Tips and Location for Barranco de las Vacas in Gran Canaria

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.

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.

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

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! 

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

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

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.

Directions to the Canyon

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. 

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.

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.

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 famous part.

My Top Accommodation Tip

With its narrow alleys, the lovely town of Ingenio was the perfect place for our stay. Ingenio is rich in history and for those who seek serenity. We had probably chosen one of the best B&Bs ever. It is run by a Dutch couple, Arold and Alienka, who walk the extra mile for their guests.

He was a chef in a restaurant before, and so is the breakfast, excellent and delicious served on the rooftop terrace, perfect for a good start.

The spacious rooms in Villa Nestor are wonderful for relaxing with an incredible view of the small and quiet town of Ingenio. If you prefer a more personal stay in an old, charming but newly renovated house, this is the best place for your vacation. Alienka has many stories to tell about each room. Ours was a dancehall in former times, and it was like I could feel the good vibes.

In the 15th century, sugar cane was harvested here. Mineral deposits from South America were reloaded. This painting tells the story of the cruel conditions the slaves and Canarians had to bear.

I was fortunate to visit the house of Christophe Gollut in Ingenio, which is usually not open to the public. Actually, these are three houses in one, bought and designed by Christophe 40 years ago.

Movies and photo-shootings were held here in former times.

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