Eight rappels, one stunning volcanic canyon.

This Los Arcos canyoning tour in Tenerife turns a quiet forest walk into a hands-on day of rappelling through warm orange walls and mossy rock. I especially like how the guide setup keeps you moving with clear instruction, not guesswork, and how you learn the canyon’s story as you descend. One drawback to plan for: it is not a casual activity, and if you’re truly afraid of heights, this likely won’t feel comfortable.

My second big plus is the vibe: small group, patient coaching, and a focus on safety that you can feel at each rappel. The canyon itself is gorgeous, shaped by volcanic ash over time and carved by erosion, so even when you pause for a breather, there’s always something worth looking at.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• 22-meter first rappel to kick off the fun without a long warm-up you didn’t ask for
• 8 rappels/passages that build confidence as you go
• Small group up to 8 means you get time and attention at the rope
• Volcanic-ash geology you can literally see in the canyon walls
• Jorge-led instruction with a calm, step-by-step approach
• Photos included so you don’t leave with only sore legs and blurry memories

Tenerife’s Los Arcos canyon: what makes it worth the rope time

Los Arcos canyoning is one of those activities where the setting does half the work for you. The canyon walls are that classic Tenerife mix of warm orange rock and mossy growth, and the light shifts as you go. You start with a dry canyon approach, then drop into a series of controlled descents that let you experience the canyon up close instead of just staring at it from a lookout.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of action and context. You’re not just doing stunts; you’re moving through a canyon formed by volcanic ash accumulation and erosion over time. That means you get real visual proof of geology—orange stone, dark patches, and natural textures—right at your feet and above your head.

The day is built for flow. You hike in, get geared up, do a safety briefing, then spend the bulk of the time on rope. If you’re the type who likes getting outside and doing something practical (not just taking photos), you’ll probably love the rhythm.

Meet at Mirador de La Bermeja and get geared up fast

You meet your guide at Mirador de La Bermeja. The tour company doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll want to drive or get there on your own. If you’re coming from the north side of Tenerife (like La Orotava area), follow TF-21 toward El Teide and use the local signs to find the meeting area.

A quick driving note that matters: GPS directions can sometimes send you down steep and narrow roads. If the route looks sketchy for your comfort level, stick with the main road and signs instead of trusting the shortcut.

Once you arrive, the flow is simple: a brief safety rundown, getting your canyoning equipment, and then you transition into the approach hike. The small-group size (limited to 8 participants) helps here, because the guide can keep an eye on everyone without turning it into a production line.

The 45-minute forest track: where you warm up without rushing

Before the rope starts, you walk about 45 minutes along a forest track with a gentle slope. This is not wasted time. You’re getting your legs ready, learning what the terrain feels like, and settling into the day’s pace.

This approach also helps you understand the canyon’s texture before you hit the steep parts. As the path changes, you’ll start seeing more of the orange rock tones and the kind of natural footing you’ll be dealing with later.

If you’ve done very little hiking on Tenerife, this first stretch is a good reality check. Bring the right shoes and you’ll thank yourself later. The tour specifically asks for hiking shoes or trail running shoes, and you shouldn’t wear random sneakers with slippery soles.

First drop: the 22-meter rappel that sets your mindset

The descent begins with the first rappel at about 22 meters. That’s the moment where the day flips from hike mode to canyon mode.

If you’re nervous, you still shouldn’t fight the whole process alone. The guide coaching matters most right here: you learn how the technique feels on the rope, how to move your body, and how to stay calm through the motion. Many first-time canyoners say they felt safe thanks to clear instruction and steady pacing, and the guide’s approach is a common theme in experiences with this tour.

A key practical point: you’re wearing canyon gear and you’re handling equipment while staying aware of your body position. Listen closely during the safety briefing and ask questions before you go over the edge. It’s the easiest time to be proactive.

Eight rappels through volcanic-orange rock and mossy walls

After that first descent, the canyon experience becomes a sequence—8 rappels total—where each move teaches you a little more about balance, control, and confidence.

