Gran Canaria can switch moods fast, and this hike is the proof. You’ll go from resort area proximity into a tropical forest feel, guided by locals like Inés and Juanjo who bring the place to life with stories and practical know-how.

I love two things most: the small group size (max 6) keeps the pace comfortable and questions easy, and the guides’ focus on local nature and island life makes the walk more than just scenery. A possible drawback: it’s not a stroll. Expect shoes-on hiking, some uneven ground (300 m), and you should come ready for a steady morning.

Key highlights you should care about

• Local guides Inés and Juanjo: island stories that connect what you’re seeing to how people and nature work here
• Rainforest canyon to a waterfall: the route shifts into a jungle-like setting within an easy reach of Maspalomas
• Easy-medium effort: 8–9 km total, about 4 hours of walking with stops, plus uneven terrain (300 m)
• Included brunch: brunch sandwiches and fruit keep you fueled without hunting for food
• All-in basic logistics: air-conditioned vehicle and a mobile ticket make the day simple
• Bring your own water: bottled water isn’t included, and you’ll want at least 1.5 l

Why this rainforest-and-waterfall hike works in Gran Canaria

This isn’t one of those tours that just takes you for a photo and back out the door. The value here is the combination of route, pacing, and people: you hike far enough to feel like you earned something, but the difficulty stays in the easy-to-medium zone.

The other big win is the setting change. You start close to the Maspalomas resort area, then the terrain and vegetation feel like a different part of the island. That shift is exactly what makes a local-guided hike worth doing instead of just renting a car and winging it.

And because the group is capped at 6, you’ll usually get a more human experience: you can ask questions, the pace doesn’t turn into a forced march, and the guide can point out details along the way.

Morning timing: the 8:30 start and how long the day really is

The tour begins at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport later. The overall duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes, which usually means you’ll have time for vehicle transfers plus the full hiking block and food breaks.

The practical advantage is that you’re done early. After a morning hike like this, you’ll still have a big chunk of the day for beach time, a siesta, or a second plan—without needing to be out again at sunset.

If you’re the type who dislikes running late, this helps. Starting in the morning also tends to make conditions easier on you, especially with a trail that includes sun exposure. Just remember: good weather is required for the experience, so check conditions before you go.

Barranco De Los Cernicalos: where the hike turns tropical

Your main stop is Barranco De Los Cernicalos, and it’s the part of the day that delivers the rainforest feel. This is where the scenery changes fast—about 40 minutes away from the resort areas—and you get that “wow, it’s greener here” reaction.

Inside a barranco (canyon-like terrain), the air and vegetation can feel different from the typical Gran Canaria look. That’s why this walk is such a good fit for people who want something authentic: you’re not sightseeing from a viewpoint. You’re moving through the area, at a human walking pace, with a guide who can explain what you’re seeing.

One thing to keep in mind: the walk is described as easy to medium, but it’s still 8–9 km and includes unevenness. That means you’ll feel it in your legs even if you’re comfortable hiking.

What the trail pace actually feels like (8–9 km, 300 m unevenness)

The hiking time is listed as about 4 hours with stops, with a total walking distance of 8–9 km. That’s a solid half-day on your feet, but not a multi-day endurance event.

The route unevenness is 300 m, which usually translates into some climb-and-descend work rather than a flat path. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should plan to move steadily, use correct footing, and wear shoes with grip.

Difficulty is “easy – medium,” and the reviews back that up in plain language: it’s not a Sunday stroll. If you show up in sneakers that aren’t meant for uneven ground, you’ll feel it.

Good news: the tour can provide hiking poles if required, which is a helpful option if your knees or balance prefer extra support. Still, poles aren’t magic. Your shoes matter more.

Local guides make this more than exercise

The guides are the heart of this experience. Inés and Juanjo aren’t just keeping the group on track. They share interesting stories about the island, how local life connects to the environment, and what to notice in the natural surroundings.

That approach changes how you walk. Instead of simply counting steps, you start looking for patterns: where the vegetation feels like it thickens, what the canyon setting suggests, and how the island’s inhabitants relate to the local nature.

The reviews highlight this as a core reason people rate it so highly—because it’s entertaining and informative without turning into a lecture. You get to enjoy the waterfall goal, but you also come away understanding a little more about what Gran Canaria is doing behind the scenes.

And since the group is small, you’re not stuck listening from the back. You can actually hear the guide, and they can adjust explanations to the pace of the day.

Food and included extras: what you get for $98.52

This tour costs $98.52 per person, and the value is strongest when you count what’s included and what it saves you from doing yourself.

You get:

• Air-conditioned vehicle to and from the area
• All fees and taxes included in the price
• Brunch sandwiches and fruits
• Walking poles if you need them
• A guided hiking day with the trail distance and stops built in

Food matters because you’re moving for hours. Brunch here isn’t a luxury add-on—it’s part of keeping energy steady so you don’t crash halfway through the canyon.

Also, there’s a small detail that adds up: the route involves walking 8–9 km, with a decent amount of uneven terrain. If you had to line everything up yourself (transport, entrance fees, food, route planning), the price would start to look less like a bargain and more like “fair.”

One more practical note: you can save up to 12€ on the Sky Rebels site, so it’s worth checking before you book.

What you must bring: water, shoes, and sun protection

Water isn’t included, and you should plan for that. The recommendation is to bring at least 1.5 liters. On a sunny morning with a canyon walk, you’ll feel dehydrated faster than you expect—especially if you’re not drinking regularly.

Bring:

• Proper hiking shoes (non-negotiable for uneven ground)
• Hiking clothes you can move in
• Sun protection

Hiking poles can be provided if required, but you still need the right shoe traction. If you’ve ever slipped on loose rock on a “not too hard” trail, you’ll know why this matters.

Also, even though it’s a rainforest-type walk, the sun can still hit parts of the route. The guide will manage pacing, but they can’t control the weather.

Group size: why max 6 travelers changes the whole vibe

With a maximum group size of 6, the experience stays personal. That matters because hiking isn’t just about the destination—it’s also about comfort, timing, and the chance to ask questions when something catches your eye.

In a larger group, you often get swept along. Here, you’re more likely to stop when you need to, take photos without feeling rushed, and actually hear what the guide is saying.

This small size also makes the tour feel more local. You’re not just watching Gran Canaria from behind a crowd; you’re part of a short community hike for a few hours.

Who should book this hike, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you have moderate physical fitness and you want an outdoorsy morning that still feels manageable. You’ll enjoy it most if you like walking, don’t mind uneven ground, and want the waterfall setting plus local context.

It’s also ideal if you’re staying near Maspalomas and want something different without doing complex planning. The tour is described as only about 40 minutes away from resort areas, with transport included.

Skip it if:

• You want a totally flat, casual walk
• You have mobility limitations that make uneven 300 m terrain difficult
• You’re traveling with children (it’s not recommended due to the tour duration)

Weather matters: how to plan around the good-weather requirement

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s the honest reality of rainforest and waterfall hikes: trails can become slippery or unsafe if conditions turn. If your schedule is flexible, you’ll likely handle this easily. If your trip is tight and non-negotiable, plan a bit of backup time in your calendar.

The real-world value: is $98.52 worth it?

For $98.52, you’re paying for more than a trail. You’re paying for transport, guidance, included food, and a route that’s long enough to feel substantial (8–9 km) but not punishing (easy-medium).

Here’s the value equation I’d use as you decide:

• If you’d normally spend money and time coordinating transport and logistics yourself, this price looks more reasonable fast.
• If you care about learning what you’re seeing, the guide stories (Inés and Juanjo) are the part you can’t easily DIY.
• If you hate carrying supplies all day, the included brunch helps a lot.

So yes, I think it’s good value if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys hiking and wants local explanation—not just movement.

Should you book this Sky Rebels hike?

Book it if you want a small-group guided hike into a tropical-feeling canyon, with a clear goal (a waterfall area), included brunch, and a guide team like Inés and Juanjo that shares real insight about the island.

Don’t book it if you’re expecting a casual, family-friendly walk or if you’re not willing to do proper shoe-and-water prep. The route is manageable, but it still asks you to act like you’re hiking, not strolling.

If your morning is open and you can plan for good weather, this is the kind of trip that makes Gran Canaria feel bigger and more interesting than the resort version.

FAQ

What time does the Sky Rebels hike start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

How long do we walk during the hike?

The walking time is about 4 hours, including stops.

How far is the hike?

You’ll walk about 8–9 km.

What difficulty level is the trail?

The difficulty is listed as easy – medium, with unevenness of the route noted as 300 m.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Due to the tour duration, it’s not recommended for children.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, brunch sandwiches and fruits, and hiking poles if required. The admission ticket is included as part of the hike.

Do I need to bring water and hiking shoes?

Yes. Bottled water isn’t included, and you’re recommended to bring at least 1.5 liters. You should also bring proper hiking shoes and appropriate hiking clothes.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If cancellation happens because minimum traveler numbers aren’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.