Vacas Canyon - Parking - Hike - Best Time
Tips and Location for Barranco de las Vacas in Gran Canaria

Tips and Location for Barranco de las Vacas in Gran Canaria

Spain
Spain

When Is the Best Time

I was amazed by the beauty of the Barranco de las Vacas. The canyon cannot compete with the Antelope in Arizona, but it is easily accessible and free. The Barranco de las Vacas, the red canyon, is a popular sight well-known on social media nowadays. It is an easy walk of fewer than 10 minutes if you are able to park your vehicle where we parked. Parking Google Maps There is no permit needed, and no fee is requested for this spectacular canyon in Gran Canaria.

A visitor standing on a rock in Vacas Canyon
The light inside the canyon is amazing.

If you don't have a rental car, there is an excellent day tour available where Vacas Canyon is usually included; Tour by GetYourGuide at no extra cost.

A woman in the long appearing Barranco de las Bacas
I enjoyed the view from the rock to the beginning of the canyon.

The best time to enjoy this magnificent photo spot is early morning before 10 am. Also, the sunlight in the narrow gorge is perfect for catching these magical, colourful walls.

The shimmering orange light along the walls in Vacas
The light in the Vacas Canyon was perfect in the morning.

The narrow gorge gets pretty busy during the day. Definitely avoid weekends when the Canarios visit this spectacular place as well.

Trailhead to the gorge
This is the steep part; then turn right through the tunnel

Limited parking is the other reason for early arrival. If you arrive too late, you have to line up in the canyon and wait because everybody wants to get the perfect Instagram shot. Honestly, this spoils the entire trip to this stunning gorge! 

The beginning of the famous canyon
Scrambling over huge rocks 

We arrived before 9 am and enjoyed this outstanding place alone; when we left the canyon and walked back to the car, many people asked for directions. 

Parking Barranco de las Vacas

Small car park to the right shortly before the trailhead
Park your car here, and you can already see the tunnel to the left.

Coming from Agüimes, there are two spaces shortly before the canyon on the right. Google Maps Location If you continue driving a few hundred meters further up there is another small parking for roughly four small cars. 

Best Daytime for Barranco de las Vacas

The orange walls and huge boulders on the canyon floor
There are rocks on the canyon floor.

Midweek and before 10 am secures a parking place. Enjoy the shimmering orange colours in the morning and the tranquillity of the canyon before the crowds arrive. 

Tip: Check out the weather forecast before. The walls won't shimmer in reddish-orange if the sky is covered in clouds.

 

 

These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with 24 hours advance cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!

Best Months to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Location and Tips

Gran Canary, Agüimes
Spain
Spain

The famous gorge Barranco de las Vacas is located 5 km north of Agüimes. Follow this link to find the correct entrance for Barranco de Las Vacas Google Maps Location. It is a short walk to this spot; nevertheless, wear proper shoes for the short but steep incline. 

Directions to the Canyon

View from the tunnel into the canyon
The view from the tunnel into the canyon

We parked our car on the right at the first parking. Walk on the left for roughly 100 m. Look for a footpath leading down to this tunnel. The road leads above. This short part of the hike is steep and slippery. Wear appropriate shoes. When you reach the bottom, you walk to the right through the short tunnel to enter the canyon.

The beginning of the famous canyon
The beginning of the famous canyon

Another 100 m and the gorge narrows. Shortly after, you reach the main part of the Barranco de las Vacas. This canyon has a dead end and waterfall during heavy rainfall.

The beginning of the famous canyon
The beginning of the canyon after the left curve

When we visited the canyon, a puddle was left at the end of the canyon. There is a waterfall during and after heavy rainfall. You have to walk the same way back. It took us less than 10 minutes from the parking to the popular part.

Top Tips for Gran Canaria

Playa de Güigüi on a sunny day with a clear blue sky
Güigüi Beach is the most beautiful of all and remotly located.

Do you wish to know more about Gran Canaria? Check out my Gran Canaria Guide and the 5 Best and 5 Most Popular Beaches 

Maspalomas Dunes and just one person
Maspalomas Dunes in the winter

The dunes can be pretty crowded now and then. If you like to know the best time for your visit, read my full Maspalomas Dunes Guide

 

 

Do you want to obtain the usage right for my images? Contact me, but I will take action against picture theft.

 

Nearby Places
5 Best Sunset Spots in Gran Canaria
8 km
5 Best Sunset Spots in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is located southeast of Tenerife and is the third biggest Canary…
Hiking Tips for Caldera de Bandama in Gran Canaria
13 km
Hiking Tips for Caldera de Bandama in Gran Canaria
Caldera de Bandama is protected as a National Monument, and the evidence for…
Gran Canaria Guide – Best Time – 5 Best and 5 Most Popular Beaches
14 km
Gran Canaria Guide – Best Time – 5 Best and 5 Most Popular Beaches
Gran Canaria has some of the finest beaches and an excellent climate located…
Maspalomas Beach and Dunes - The Desert in Gran Canaria
22 km
Maspalomas Beach and Dunes - The Desert in Gran Canaria
Maspalomas Beach and Sand Dunes are located in the south. The dunes are…
3 Best Hiking Trails in the Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife
102 km
3 Best Hiking Trails in the Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife
You can easily hike in the Anaga Park for weeks, but usually, the vacation…
3 Must-Do Hikes at Mount Teide in Tenerife + 7 Tips
118 km
3 Must-Do Hikes at Mount Teide in Tenerife + 7 Tips
We got addicted to Teide. It is one of the most fascinating volcanos of all.…
Tenerife Best Time and Most Breathtaking Sunsets
125 km
Tenerife Best Time and Most Breathtaking Sunsets
Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Tenerife I have to confess that usually, I…
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tenerife - Whale Seasons Guide and Packing List
131 km
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tenerife - Whale Seasons Guide and Packing List
Watching a whale or a dolphin is always an exceptional experience. Most tours…
3 Volcano Hikes Around Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote
208 km
3 Volcano Hikes Around Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote
There is the Los Volcanoes Natural Park and the Timanfaya National Park.…
Lanzarote Best Beaches - Best Time and Sunsets
219 km
Lanzarote Best Beaches - Best Time and Sunsets
Although Lanzarote is most famous for its volcanos, the beaches are spectacular…
Created by
Micha Herber-Bleich
Micha Herber-Bleich
I am always open, curious about new…