El Azuaje ravine is located in the north of Gran Canaria and serves as the geographical border of the municipalities of Firgas (70%) and Moya (30%). The Azuaje Special Nature Reserve It has a good flow of water throughout the year. Thanks to this, its biological richness 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 routes of hiking in Gran Canaria that cannot be missing from your list.
The name of Azuaje comes from the surname of Francisco Azuaje, former councilor, sugar industrialist of the Guadalupe ravine. Below we will give you more details about the Azuaje ravine and we will show you a circular hiking route so you can discover it on your own.
Barranco de Azuaje, Gran Canaria
Azuaje begins at the summit and flows into the sea. Throughout its journey its name changes. Its source is approximately 1.620 m above sea level in Degollada de Las Palomas (Valleseco). where it is known as Crespo ravine. Later it joins other ravines and is renamed ravine of the Virgin, after Guadalupe ravine (near the town of Firgas). He then takes the name of Azuaje until he reaches its mouth on the coast of San Andrés.
What has been the Azuaje Special Natural Reserve is concentrated in 5 km of the ravine. Here it is still preserves part of the laurel forest from Gran Canaria. In addition, it has areas of reed beds, willows and some Canarian endemisms such as the bicácaro. Regarding the fauna, it is mainly represented by Osorio's shrew.
Azuaje Spa
The fact that Gran Canaria is an island of volcanic origin has favored the birth of springs of water with mineral-medicinal properties like this one. The waters that flow through Azuaje are rich in iron, silicates, carbon dioxide and sodium bicarbonates, as well as many ferruginous substances. 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 spa (Fuente Santa) achieved, Dr. Casares stated that The hot springs of Azuaje activated circulation, sedated the nervous system, promoted perspiration and urine secretion., among other benefits. Thus, At the end of the 19th century, the first tourists arrived in 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.
Hiking route through Azuaje
If you want to get to know the Azuaje ravine well 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. This is a route for experienced hikers, given its difficulty in some steps and slopes. Keep in mind that 80% of the trail is not marked, so it is recommended that you follow the track.
| Distance | 9,4 km |
| Approximate duration on foot | 3 hour and 30 |
| Total promotion | 533 m |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Circular | Yes |
| Rooftop dining room | Yes |
Likewise, as water runs through the ravine all year round There are sections where you have to climb (with and without ropes). Likewise, it is quite humid terrain and, therefore, slippery.
⚠️ Important notice updated to June 2026: The Environment Department of the Gran Canaria Island Council reports a rockfall of large rocks and the fall of a eucalyptus tree in the riverbed of the Special Nature Reserve of Azuaje ravineFor safety reasons, we recommend you exercise extreme caution when traveling through the area, use only the official trails, and avoid approaching fallen rocks and trees.
The path is 90% easy, but you must keep in mind that along the trail There are steps that must be made on logs that cross the stream, climb some areas holding on to stones and ascend two sections using 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 bring trekking boots or failing that, trail shoes. For all these reasons, this route We do not recommend it for children, nor for people with vertigo or insecure people. If you feel like it like we do, it is important that you give it a look at the weather forecast before going. And, based on that and the route data that we have given you, prepare your hiking kit.
Adaptation of the route to go with children
If you want to go to Azuaje with children, It is better that you leave from the Spa to the area that you consider to be less risky and return through the same place. Furthermore, there is a picnic area approximately 1 kilometer from the spa and you can reach the spa by car without having to walk from Firgas. Even so, the ravine is usually especially wet at the beginning, with what he sees prepared for the mud. AND Keep in mind that parking here is very limited.
Throughout this tour you will be able to Get to know the town of Firgas, the Azuaje viewpoint, the old Azuaje Spa, as well as enjoy the waterfalls and nature of the Barranco de Azuaje.
Download the route track
Now, You can download the track of the circular route in .gpx format so you can follow it on your own without getting lost. If you don't know how to download it and follow it from your GPS-watch or smartphone, here we explain it to you. The condition of the trail will depend a lot on the rains, please don't risk it if you see danger. If you want to support us so that we continue creating content for you about Gran Canaria, we would appreciate it if you purchased any of our tracks, either to enjoy incredible routes or as a donation. Oh, And don't miss the video we have prepared of this route below!
Video of the Azuaje Ravine
Finally, We leave you with the video of this hiking route in Gran Canaria through the Barranco de Azuaje. Here you can discover more details and tips about what you will find on this route. If you want to see more videos like this, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
If you'd like to continue exploring the island on foot, check out our section on hiking in Gran Canaria And discover all the hikes we've documented. Plus, if you'd like to receive original plans and recommendations every week, we encourage you to join our newsletter. free newsletterWe also share our daily life and new routes on our Instagram. @welovegrancanaria!
Gran Canaria Guides
Finally, if you'd rather not stress about organizing your trip and want to explore the island at your own pace, relying on our local recommendations, you should check out our Gran Canaria digital guidesIn them, we include itineraries, our favorite places to eat, and hidden gems not found in traditional guidebooks. They are available in Spanish and English, and we offer different packages. Click on the image below to see them all!
Hello, I would like to know if the exit from the ravine to take the path to Firgas mountain is before reaching the reed tunnel.
Hello Angel! The truth is that we started the route from the town of Firgas, I don't know what you mean exactly... we did the track a couple of years ago and we don't have it that fresh. A hug
Hello, is the route suitable for dogs?
Hello! There are two areas that must be climbed with ropes as we show in the video, so it depends on whether your dog is capable of climbing small slopes hehe.
Hello, I would like to know if the area where you recommend going with children can see a pond or waterfall. Thank you
Hi Lucia! Water flows in the Azuaje ravine all year round, but depending on the weather, the path may be muddy and difficult to access for small children. If you wear appropriate footwear and patience, there will surely be no problem. Enjoy it!!!