Tenerife: Los Arcos Canyoning Tour with Guide

Los Arcos is not a wet canyon with rushing pools. It is a dry, sculpted corridor of orange volcanic rock, reached by a forest walk and explored by rope. The first rappel drops about 22 meters, then seven more descents lead through narrow passages and changing light. Jorge’s calm instruction is a major part of the experience.

I especially like the small group limit of eight and the fact that photos are included. I also like that the tour adds geology and local nature to the rope work, rather than treating the canyon as a simple obstacle course. The main consideration is the physical and mental demand: you need a 45-minute approach walk, several hours of rappelling, and comfort with heights.

Key points at a glance

• Eight rappels through a dry volcanic canyon: The route uses single-rope technique and includes a first descent of roughly 22 meters.
• A small group capped at eight people: This gives the guide room to explain each movement and help you at your own pace.
• Warm orange rock with green moss: Erosion and layers of volcanic ash created the canyon’s unusual walls and colors.
• Jorge leads with safety and local insight: He explains equipment, rope technique, geology, flora, fauna, and Tenerife tips.
• Photos and accident insurance included: You do not need to arrange separate activity photos or basic accident cover.
• A six-hour outdoor outing: Plan for the canyon, the approach walk, the return walk, and time for instruction.

Why Los Arcos feels different from a typical canyoning trip

Canyoning often brings to mind cold pools, waterfalls, and wet suits. Los Arcos de Chimoche offers a different version of the sport. This is a dry canyon, so the focus is on walking, scrambling, rope descents, and reading the shape of the rock around you.

The canyon formed as volcanic ash accumulated and was later cut and shaped by erosion. That process gives the walls their warm orange color and layered appearance. Moss adds green patches, and the changing light brings out several shades as you move between open sections and tighter passages.

I like this combination of sport and geology. You are not simply being lowered from one platform to another. You get a sense of how Tenerife’s volcanic ground was shaped over time, while still enjoying the small rush that comes with each rappel.

Meeting at Mirador de La Bermeja

The meeting point is Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa at the location marked 8FXP+CC Aguamansa. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way there.

If you drive from the north, particularly from La Orotava, take the TF-21 toward El Teide. This advice matters because GPS apps may send you along steep, narrow shortcuts. Follow the main route and the signs instead of blindly accepting the fastest option suggested by your phone.

The mountain setting can feel cooler than coastal Tenerife, so bring warm clothing even if your hotel is enjoying bright sunshine. You should also arrive with water, food, rain gear, and a daypack. The provider can offer hiking boots for rent, but you need to request them in advance.

The 45-minute approach through the forest

The outing begins with a gentle walk along a forest track. The approach takes about 45 minutes, which is long enough to warm up but short enough not to dominate the day.

This walk is useful preparation. You have time to get comfortable with the group, ask questions, and adjust your gear before the technical part begins. It also means the canyon is not reached by vehicle, so the day includes a genuine walk into Tenerife’s upland interior.

Do not treat this as a casual stroll in sandals. The required footwear is hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. Long trousers are optional, but they may offer extra protection on rough ground and around vegetation. One person specifically warned about stinging nettles, so watching where you place your hands and feet is sensible.

The briefing and the first 22-meter rappel

At Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche, the guide gives a safety briefing lasting about 15 minutes. This is when you learn how the equipment works and how to position yourself during the descents.

The first rappel is about 22 meters. For a beginner, that is a serious opening act. It is also the point where good instruction matters most. Jorge’s approach, based on the details provided about the experience, is to explain each step, check the equipment, and give people enough time to descend without pressure.

You should expect nerves here, especially if you have never rappelled before or are uneasy with heights. The activity is not suitable for people afraid of heights, and that warning should be taken seriously. If you are simply nervous but willing to learn, the guide can help you work through the process. If heights cause a strong physical reaction, this is probably not the right excursion.

Eight rope descents through orange volcanic walls

The main canyon section lasts about three hours and 45 minutes, including the guided technical route. Across eight passages, you use single-rope technique to descend the canyon.

The appeal is the variety created by the rock. The orange walls are marked by moss, erosion, narrow sections, and changing angles. Light catches the stone differently as you move, so the canyon does not feel like one repeated rappel station.

Your guide also points out how the canyon was made and may identify local plant and animal life. This adds useful context without taking away from the physical challenge. You can learn how to handle the rope, how to move your body during a descent, and how to judge your footing in the canyon.

The experience is beginner-friendly in terms of instruction, but beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You still need to walk for several hours, manage eight rappels, and handle uneven rock. One first-timer described the tour as safe and approachable, while another said the opening descent felt manageable because the guide explained the technique clearly.

The group size helps here. With no more than eight participants, the guide can watch each person and respond to questions. It also creates a team feeling without the crowding of a large adventure group. You may spend some time waiting while others descend, so patience is part of the day.

What Jorge adds to the experience

The guide’s role is the strongest thread running through the available feedback. Jorge is repeatedly praised for being friendly, patient, clear, and careful with safety. He is also described as someone who enjoys explaining the canyon rather than rushing everyone through it.

