Hiking Route 10. Tecén - Colmenar Bajo via San Miguel ravine
Starting point: Tecén
Destination: Colmenar Bajo
Total distance: 4930 m
Time to cover the route: 2 h.
Direction of the route: E-W
Net difference in altitude: 253 m
Difficulty rating: Low
This route goes all along the San Miguel Ravine and connects to two other routes starting at the town of Valsequillo: route nº6 towards Las Vegas and route nº5 towards Tenteniguada.
It is a very easy route with a smooth, constant rise, ideal for a family stroll, but thanks to these two connections it can turn into a demanding journey.
Its main point of interest is its vast ethnographic richness, which gives us an insight about the first few settlers in the region and about the keys to their survival throughout the centuries.
The route begins in the town of Tecén, in the eastern side of the municipality of Valsequillo:P0 Start. Tecéncan be reached by car and is the oldest human settlement of the region, where the antique aboriginal caves were reused as they are nowadays by the new settlers after they conquered the region.
The route continues parallel to the channel of the ravine via a dirt road that, with the exception of the last stretch, is accessible by car.
The indigenous vegetation is abundant with tower of jewels (Echium decaisnei), bridal veil brooms (Retama raetam), local salvia (Salvia canariensis), local lavender (Lavandula canariensis), and verode (Senecio kleinia) among others, which compete with the large number of foreign species. The intense effect of humans on the environment has produced large eucalyptus trees and a large numbers of paddle cactus, agave and reeds, which were originally used to set the limits of plots and enclosures.
After about 460 meters there is an abandoned well on the left and large pond on the right. The large hydrological infrastructure that makes agriculture possible is one of the symbols of identity of this road, which is present all along the way.
It is common to see sheep and goats grazing in the area.
About 160 meters further down the road we arrive to the first path leading to the right side of El Cardón, with its terraced crops, and once we have covered the first kilometre of the route, there is a second track leading in the same direction and we reach the point:P1 El Cardón.
As we travel among the eucalyptus trees the ravine grows wider. On our left we can see the large greenhouse farming of Hoya de Abajo and several traditional homes, while on our right the edge of the ravine becomes steeper.
After leaving the water-treatment plant behind, the ravine also becomes steeper on the left, cut across by the convergence of the Solajero or Las Hoya ravines. The houses of the town of Los Llanetes start to appear on the left, a town famed by abundant terraced crops and caves used both as homes as well as sheds and warehouses. A refreshing fountain by some elephant ear plants is located on the shaded south side of the ravine.
2.2 kilometres down the road we reach:P2 Los Llaneteson the crossing on the right with the road coming out of the town.
On the other side, going to the south, we can take a detour up a climb of almost 700 meters through a dirt road that leads to the abandoned hamlet of Hoya Zurita. There we can behold a typical farming hamlet that used to have everything it needed for its survival in previous centuries: homes, an oven, sheds, terraced farming, etc. Nowadays it is difficult to get close to most of the buildings due to the proliferation of paddle cacti and agaves.
Back in the San Miguel Ravine we arrive to the convergence with the Los Mocanes Ravine. The two ravines mark the limits of the rocky hill known as El Roque.
There is a ranch in its eastern border that is also home to the mill of Los Mocanes or Los Granados, now restored and privately owned.
We can journey to the south side and climb carefully between caves and abandoned terraced farms so we enjoy the splendid views of all the channel of the ravine to the east and to the west.
All the area, the walls of the El Roque hill and those of the north side of the ravine are bored through with aboriginal caves. Some of them are easily accessible and reused as modern housing while others are hanging over the void.
If we continue our way we will first come across some bee hives at the foot of El Roque, which will remind us of the importance of honey in the area during pre-Hispanic times. Then we will come across a cattle farm that also reuses caves as shelter for cattle. Here the shape of the ravine makes it possible to grow fruit trees by the riverbed.
