Tajinaste Azul route, hiking in Valsequillo

This time we want to share with you a hiking route through the municipality of Valsequillo: the Tajinaste Azul hike. It is a circular route that runs along two of the trails where you can see the largest populations of this endemic species of Gran Canaria. Let’s go hiking in Gran Canaria!

The Tajinaste Azul or Tajinaste de Tenteniguada

The Tajinaste Azul or tajinaste de Tenteniguada is a bush that has blue flowers with an elongated shape. Its flowers can also be white or pink or a combination of the 3 colors. This species of tajinaste is exclusive to Gran Canaria, that is, it does not exist in other parts of the world. And its largest sample can be found in the Tenteniguada area, in the municipality of Valsequillo. However, it is also present, although to a lesser extent, in other areas of the north and northwest of the island of Gran Canaria. For example, in the municipalities of San Mateo, Firgas, Teror and Valleseco.

Tajinaste Azul hike

To be able to see the Tajinaste Azul or Blue Tajinaste in its splendor, we recommend you do this hiking route through Valsequillo in the months between February and April. During these months is when we will see the tajinaste in flower. In addition, we will most likely be able to take the opportunity to see some almond blossom, also known in this municipality of Gran Canaria.

These trails are of great scenic and scientific interest, since most of them run through the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve. In addition, during the walk we will have views of the Roque Grande, Roque Saucillo and practically the entire Valsequillo valley. If the day is clear you can even see the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We will also pass through the Cuevas Blancas dam and approach a hidden place to have a unique panoramic view of the Caldera de Los Marteles.

Keep in mind that once in the Caldera de Los Marteles, in addition to being cooler, the vegetation changes and we will be surrounded by Canarian pine forest. Anyway, both the ascent and the descent, we will spend 90% of the journey between blue tajinastes.

Characteristics of the route

The first part of the Tajinaste Azul hike is all ascending, then we will walk a part on the flat to finish descending again to Tenteniguada. We left from the Valsequillo neighborhood of El Rincón, since this day we wanted to end up eating in Valsequillo (we show it to you in the video). However, you can leave perfectly from La Caldera de Los Marteles if it suits you better. Here are a few more parking spaces than around El Rincón. In addition, there is usually a kiosk-type van where you can buy water and food.

Keep in mind that the route is recommended for people in good physical shape, since it has quite a slope. They are about 800 meters of positive slope and almost 4 hours long. As we always recommend, take the basic hiking kit with you to avoid being uncomfortable, possible accidents, dehydration, heat stroke, etc.

Track of the Tajinaste Azul hike

Then you can download the track of the circular Tajinaste Azul hike in .gpx format so that 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 or smartphone, we’ll explain it to you here. The state of the trail will depend a lot on the rains, please do not risk it 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 below!

We left the car in a small siding in El Rincón de Tenteniguada. A few steps away is the trailhead. Anyway, as we told you before, you can also start from the Caldera de Los Marteles. It depends on how it suits you best and what you feel like doing next.

Where to eat around

After the hike we went to eat at the Guachinche Viña Cantera. A place that we recommend you to eat good, nice and cheap in Valsequillo. We show it to you and explain everything at the end of the video! If you want to discover more things to do in Valsequillo and places to eat, have a look at that article.

Video of the route

Then we leave you with the video of the route, subscribe to our YouTube channel to find out when we have new videos about things to do in Gran Canaria!

Rural house Tajinaste

Without a doubt, this area is one of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria if you love nature. We recommend the Casa de Campo Tajinaste. An ideal corner in Valsequillo to disconnect from day to day and connect with nature.

If you want to know more hiking routes in Gran Canaria, we invite you to browse our hiking section a bit. Likewise, if you want to know the most authentic side of the island of Gran Canaria and save time when planning your trip, you cannot miss our digital guides of the island. You have them all just one click away!