The Azuaje ravine is located in the north of Gran Canaria and forms the geographical border of the municipalities of Firgas (70%) and Moya (30%). The Azuaje Special Nature Reserve has a good flow of water throughout the year. Thanks to this, its biological wealth is incredible and makes it one of the greenest and, therefore, most beautiful ravines on the island. Without a doubt, this is one of the hiking trails in Gran Canaria that cannot be missing from your list.
The name of Azuaje comes from the last name of Francisco Azuaje, a former alderman, a sugar industrialist in the Guadalupe ravine. Below we will give you more details about the Azuaje ravine and we will share with you a circular hiking route so you can discover it on your own.
Azuaje ravine, Gran Canaria
Azuaje is born at the summit and flows into the sea. Throughout its journey its name changes. Its source is at approximately 1,620 m of altitude in the Degollada de Las Palomas (Valleseco) where it is known as the Crespo ravine. Later it joins other ravines and is renamed Barranco de la Virgen, later Barranco de Guadalupe (at the height of Firgas village). It then takes the name of Azuaje until it reaches its mouth on the coast of San Andrés.
The Azuaje Special Nature Reserve is concentrated in 5 km of the ravine. Part of the laurel forest of Gran Canaria is still preserved here. It also has areas of reed beds, willows and some endemic Canary Island species such as the bicácaro. As far as fauna is concerned, it is mainly represented by the Osorio shrew.
Azuaje bath (Balneario de Azuaje)
The fact that Gran Canaria is an island of volcanic origin has favored the birth of water springs with mineral-medicinal properties like this one. The waters that flow through Azuaje are rich in iron, silicates, carbon dioxide and sodium bicarbonate, in addition, many ferruginous. Hence, Firgas waters are cardio protective and contain digestive and diuretic properties, ideal for kidney problems.
Around 1868 and, after the healing fame that the Azuaje baths (Fuente Santa) achieved, Dr. Casares affirmed that the Azuaje hot springs activated circulation, sedated the nervous system, promoted perspiration and urine secretion, among other benefits. For this reason, at the end of the 19th century the first tourists came to Gran Canaria to try these healing properties and in 1868 a small hotel with 16 rooms was built. Finally, apparently the spa closed its doors around 1938 for health reasons and circumstances linked to the war conflicts.
Azuaje ravine hike
If you want to discover in depth the Azuaje ravine and live an authentic adventure, we propose a circular route that starts and ends in the town of Firgas. As you can see in the following table, it took us about 3 and a half hours. It is a route for experienced hikers, given its difficulty in some steps and unevenness. Keep in mind that 80% of the trail is not signposted, so it is recommended that you follow the track.
| Distance | 9,4 km |
| Estimated duration on foot | 3,5 hours |
| Total ascent | 533 m |
| Level | intermediate |
| Circular | Yes |
| Picnic area | Yes |
Moreover, as the water runs through the ravine all year round there are sections where you have to climb (with and without ropes). Likewise, it is quite wet terrain and therefore slippery.
The path is 90% simple, but you must bear in mind that along the path there are steps that must be done on tree trunks that cross the stream, climb some areas holding on to stones and ascend two sections by means of ropes (if you do it in the same direction as us). It is very important that if you want to do this route, you preferably wear trekking boots or, failing that, trail shoes. For all these reasons, we do not recommend this route for children, nor for people with vertigo or insecure.
If you feel like we do, it is important that you take a look at the weather forecast before you go. And, based on that and the data of the route that we have given you, prepare your hiking kit.
Adaptation of the route to go with children
If you want to go to Azuaje ravine with children, you can always go from the Baths to the area that you consider to be less risky and return the same place. There is a picnic area less than 1 kilometer from the Spa and the baths can be reached by car without having to walk from Firgas. In the same way, the ravine is usually especially wet at first, so be prepared for the mud. And keep in mind that the parking area here is very scarce.
Throughout this tour you will get to know the town of Firgas, the Azuaje viewpoint, the old Azuaje Spa, as well as enjoy the waterfalls and nature of the Azuaje ravine.
Download the track of the route
Then you can download the track of the circular route in .gpx format so that you can follow it on your own without getting lost. If you don’t know how to download and follow it from your GPS or smartphone, we’ll explain it to you here. The state of the trail will depend on the rains, please do not risk continuing if you see danger. If you want to support us so that we continue to create content for you about Gran Canaria, we will appreciate if you purchase one of our tracks, either to enjoy incredible routes or as a donation. Oh, and don’t miss the video we have prepared for you!
Video of Azuaje ravine
Finally, we leave you with the video of this hiking route through the Azuaje ravine. Here you can discover more details and tips about what you are going to find on this route. If you want to see more videos like this, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
If you have been wanting to continue discovering places like this, take a look at our section of Gran Canaria guides to discover the most authentic side of the island on your own.
We are Ruth & Jorge, Gran Canarians with a travelling soul. Experts in tourism and digital marketing. We share the most authentic side of Gran Canaria (where we live) and… our adventures around the world!
We did this route yesterday (01/04/23) lovely walk, not too muddy, the rope climbing was a bit of fun/ challenging as we are in our 60,s. The walk took us approximately 4hr 30min this included a 15 minute stop for lunch.
Hi Glenn! Thank you for your comment! We are glad to read you enjoyed it 🙂