We have covered 3.3 Km when, sheltered between the last and highest number of eucalyptus trees, the dirt road turns into a path. This path will twice have to go around stone walls cutting across the narrowing riverbed of the ravine.
Here we will find:P3 Route 6 Valsequillo-Las Vegas.
This route descends on the north side of the ravine until it reaches the riverbed. It shares the route with the one we are following for about 500 meters between steep hills. We then arrive to the place where route 6 begins to climb again on the right to Valsequillo and also on the left to Las Vegas, allowing us to combine both routes and even, for the toughest ones, to connect with route 6 of Los Alfaques, which leads to the Los Marteles Crater. If we continue along the channel of the ravine we will find the abandoned mill of Los Vizcaínos on our right.
On the north face of the ravine the houses of the town of Valsequillo are already starting to appear. We then arrive to:P4 Cuartel del Colmenar.This building of great historical importance was the barracks of the cavalry in past centuries and now has a rural lodging beside it. It marks the link with another route (nº 5), Valsequillo-Tenteniguada. Those who wish to continue climbing along the channel of the ravine under its historical bridge can reach the district of Tenteniguada and get closer to the spectacular summits of the town with its many routes.
Those who choose to visit the old town drawn by the historical church of San Miguel and the town's large variety of restaurants can walk the last 230 meters of the route 10 up the hill until they reach:P5 End, Valsequillo.
Hiking Route 2. Caldera de Los Marteles – Las Vegas via Los Cernícalos ravine
Starting point
Los Marteles Caldera Altitude: 1530 m
Destination:
Las Vegas Altitude: 620 m
Total distance: 9490 m
Time to cover the Route: 4h. 30’
Direction of the Route: W-E
Net Difference in Altitude: 910 m
Difficulty rating: Medium-high
The route includes one of the most interesting areas of the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve. Los Marteles Caldera and the geomorphological elements of Los Cernícalos Ravine are tremendously interesting in themselves; in addition, the ravine has a permanent water course with waterfalls. No wonder that the biodiversity in the area is so rich, with a major presence of endemic plant species.
The route begins on road GC-130, at point: P0 Start Los Marteles Caldera. From the viewpoint, we have a view of this caldera of phreatomagmatic origins, i.e. an eruption during which the magma comes into contact with water, resulting in an explosive eruption. From here we must walk E along a forest track that leads us into a reforestation pine forest (Pinus canariensis) growing, in this humid summit environment, on phreatomagmatic deposits from the Recent Cycle.
Leaving the pine forest behind, we shall pass an area of Quaternary basalt with pastures and crops that have been abandoned mostly; a fact that has led to their colonization by communities of broom-flatpod, including yellow broom (Teline microphylla), thyme (Micromeria benthamii) and Canary Island flatpod (Adenocarpus foliolosus).
After 510 metres we shall come to the beginning of a footpath on the right. We shall take it at point: P1 Los Cernícalos ravine footpath, at the head of the ravine, heading SW, where we shall begin to see a species that is endemic to the Reserve, Cotton Thistle (Onopordum carduelinum).
We shall make our way down the left-hand bank of the ravine and after about 33 metres, we shall come to point: P2 Shelter-cave, (alpendre) which will remind us that this route was used for transhumance, as it is historically a livestock area. The descent follows the channel that forms the border between the municipalities of Valsequillo and Telde.
After crossing to the right-hand side of the ravine and walking for about 820 metres, we shall come to a dirt track: P3 track at Cueva Blanca. This part of the route takes us through an area known as Cueva Blanca, where there is a mosaic of small plots of land, with various troglodyte examples of caves and “alpendres” on the left bank of the ravine.
The thermophilic vegetation in this area corresponds to a humid environment, as demonstrated by the main community of Gran Canaria wild olives (Olea europea cerasiformis).
The gorge becomes narrow with profiles in “V”, displaying meanders embedded in volcanic breccias and waterfalls related to coastal-differential outcomes.
