Guayadeque Gran Canaria

Of all the experiences in Gran Canaria, Barranco de Guayadeque stands out as a unique one – the local flora, fauna and the landscape is really beautiful. The caves located there have a long history accompanied with a local museum with quite extensive data about the local species and history.

Guayadeque General Information

The area is dominated by incredible canyons, with record cliff sizes, wild life, and is a lovely green valley. If you are into taking a walk and trekking, this place was created for you.

Baranco de Guayadeque

Baranco de Guayadeque, Gran Canaria

Approaching the village of Guayadeque Gran Canaria is very interesting: as you come closer, you do not actually see it. The locals live in caves that are quite modernized but following the tradition of the original inhabitants of the island – the Guanches. So, when you get to the parking lot there, you will actually notice that you are already there – you just did not see it as it’s covered by vegetation, and actually no houses, only caves, so it’s quite a different experience than the rest of the island, which makes it unique.

Once you are there, take a visit to the local church (even if you are not religious) for the reason that it was carved out by hand. I’m not kidding! It has some special feel to it.

Guayadeque Cave Church

If you want to check out for some food, there is a local restaurant called “Tagoror” serving various local dishes (which are quite tasteful, I must add). The ambient is also interesting as it’s actually in a cave (as everything else in Guayadeque). The tables and sitting places are also part of the cave structure, so don’t expect a 5 star hotel arrangement – rather take a chance of enjoying the atmosphere, vines and the cuisine there. Booking is recommended in the summer as the restaurant is quite unique and popular.

Once your stomach is happy, you can go explore the area a bit. There is a nearby stream located in the direction straight out from the church. Just need to cross the field and there you are. As the vegetation is quite rich, take care that you do not ware a tux when visiting Guayadeque Gran Canaria – sneakers and light dressing is the option to take there.

Canyons in Guayadeque Gran Canaria

Guayadeque cactus fruit

Also, take care of the local cactus population, as they are quite prickly. If you are visiting Guayadeque in the period when they are blooming and having fruits you can pick a couple, but take care as the red fruits are extra prickly! If you just can’t resist to pick a couple to taste it, use gloves and get rid of the spikes before you touch with bare hands. If all this I told you still won’t stop you then do go ahead and pick a couple – the fruits are actually quite tasteful!

While I’m at the plant life of Guayadeque Gran Canaria, I’ll mention that over 80 endemic species are located here. In the 19Th century, a lot of plundering took place and artifacts and archeological findings were sold to the Museo Canario in Las Palmas – to protect it the area and the flora & fauna and the was designated a nature reserve. Since that, time just stopped in Guayadeque – everything stayed in place and the nature was left untouched.

Rainbow in Guayadeque

Baranco de Guayadeque stream

As far as the local endemic animals go, the “lagarto canarión” is one of the biggest species of lizard in the world – and lives around the general area of Guayadeque.

Museum of Guayadeque

Guayadeque Gran Canaria is an archeologically significant area – in pre-historic times it was the most populated area in the island and many important burial grounds and caves are located there. The original inhabitants of Gran Canaria performed used the caves to dwell in, food storage and performing various fertility rituals.

The Museo de Guayadeque (Centro de Interpretación Arquelógica) is a place where you can check out all about Guayadeque and the history of the island. There is a very nice and extensive area presenting endemic species of Gran Canaria, interactive presentations on a half a dozen languages, history and artifacts from the Spanish colonization period. The entry fee is only a couple of euros, so it’s quite worth it.

Guayadeque Gran Canaria Location

Guayadeque Gran Canaria can be reached by getting to Ingenio and then taking a cab. Be sure to take your camera there – if you like photography you probably won’t know what to photo first!

Gran Canaria Towns and Villages to Visit