In this post we are going to talk about an awesome plan: hiking in Los Azulejos and Inagua. On the road which links Puerto de Mogán with La Aldea de San Nicolás, we will find the natural and touristic resource Fuente de Los Azulejos. It is a set of mountains where we can appreciate some colored stripes created in a natural way. This is thanks to the mix of different type of rocks where it predominates the green clay.
As you surely know, the Canary Islands are of volcanic origin and, therefore, it is common to come across samples of this type. However, this is the area of the Canary Islands where it is best appreciated, as well as where the largest sample of colors is found. Although it doesn’t rain a lot in this area of Gran Canaria, when heavy rains come, waterfalls form that fall from the mountains and are visible from the road. So you can imagine how spectacular the landscape becomes. What you will be able to see is the marks that the water leaves in its wake, as we show you below.
Hiking in Los Azulejos & Inagua
If you like hiking, there is an advanced level circular route of about 16 kilometers that runs through Los Azulejos and part of the Inagua Integral Natural Reserve. The views of Los Azulejos, the natural environment, the tranquility during the journey and the large puddles after the rains, make this hiking route in Gran Canaria one of the most beautiful on the island.
We started the route around 9 in the morning to finish at noon and that’s how it was. So we had to leave home very early. As you can see below, to complete the 16 kilometers it took us almost 6 hours with some breaks. You can also take it as a day plan and do it in 8 hours. It is important to bring enough water and food, there is nowhere to buy on the way. Likewise, if you like to run, it is a fairly flat path except for the first hour of ascent and the last hour of descent.
| Distance | 16,3 km |
| Estimated duration | 6 h |
| Total ascent | 1.000 m |
| Level | Advanced |
| Circular | Yes |
| Picnic area | No |
Integral Natural Reserve of Inagua
The route that we propose in this article and that we show you in video at the end, in addition to passing through the “colored mountains”, runs along some trails in the Inagua Integral Natural Reserve. You should know that this area is the only one on the island that requires administrative authorization to be able to go hiking. In addition, you can only circulate on the expressly enabled network of trails. Bikes are prohibited.
On the other hand, Inagua is inhabited by the blue finch, an endemic species of Gran Canaria in danger of extinction. And, during the breeding season, between April and September, part of the trails are excluded for transit. In any case, it is a very hot area and it would not be advisable to visit it during the summer months.
Authorization or permission to access Inagua
To request authorization, you can find all the details here or in person at the Cabildo’s (island government). I am afraid that all the info is only in Spanish yet. If you are going to use the general application form, it is important that in the “Description of the request” you indicate the following:
✔ Clarify the type of activity to be carried out, that is, hiking through the Inagua Integral Natural Reserve (C-1).
✔ Mention the number of people who will visit the trail with names, surnames and ID of all members.
✔ Indicate the expected date for the activity (it may be several days).
✔ Mention the planned itinerary. Below we detail the areas through which the track passes so that you can detail it:
- Los Azulejos – Barranquillo Salobre (PR Nublo)
- Barranquillo Salobre – Aula Nat. (authorizable the whole year)
- Aula de la Naturaleza – Pino la Hora (authorizable from October to March)
- Pino la Hora – Barranquillo Salobre (authorizable from October to March)
This request, regardless of the form of registration, must be registered at least one month in advance of the scheduled date of the visit to the reserve. For any questions that may arise, contact the Technical Service for the Environment of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria at +34 928 219 229.
How to get to Fuente de Los Azulejos?
To get to the beginning of the trail, or if you just want to visit the Los Azulejos, you can’t miss it. The mountains can be seen perfectly from the road that connects Puerto de Mogán with Agaete and vice versa. If you are not planning to do any hike in the area, the ideal thing is that the visit to the Fuente de los Azulejos should be taken as a stop on the route that you do through the west of Gran Canaria. If you are going to do the walk, you must park past the juice stand in the direction of Agaete. There is a wooden sign that marks the beginning of the trail up the mountain. In any case, if you want to do the same track of the circular route that we did, we give you all the details below.
Hiking track Los Azulejos & Inagua
As we told you, this hiking route passes through Los Azulejos and Inagua and is of an advanced level, since there are more than 16 km. Likewise, we reiterate that it is only possible to do it from October to March and with prior authorization. If you want to know how to download the track in .gpx format and follow it from your GPS or smartphone, we will explain it to you here. On the other hand, 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 below!
If you only want to see the views and the possible water, with going up and down the same way you will have enough, it takes about 40 minutes to go up. Please consider that you must be equipped with shoes and clothing, since the climb is not easy. We invite you to take a look at our post on the basic hiking kit, you can use some tips if you are starting to hike.
Where to eat around Los Azulejos
Just in front of the colorful mountains you will find a nice fruit and local products stall. Here you can order one à la carte juice and buy other delicacies as pastries. I hope you get lucky and coincide that it is open.
We recommend you the papaya, orange and prickly pear juice. Behind the stall there are also some seats where you can enjoy it with mountain view. Gorgeous.
Otherwise, in the village of Veneguera you can also eat at the restaurant Los Almácicos by Industria Qulinaria. Try to call and book before you go because it’s a long way and there are not many options around. We tell you all about it in our article.
Video: Hiking in Los Azulejos & Inagua
Do not miss the video about hiking in Los Azulejos and Inagua! You can activate the English subtitles and subscribe to our YouTube channel to enjoy more videos about Gran Canaria 🙂
Do you want to discover more sites like this on the island? And places to eat? Have a look at our guides section and let us be your local guide of Gran Canaria!
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