We shall continue along the dirt track on the right-hand bank of the ravine, through this moist environment, for 1080 metres until we reach a footpath at the end. This section begins at point: P4 Willow and wild olive wood. From here we can see a grove of Canary Island willows or “saos” (Salix canariensis). It is the best willow wood in Gran Canaria, a damp forest thanks to a permanent water course. On the slopes, the “saos” give way to wild olive trees, combined with an undertree stratum in which we will be struck by the presence of isolated specimens of “peralillo” (Maytenus canariensis), a Canary Island endemism, and “orobal” (Withania aristata). The flower display is provided by a bush, white broom (Retama rhodorhizoides), while, at herbaceous level, there are two endemic species of the Canary Islands, “bicácaro” (Canarina canariensis) and “tacarontilla” (Dracunculus canariensis).
Here, the kestrel abounds, among other birds, justifying the name of the Los Cernícalos Ravine (the Kestrels’ Ravine). After about 340 m from point P4, we shall cross the ravine and keep to the left-hand bank. Once again, the livestock vocation of the area becomes evident by the presence of a set of caves shelters (alpendres) that are still in use.
After crossing to the right-hand bank of the ravine, we shall continue until we cross it for the last time. We are now 1260 metres from P4, where we shall leave the channel along the left bank, at point: P5 Ravine exit.
If we look at the geology, we will discover an area of phonolitic haüynite lava that contrasts with the Roque Nublo breccia. We shall start the ascent while observing the humid rock vegetation that has colonized these rocks, such as some “bejeques” (Aeonium percarneum), “cruzadilla” (Hypericum reflexum), “matorrisco” (Lavandula minutolii) and “granadillo” (Hypericum canariense), all endemic to the Canary Islands.
At point P6 Gallery route, about 360 m from P5, we shall find ourselves at the entrance to an alternative section on the right that will take us to point: P7 Guinderos gallery
Here, we shall find a gallery that feeds water into the bed of the ravine. This point is about 260 m to the SE. Once we have returned to P6, the route continues at the feet of some spectacular cliffs.
We shall continue walking 900 m to the NE, with spectacular views of the gorge that opens to the sea, and reach point: P8 Forest track. Keeping to the route through the area known as Castillo Hill, we will find a geological formation known as the Roque Nublo Cycle breccia. We shall keep on until we come to the N side of Castillo Hill, from where we will be able to see the town of Valsequillo.
The descent down the track leads to an area of fruit-bearing trees, abounding in almond trees (Prunus amygdalus), together with native species, such as “cañaheja (Ferula linkii) or “escobón”(Chamaecytisus proliferus).
We shall now link to a paved track that will take us in about 3 kmto point: P9 Hacienda de los Mocanes. An example of country architecture, this estate known as Las Haciendas del Marqués del Buen Suceso (Estate of the Marquis of Buen Suceso) already existed in 1851. The Martínez Montañez family owned his house, with its own chapel, which is now a place of great historical and ethnographic interest in Valsequillo.
From this point, we shall walk along a paved road through the Mocanes area, where the country landscape maintains its agricultural nature, with the presence of almond trees and buildings of great ethnographic value.
We shall then come, walking about 1170 m more, to Las Vegas, at point: P10 End Las Vegas, on the main Telde-San Mateo road, GC-41, above the neighbourhood’s social centre. This Valsequillo neighbourhood, which maintains its rural footprint, is an excellent place to regain our strength after the route by enjoying the excellent traditional food.
Hiking Route 4. Cuevas Blancas Dam - Rincón de Tenteniguada via Roque Jincao. Blue Tajinaste Routes
Starting point:
Cuevas Blancas Dam Altitude: 1665 m
Destination:
Rincón de Tenteniguada Altitude: 971 m
Total Distance: 5150 m
Time to cover the Route: 2hr. 30’
Direction of the Route: SW-NE
Net Difference in Altitude: 694 m
Difficulty rating: Medium
The scenic attractions of this route are determined by the fact that it runs through areas of high natural value in the Los Marteles Nature Reserve and the area surrounding Las Cumbres Protected Landscape.
The route begins in a humid summit area next to the GC-130 road from Telde - Los Pechos, at point: P0 Start Cuevas Blancas Dam; the route near the dam runs along phonolite hauynite lava flows. This surface is home to a dense reforestation pine forest that we shall pass on our left while, on our right, we will find summit broom populations (Micromerio benthami - Telinetum microphyllae), endemic to the island summits, the most representative species of which are yellow broom (Teline microphylla), a Canary Island endemism, and thyme (Micromeria benthamii), which are accompanied, among others, by “estornudera” (Andryala pinnatifida pinnatifida) and Canary Island flatpod (Adenocarpus foliolosus). Among the birds, it is relatively easy to see the plain swift (Apus unicolor). This section ends at a small group of caves, next to a house of ethnographic interest, and the route then makes its way up a cement road between farming plots.
After 970 metres, we will reach the foot of Cruz del Saucillo Mountain, point: P1 Cruz del Saucillo. Here, we have the option of a short detour, making our way around the mountain to its summit where, from the Navigator’s Cross (Cruz del Navegante), we will be able to enjoy an exceptional view.
Back on the route, or if we had not taken the detour, a forest track takes us towards Gorda Mountain, surrounded by a reforestation Canary pine forest (Pinus canariensis), the undergrowth of which comprises ferns (Dryopteris oligodonta), endemic to the island, together with other species, such as “cañaheja” (Ferula linkii). This pine forest is an excellent habitat for forest birds, such as the great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major thanneri) and common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs canariensis), subspecies endemic to Gran Canaria that are characteristic of mixed pine forest areas like this one.
To our right, we shall see expanses of broom-flatpod, and associated plants, where the dominant species are yellow broom (Teline microphylla) and Canary Island flatpod (Adenocarpus foliosus), a Canary Island endemism; we can also can find species like white sage (Sideritis dasygnaphala), another island endemism.
Shortly before leaving the dense pine forest, after about 960 m, we shall find a footpath that leads to the base of Roque Saucillo, point: P2 Footpath to Roque Saucillo.
This is a Pliocene volcanic plug, uncovered by coastal-differential erosion, (Cruz del Saucillo and roque Saucillo are two different formations, separated by a distance of about 1 km). Before proceeding with the route, we can reach the base of the Roque at a distance of about 190 m.
We are surrounded by the landscapes of the north-east quadrant of the island, accompanied by rock vegetation and where we can appreciate the presence of many birds. We shall continue our walk along the forest track that has exited the pine forest and entered broom-flatpod domains in a typical mid-altitude humid environment. This section ends in an area that has been transformed for traditional agricultural use, where most trees are fruit and nut trees, such as wild cherries, walnut and chestnut, near traditional houses.
After about 1030 m, before La Capellanía gorge, we shall reach point: P3 Footpath to Rincón. At the foot of a chestnut tree, we shall find a steep footpath on the right-hand side of the track, which we must take as it crosses a dense area of broom-flatpod vegetation. This will take us to a cave pond, on the slope down to the head of Tenteniguada ravine, where we may admire a spectacular geomorphological landscape of volcanic breccias from the Roque Nublo Cycle.
Moisture accounts for new plant species. The blue tajinastes (Echium callytirsum) and “tacarontilla” (Dracunculus canariensis) are endemic species.
After crossing the head of the ravine, the descent continues through an open pine forest with Valsequillo in view below. Now, after about 780 metres, we shall come to the foot of Roque Jincao, a capricious formation surrounded by spectacular views, point: P4 Roque Jincao. We will be able to enjoy a wide view of the head of the ravine and of the Tenteniguada erosive caldera.
Not without some difficulty, given the moist environment that makes the slope slippery, we shall descend to the NE down an area of high botanical interest. This humid environment is home to a small relict laurel forest with species that enjoy maximum protection, such as the “bella de risco” (Scrophularia callianta), endemic to the Canary Islands, laurel (Laurus azorica), a Macaronesian endemism, Canary ivy (Hedera canariensis), Canary Island smoke bush (Bystropogon canariensis), “bicácaro” (Canarina canariensis), both endemic to the Canary Islands. We shall also find choisy or marjoram (Hypericum grandifolium) and a related species, “cruzadilla” (Hypericum reflexum). Birds are also common in this environment.
The descent ends about 200 metres further on, at point: P5 Water mine. This is a water mine forming a cave pond colonized by a species of fern known as “culantrillo” (Adiantum capillus-veneris). We circled south west toward Coruña Ravine. Here, there are abundant rock-dwelling species, such as “bejeques”, Aeonium percarneum and Aeonium undulatum. As we approach the bed of the ravine, the farming terraces increase in prominence in the landscape. About 660 metres further down, we shall come to a dirt road, at point: P6 end of the footpath to Rincón de Tenteniguada.
From there, we shall walk about 550 metres, first on La Coruña ravine track, where blue tajinastes alternate with vegetable gardens, and then, beyond the ravine, on a paved stretch, until we reach point: P 7 End Rincón de Tenteniguada.
Hiking Route 3. Cuevas Blancas Dam - Rincón de Tenteniguada via La Pasadera ravine. Blue Tajinaste Routes
Starting point:
Cuevas Blancas Dam Altitude: 1665 m
Destination:
Rincón de Tenteniguada Altitude: 973 m
Total Distance: 3420 m
Time to cover the Route: 2hr. 15’
Direction of the Route: SW-NE
Net Difference in Altitude: 692 m
Difficulty rating: Medium-low
For the most part, this route crosses the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve and is of great scenic and scientific interest from a geological-geomorphological and biological point of view.
It begins at the foot of the GC-130 road from Telde to Los Pechos, at point: P0 Start (Cuevas Blancas Dam). The route runs along a small abandoned dirt track at an altitude of 1665 m.
It makes its way through a reforestation pine forest, opposite the Cuevas Blancas Dam along a surface of phonolite hauynite flows covered by a community of broom-Canary Island flatpod.
About 250 m along, the footpath begins, at point: P1 Beginning of the footpath, we shall continue through the broom-Canary Island flatpod, interspersed with Bowles mauve (Erysimum bicolor), a Macaronesian endemism, white sage (Sideritis dasygnaphala), endemic to Gran Canaria, and walking over phonolite hauynite lava flows.
After walking about 380 m to the top of Roque del Pino, at point: P2 Roque del Pino, we come to the domains of the Canary Island flatpod (Adenocarpus foliolosus), endemic to the Canary Islands, and yellow broom (Teline microphylla), which dominate the landscape.
We shall see crows flying overhead, a subspecies that is endemic to the Canary Islands (Corvus corax canariensis) and that is becoming increasingly endangered but that is useful as a scavenger.
Continuing along the route, we shall turn right towards the head of the La Pasadera ravine. From this point, we shall begin to descend a steep slope through a spectacular landscape formed by Pliocene basalt flows, fragmented by phonolite hauynite plugs that have been exposed by coastal-differential erosion. They are known by the name of “roques”, Roque Grande on the right.
A large number of plant species occupy these flows, among which we can see the yellow broom and Canary Island flatpod, the blue tajinastes (Echium callithyrsum), endemic to Gran Canaria and widespread in the area. Alongside these species, there are other Canary Island endemisms, such as sage (Salvia canariensis), cañaheja (Ferula linkii) or cerraja (Sonchus acaulis).
As we continue, we will come across rock-dwelling species in the most rugged and rocky areas. The rocks are home to very representative succulent species known as bejeques; such as Aeonium ondulatum, Aeonium simsii, Aeonium percarneum that are endemic to Gran Canaria, or in the case of Aeonium spathulatum, endemic to the Canary Islands. There are also communities of Greenovia aurea, which defy gravity, and Aichyrson laxum in the most humid corners; these latter two species are endemic to the archipelago.
We shall continue for about 700 m until we reach an ethnographic element: a cave-shelter (cueva alpendre), reminding us that this route was used for traditional livestock transhumance. Alongside this “alpendre”, a few metres further on, there is a threshing ground (era), next to a pine tree, which is a natural viewpoint from where we can enjoy a spectacular view of Valsequillo, vertically cut by the majestic Roque Grande to our right, point: P3 Threshing ground - viewpoint.
As we pass the viewpoint area, we shall reach the base of Roque Grande and where we will be able to admire it from one of its most attractive visual perspectives.
As we make our way down, after about 430 m, we shall cross to the North side of the ravine at point: P 4 Ravine crossing point. The environment quickly becomes more humid, as the geomorphology of La Pasadera ravine traps the mist carried by the trade winds. This phenomenon favours the presence of species such as broom (Chamaecytisus proliferus), the Canary Islands nettle (Urtica morifolia), “bicácaro” (Canarina canariensis) or “tacarontilla” (Dracunculus canariensis), endemic to the Canary Islands.
At the lower sections of the route, we shall be in the shade of blue tajinastes, accompanied by broom and “tabaibas” (Euphorbia regis-jubae), which reach a considerable size in this area. Together with them, we shall come across more and more fruit-bearing trees, such as chestnut (Castanea sativa), almond trees (Prunus amygdalus), walnut (Juglans regia) or others, like wild cherry trees (Prunus ceraus). This vegetation attracts many species of birds, including robins (Erithacus rubecula), Sardinian warblers (Sylvia melanocephala), blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla), Canary Island blue tits (Parus caeruleus teneriffae) or canaries (Serinus canaria ).
We shall continue another 480 m along the bed of the ravine until we reach the end of the footpath, where a dirt road starts, point: P5 Road; a few metres further down, there is a water gallery that is still in use.
From this point, we shall continue down for a further 330 m, through an area surrounded by agricultural lots of various types, until we reach the tarmac road next to a chestnut tree, at point: P6 Chestnut tree (el castañero). At this juncture, we shall find the first houses. From here, we must continue along the right-hand side of the road for a few metres and then turn left towards the NE.
After 250 m down this road, we shall find a traditional cheese factory: P7 Cheese factory, further down we will be able to see the local livestock from which the raw material for the production of these cheeses is obtained.
Further on, there is a road on the left, which we must take for another 600 m until we reach point: P8 End in Rincón de Tenteniguada Square, where we will be able to enjoy homemade food in this rural environment.
Hiking Route 5. Tenteniguada - Valsequillo
Starting point:
Tenteniguada Altitude: 801 m
Destination:
Valsequillo Altitude: 538 m
Total Distance: 3060 m
Time to cover the Route: 50-60 minutes
Direction of the Route: W-E
Net Difference in Altitude: 237 m
Difficulty rating: Low
This route is of huge cultural and ethnographic importance, as it has historically communicated the two main centres in the municipality. A glance at the cobbles on the footpath leading down to the bed of the Teneteniguada ravine enables us to observe an excellent job by the masons, which is also very well preserved. Local people gave this footpath two names, which take us back to the past: “Camino de las Casas” (Path of the Houses) or “Camino de los Médicos” (Path of the Doctors).
We start from point: P0 Start along a paved section that crosses the town of Tenteniguada. This path is the stage of the annual “Almond Festivity”. After 250 m, the first stop is the church of San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist) (Image F2) and the square of the same name, point: P1 San Juan Square. This is the site of the patron saint’s festivities every 24th June. The temple is recent, from the early twentieth century: it was consecrated by Bishop Marquina in 1917, coinciding with the Saint John festivities of that year. The most interesting aspect of the Church is an image in the sixteenth century Castilian style, known as “San Juan el Chico”, representing the Baptist as a child.