That matters for a first canyoning trip. Rappelling is not difficult only because of the height. You must trust the harness and rope, follow instructions, control your body, and avoid rushing when you feel tense. A guide who checks on you and answers questions can make the difference between an exciting challenge and an unpleasant ordeal.

Jorge also brings in Tenerife beyond the canyon. He explains local geology, flora, and fauna, and has offered suggestions about food, drinks, and other places to visit on the island. That wider local knowledge gives the six-hour outing more character.

The guide’s name appears as Jorge in the activity information, though one account spells it Chorche. I would confirm the meeting details after booking, but the important point is that the same guide is closely associated with the tour and its instruction.

The return walk and the real time commitment

After the eighth rappel, you finish at the Chimoche track. From there, the return to the starting point takes about 30 to 35 minutes on foot.

That return walk is not a minor footnote. By this stage, you may be tired from the approach, the rope work, and the uneven ground. You need enough stamina for a full outdoor day, not just the moments spent hanging from a rope.

The listed duration is six hours. The schedule includes a 15-minute safety briefing, about 3.75 hours in the canyon, and roughly 35 minutes on foot, with the approach and transitions filling out the rest. Bring food and water because neither is included.

Is $82 good value?

At $82 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for a guided technical outdoor activity, particularly because the price includes the canyoning guide, all canyoning equipment, photos, and accident insurance.

The equipment is important. Buying or transporting a harness, helmet, rope system, and related gear would make little sense for most visitors on a short Tenerife holiday. You also receive instruction rather than simply being shown where to descend.

The included photos add practical value. Canyoning is not an easy activity to photograph while you are on the rope, and having pictures means you can focus on moving safely instead of protecting your phone. The photos also capture the orange walls and the scale of the descents in a way that ordinary snapshots may not.

Food, drinks, transport, and rented hiking boots cost extra or require separate planning. If you need boots, contact the provider before the day. For a six-hour activity with a guide and equipment, the price is strongest for people who want a complete introduction to canyoning without buying specialist gear.

Who should book this canyoning trip?

I would recommend Los Arcos to active adults and teenagers aged 13 or older who want something more unusual than a standard Tenerife walk. It suits first-time canyoners who are willing to learn, as well as people with some rope experience who want a scenic volcanic route.

You should be comfortable with:

• A 45-minute uphill or gently sloping approach walk
• Several hours outdoors on uneven ground
• Eight rappels, including one about 22 meters high
• Heights and basic rope movement
• Carrying water, food, and personal items in a daypack

The activity is not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, people with back, heart, or mobility problems, people with epilepsy, or people over 65. The listed maximum weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Those limits are not casual suggestions. Canyoning places demands on balance, joints, and confidence. If you have a medical condition or are unsure about your ability, ask the provider before booking.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear proper hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. Sandals and ordinary casual sneakers are not allowed, and the ground can be rough.

Pack water and food, plus warm clothing and rain gear. Mountain weather can change, and the activity takes place away from the coast. Long trousers are optional, but I would consider them if you prefer more coverage around rock and vegetation.

You cannot smoke or vape during the activity. Keep your daypack small enough to carry comfortably, and avoid bringing anything you would be upset to scuff or lose.

The tour runs in English and Spanish. The small group limit is eight participants, which is helpful if you want direct instruction. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, so the booking terms offer some flexibility if your island plans are still moving around.

Should you book Los Arcos?

Book this tour if you want a hands-on look at Tenerife’s volcanic interior and like the idea of learning a real outdoor skill. The best reasons are the unusual dry canyon, eight rappels, small group size, included photos, and Jorge’s careful, friendly teaching style.

Skip it if you dislike heights, want a relaxed half-day walk, or are not prepared for a six-hour physical outing. Los Arcos is not a sightseeing stop with a little adventure attached. The rappelling is the center of the day.

For the right person, $82 buys more than scenery. You get instruction, equipment, insurance, a guided look at volcanic geology, and a memorable way to reach corners of Tenerife that are easy to miss from the road.

FAQ

How long does the Los Arcos canyoning tour last?

The activity lasts six hours, including the approach walk, safety briefing, guided canyon route, and return walk.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet the guide at Mirador de La Bermeja, near Aguamansa at 8FXP+CC Aguamansa.

How do I drive there from La Orotava?

Take the TF-21 toward El Teide and follow the signs. GPS apps may suggest steep and narrow shortcuts, so it is best to stay on the main route.

How many rappels are included?

The route includes eight rappels. The first descent is about 22 meters.

Is the canyon wet or dry?

Los Arcos is a dry canyon. The route focuses on walking, scrambling, and rappelling rather than moving through pools or waterfalls.

Is canyoning equipment included?

Yes. The canyoning guide provides all canyoning equipment, and accident insurance is also included.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos of the experience are included in the price.

What shoes should I wear?

Wear hiking shoes or trail-running shoes. Sandals and unsuitable casual footwear are not allowed. Hiking boots may be available to rent if you request them from the provider.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, the tour includes instruction and is suitable for beginners who are comfortable with heights and physical activity. The first rappel is about 22 meters, so it is not suitable for anyone afraid of heights.

What is not included in the price?

Food, drinks, hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, and any rented hiking boots are not included.