provided all the explanations for us to feel safe and told us a lot about the nature of Canary Islands,” which sums up the overall experience well.

Many also loved the scenery: “de Los arcos canyon is very beautiful and an easy 7 rapels,” and “the views inside the canyon are superb, and well worth the trip.” Multiple reviews describe the activity as fun, exciting, and even a highlight of their trip to Tenerife.

A recurring theme is how accessible it feels for beginners—most people felt safe, informed, and challenged just enough to feel a thrill without being overwhelmed. One quote sums it up: “Really good experience with Alex! Must do in Tenerife if you like nature.”

Who This Tour Is Best For

This canyoning experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy active adventures and are interested in natural scenery, geology, and flora. It suits those who don’t mind heights and are physically fit enough for a moderate walk and a day of exertion. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, it’s best for visitors staying near the meeting point or comfortable with local transport.

It’s not suited for children under 16, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility or weight restrictions. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover looking to learn more about Tenerife in a fun, safe environment, this tour offers a memorable experience.

FAQ

Is this canyoning tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for beginners with safety instructions and a short training workshop. Many reviews note how safe and well-guided the experience feels.

How high are the abseils?
The highest abseil is around 20 meters, which provides a good adrenaline rush but is manageable with guidance.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, long pants, hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate gear. Some recommend wearing pants or leggings instead of shorts for comfort and safety on the rocks.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. The meeting point is at Casa Forestal by the Los Andes cafeteria, easy to reach by public transport or car.

How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours overall, including the approach walk, canyoning, and return walk.

Can I cancel if the weather’s bad?
Yes. If bad weather or other warnings prevent the activity, you can reschedule or get a full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, it’s suitable for those 16 and older. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, children under 16, or those with certain physical limitations.

What’s included in the price?
All canyoning equipment, a certified guide, accident insurance, and permits are included.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring water, snacks, a daypack, charged smartphone, garbage bag, and weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget your sturdy shoes and a hair tie if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, safe, and visually stunning outdoor activity in Tenerife, this canyoning tour at Los Arcos offers a great blend of adventure and education. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate nature’s geological wonders and are eager to try a new skill in a manageable setting.

Many reviewers rave about their guides’ professionalism and knowledge, making safety feel assured throughout the day. The scenery—formed by volcanic activity and water erosion—is a visual feast, perfect for photography lovers and nature buffs alike. And at a reasonable price point, it’s a solid choice for an active day out.

While it’s not for everyone—particularly those with certain physical restrictions—it’s an experience that can make your Tenerife trip truly memorable. Whether you’re looking to break the routine or add an adventurous story to your travel journal, this canyoning adventure might just become the highlight of your visit.

In summary, this guided canyoning trip in Los Arcos is a dependable, engaging way to see Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes from a new angle. With knowledgeable guides, manageable challenges, and unforgettable scenery, it’s a worthwhile addition for adventure-minded travelers. Just make sure to come prepared and suit the activity to your fitness level, and you’ll leave with stories to tell for years to come.

You can check availability for your dates here: