Waterfalls and rainforest on Gran Canaria, in one hike. This Sky Rebels outing pulls you from resort-area roads into the tropical feel of Barranco de los Cernicalos, with a waterfall-focused walk and story-rich guidance from Inés and Juanjo. I also love that the group stays small (max 6), and that you get an included brunch of sandwiches and fruit so the day feels complete, not like a scramble for food after the hike.

One catch to plan for: it’s listed easy–medium, but you still cover about 8–9 km with around 300 m of uneven trail. Bring proper hiking shoes and come ready for real walking, not a stroll.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Small-group hiking (max 6) for a more personal pace and more time with your guides
• Local hosting from Inés and Juanjo, with island stories and nature talk along the way
• Waterfall rainforest hike at a gentle-to-moderate level (8–9 km, ~4 hours on foot)
• Included brunch: sandwiches and fruit, so you don’t plan your meal mid-adventure
• Optional hiking poles if you need extra help on the uneven bits
• Close to Maspalomas: about 40 minutes by air-conditioned vehicle to reach the trail area

From Maspalomas to Barranco: the day starts fast

If you’re staying in or near Maspalomas, you’ll appreciate how quickly this gets you out of the usual resort routine. The ride to Barranco de los Cernicalos is about 40 minutes, and it’s in an air-conditioned vehicle—a small comfort that matters in Gran Canaria’s warmer hours.

Once you’re on foot, the vibe shifts in a way I love: you go from bright, open-feeling surroundings into a greener, more shaded rainforest-type setting. That change doesn’t just happen visually. The whole hike feels different underfoot and in how you move. The air can feel cooler, and your attention naturally goes from the view to the trail, the plants, and the water.

This is also the kind of hike where guides make the scenery easier to read. Inés and Juanjo don’t just point and move on. They weave practical observations into the walk—what’s growing, what locals pay attention to, and how the island’s character shows up in a place like this.

The 5.5-hour rhythm: start time, walking time, and when you’ll eat

The tour runs about 5 hours 30 minutes total, starting at 8:30 am. You’ll end back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a one-way drop-off.

The walking portion is about 4 hours with stops. Those stops are important. They keep the hike from feeling like nonstop effort and help you actually enjoy what you came for: waterfall views and the rainforest feel between them.

And then there’s the food. You’re not just given a snack. You get brunch—sandwiches and fruits—built into the tour. That’s value you can feel, especially if you’d otherwise spend time figuring out where to eat or buying something expensive at the wrong moment. Since you’ll be active most of the morning, having food handled for you makes the day smoother.

One practical note: bottled water isn’t included. The tour info recommends bringing at least 1.5 liters. I’d treat that as the minimum, not a target, particularly if you’re the type who tends to drink more once you’re moving.

Barranco de los Cernicalos: what the trail is like

This experience centers on Barranco de los Cernicalos, and that matters because the hike’s character is consistent: you’re walking through a rainforest-style corridor that leads toward waterfall scenery.

Here’s what you’re signing up for, in plain numbers:

• Distance: 8–9 km total walking
• Unevenness: about 300 m of rougher trail
• Difficulty: easy–medium

That “easy–medium” label is fair, but don’t let it trick you into thinking it’s effortless. 8–9 km is still a meaningful distance, and the unevenness means you’ll be stepping around variations in the ground. If your knees or ankles get cranky easily, plan to go slow on the tricky sections.

The good news: the hike time is spread out with stops, and the guides keep the pace workable for a group this size. If you have moderate fitness, you’ll likely find this very doable—especially because you’re not doing technical scrambling. You’re just doing real hiking.

Also, expect the waterfall day to feel more rewarding than you might think. On a short hop, a waterfall can feel like a quick photo stop. Here, the walk builds up the moment. You arrive having earned it.

Inés and Juanjo: the local guide factor

This is one of those trips where the guide isn’t an add-on. The experience leans heavily on local hosting, and it shows.

Inés and Juanjo are described as a knowledgeable couple with a real love for the island, and that warmth comes through in how the hike is run. You’re not stuck with a lecture. Instead, you get stories and practical nature talk as you walk through the jungle-like area.

That matters because it changes what you notice. Without guidance, rainforest trails can blur together—green plants, shaded paths, a few flashes of water. With a good guide, you start seeing patterns: how the terrain channels water, how locals think about the environment, and which kinds of plants belong in this kind of setting.

It’s also “entertaining and informative” in the sense that it stays engaging while still being useful. You’ll leave with a better sense of how Gran Canaria can shift from resort-world into something totally different within a short drive.

What’s included vs. what you should pack

Sky Rebels is doing a lot for you on logistics and comfort, which keeps your day from turning into a checklist.

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Brunch sandwiches and fruits
• Hiking poles if you need them
• Fees and taxes
• Walking distance (8–9 km) and route unevenness (300 m) handled by the plan
• Ticket is mobile and the tour is offered in English

Not included (and don’t skip this):

• Bottled water: bring at least 1.5 l
• Proper hiking shoes
• Hiking clothes
• Sun protection

If you want a quick packing mindset:

• Shoes with grip matter more than you’d think on uneven ground.
• Sun protection matters even in a greener area, because you’ll still get bright exposure during parts of the morning.
• Bring layers. Morning starts are often cooler, but walking ramps your body temperature quickly.

Price reality: is $98.52 worth it?

At $98.52 per person, you’re paying for more than a hike ticket. You’re paying for a whole package: transport, small-group guiding, route planning, and food.

Here’s why that price can make sense:

• You don’t have to organize transportation to and from the trail area. The vehicle is included.
• You’re covered for a guided day with a maximum group size of 6, which usually means more attention than big tours.
• You get brunch included. That’s a real savings in time and money, especially if you’d otherwise eat out right after hiking.
• Hiking poles are available if required, which is a small but meaningful comfort boost on uneven trail.

Also, there’s a note about saving up to 12€ at the Sky Rebels site. If you’re price-sensitive, it’s worth checking whether that discount applies when you book.

The only “value risk” is weather. This kind of waterfall-and-rainforest experience is weather-dependent, and if conditions aren’t right you might get rescheduled or refunded. But that same weather sensitivity is part of why the hike focuses on this setting in the first place.

Who this hike is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A guided waterfall-focused hike without needing technical skills
• A small group with a local couple shaping the day
• Enough activity to feel like an adventure, but not so intense you need a training plan

It also says you should have moderate physical fitness. That’s a fair bar. If you walk regularly and can manage 8–9 km, you’ll probably feel good by the end—especially with breaks and stops.

Who might not love it:

• Kids, because it’s not recommended due to the duration
• Anyone who hates uneven footing or expects a totally smooth path

If you’re traveling with limited hiking experience, I’d still consider it, as long as you’re honest with yourself about distance. The guides and small group help, but the trail still requires effort.

Should you book Sky Rebels for Gran Canaria waterfalls?

I’d book this if you want a morning plan that feels local, not scripted. The combination of Inés and Juanjo’s hosting, a rainforest-style setting in Barranco de los Cernicalos, and the included brunch makes it feel like more than just exercise. It’s an actual experience.

I’d think twice if you’re looking for a very light walk, or if you don’t want to carry water and wear proper shoes. And keep an eye on weather, since the experience depends on good conditions to deliver at its best.

If you’re in the Maspalomas area and you want to see Gran Canaria shift into something greener and wetter-feeling, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

What location is this hiking tour in?

It’s in Gran Canaria, Spain, with the hike centered on Barranco de los Cernicalos.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How far do we walk and how hard is it?

You’ll walk about 8–9 km with approximately 300 m of unevenness. The difficulty is easy–medium, with walking time around 4 hours including stops.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, brunch sandwiches and fruits, hiking poles if required, and all fees and taxes.

What should I bring that isn’t included?

Bring at least 1.5 l of water, proper hiking shoes, hiking clothes, and sun protection.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

Is this tour recommended for children?

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

What happens if weather is bad?

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