In a nutshell

Immerse yourself in the lush forests, rocky cliffs, and jaw-dropping ravines of Gran Canaria’s innermost mountains as you hike to ancient settlements and sacred sites. With a National Geographic-trained guide, you’ll stop at panoramic viewpoints, discover hidden paths, savor the local cuisine, and explore areas steeped in myth and history, such as Caballero de Cuevas and Risco Caído.

Main stops

Trekking from the Degollada de las Palomas vantage point to the Cuevas de Caballero archaeological site
Access to the natural caves and the 12 caverns of Cuevas de Caballero
Village of Artenara: altar built into rock of Ermita de la Cuevita; Casas-Cueva ethnographic museum; Risco Caído cave-dwelling settlements
Traditional local lunch at the Arte-Gaia restaurant

The programme

Begin your trek at the Degollada de las Palomas viewpoint, and marvel at the unique natural landscape, shaped by volcanic landmarks like the precarious Roque Nublo and the distinctive Roque Bentayga, as well as the distant island of Tenerife.
Continue down the trail through pine forests until you reach Cuevas de Caballero, a pre-Hispanic archeological site of natural and artificial caves. With access exclusive to National Geographic travelers, you’ll explore 12 different caverns, uncover ancient engravings, and trace their connection to indigenous myth and history.
Return outside and hike toward the village of Artenara, where you’ll explore the small cave altar Ermita de la Cuevita and the nearby Ethnographic Museum Casas-Cueva. Then, you’ll visit Risco Caído, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to several troglodyte settlements—dwellings, granaries, and cisterns—whose age is proof of the island’s aboriginal culture.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at Arte-Gaia, a restaurant featuring locally sourced traditional cuisine.

Good to know

Before booking the excursion or once on board, contact the excursion office to check the availability of vegetarian or gluten-free dishes and to report any food intolerances.
Wear waterproof trekking shoes and suitable clothes for the route, and don't forget a backpack, wind-resistant jacket, cap and sunscreen.