We now leave the town and after walking 260 m, we will be able to see the Tenteniguada Ravine from an agricultural area, point: P2 Tenteniguada Palm Grove, with the Tenteniguada erosive Caldera forming a scenic background. This Palm grove of Phoenix canariensis (Canary Isand palm) is proof of the area’s thermophilic environment, with a curious mixture of other species such as wild olives (Olea europea cerasiformis); but also with a large presence of almond trees (Prunus amygdalus) colouring the landscape when they bloom in February.
At the end of this section, after 550 m, we shall come to several hamlets with buildings of ethnographic value. This area is known as “el Lindón cerca de las Casillas”, point: P3 Lindón hamlet.
After a further 300 m along the paved road, we shall come to a footpath on the right that will take us to the bed of the Teneteniguada Ravine, point: P4 Footpath, (Image F1) which leads us toward the bed of the Tenteniguada Ravine.
This section commences with a view of most of the geological formations of Valsequillo, such as the monolithic plug of mount El Helechal, from the late Roque Nublo Cycle, where it is believed that a native sanctuary or “almogarén” existed and, next to this, a much more recent volcanic cone called Caldereta.
The path continues bordering the edge of the ravine, while we can enjoy the view of endemic plant species, such as “espárrago llorón” (Asparagus plocamoides), or of local bird species like the common buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) and a wide range of invertebrates.
We can see also some bee hives (that suggest the name of the next main town).
The footpath turns downhill and, after 800 m, reaches point: P5 Bed of the ravine, near a surface water pipe that crosses the ravine. The thermophilic vegetation has been replaced by species that require a more humid habitat. There is also a strong presence of eucalyptus trees that provide shade to travellers. The eucalyptus tree is controversial; of Australian origin, it was introduced precisely in order to provide shade on the roads, from where it has spread all over the island.
The route runs along the bed of the ravine for about 420 m, leaving Colmenar Alto neighbourhood on the right until we pass under San Miguel Bridge, point P6 San Miguel bridge. (Image F3). This is a stone and lime bridge with two arches measuring 13 metres high, 7 metres wide and 34 metres long.
We can divert to the right side of the ravine to observe a hydraulic mechanism known as the mill of the Perez (also called the San Miguel Bridge, Conchita or Colmenar mill). The water that powered the mill was also used by laundresses to wash clothes.
We shall continue along the bed of the San Miguel Ravine, where we can enjoy a level of biodiversity regarding flora and fauna with endemic species that are exclusive to Gran Canaria.
We shall leave the bed of the ravine to head towards the Colmenar Bajo area, where we will come across rural architectural constructions of great ethnographic interest. About 270 metres from the bridge is one of the most outstanding buildings in Valsequillo from a historical point of view. This is point: P7 El Colmenar barracks (Image F4).
The original building dates from the sixteenth century (1530), and was used by a detachment of cavalry. This military complex consists of a number of buildings that remained in use by the military as a residence until the early twentieth century. Moreover, Second Lieutenant Antonio Pérez Gutiérrez, grandfather of the author Benito Pérez Galdós, was stationed here as Commander of the Militia Contingent. Currently, El Colmenar Barracks has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest by the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands.
From this point, we shall make our way up a cement road for 170 m, enjoying the view of the ravine walls, used for livestock and agricultural purposes. We shall end the route when we reach point: P8 End, Valsequillo, on the main road from Valsequillo to San Mateo and the old quarters of the town.
Finca Cordal, museum and events
Museo de la Zafra, the hard wearing of tomato plants
Las Salinas De Tenefe, salt extraction of the Atlantic Ocean
Las Canteras besch, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Ticket distribution overview, easy and no queue.
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