This is where the scenery does work. As you descend, the light hits the moss-covered orange walls in shifting tones. The canyon isn’t just pretty; it’s visually layered. You can see how volcanic ash and erosion shaped it into a narrow, textured corridor where water and time have done their thing.

You’ll also notice the canyon has a feel beyond the photos: tight corners, changing rock surfaces, and sections that look different from above versus the rappel line. That variety helps keep your brain engaged. It’s also why people who finish this tour often say it’s one of their best Tenerife days: it feels like an actual adventure path, not a one-note activity.

One more detail worth considering: stinging nettle shows up in the area. If you’re the kind of person who reaches for rocks or brushes through tall plants, watch your footing and keep arms protected by wearing the clothing the tour recommends.

Exiting at Chimoche track, then the final walk back

When you finish all the rappels, you arrive at the Chimoche track to conclude your descent. At that point, you’re not done yet—you’ll walk back to the starting area on foot for about 30 minutes.

This final walk is important for two reasons. First, it gives you time to fully come down from adrenaline mode and reset your breathing. Second, it lets you enjoy the canyon setting one last time, now from a more relaxed perspective.

Plan for tired legs. Even with a guide running the rope work, you’re still doing a real hiking-and-rappelling combo day. Bring water and eat something beforehand so your body isn’t trying to power through with empty tanks.

What’s included (and what you’ll need to cover yourself)

The tour includes:

• A canyoning guide
• All canyoning equipment
• Photos of your experience
• Accident insurance

That’s solid value because the big costs in activities like this are often gear and guide time. At $82 per person for a 6-hour active day, what you’re really paying for is instruction plus equipment plus safety coverage—not just access to a canyon.

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So you’ll want a snack plan. If you can, pack food you can eat without drama (bars, sandwiches, fruit) and bring enough water for the day’s hike plus rope work. You’ll be glad you did.

Also, if you don’t have the right footwear, the tour notes that hiking boots can be rented if you request them in advance.

Safety reality check: gear, clothing, and who should skip this

This is a guided activity with a safety briefing, rope work, and accident insurance. Safety is built into the structure, not added as an afterthought. The guide’s job is to help you manage the technique and keep your setup correct before you rappel.

That said, it’s still inherently physical and height-related. This tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 13
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems
• People afraid of heights
• People with epilepsy
• People over 65
• People over 243 lbs (110 kg)

And it’s a good idea to respect the clothing and shoe rules. You should bring warm clothing, water, food, rain gear, long pants (optional), and a daypack. Smoking and vaping are not allowed.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, aim for practical layers. Canyon clothing needs to move with you and protect you from friction and weather shifts. The tour is 6 hours, so conditions can change from hike to descent.

Price and value at $82: when this tour feels like a steal

$82 isn’t cheap, but it also isn’t random pricing. You’re getting:

• gear provided
• a guide running multiple rappels
• eight controlled descents
• photos included
• accident insurance

For many active travelers, the easiest way to justify this price is to compare it to the cost of doing similar rope-guided activities where gear and instruction aren’t included. Here, you’re paying for a whole package day.

The main way the cost can feel higher is if you add extra spending for food or if you end up needing a taxi because hotel pickup isn’t included. If you’re staying nearby and you can drive or get there easily, the $82 price starts to feel even more fair.

Who this Los Arcos tour fits best (and who it won’t)

You’ll likely love this tour if you want:

• a Tenerife activity that mixes hiking with real rope action
• a guide-led day with instruction at every step
• a canyon with strong visual payoff: orange volcanic rock, moss, and shadowy textures
• a small group day (up to 8 people), where you can actually hear directions

You might want to skip it if:

• you have any of the listed health or mobility limitations
• you have epilepsy
• you’re truly afraid of heights
• you can’t comfortably handle rappelling technique and movement under supervision

And if you’re older or higher weight, pay attention to the stated limits. This tour isn’t trying to be gentle about safety constraints.

Should you book it? My decision guide

If you’re looking for a Tenerife day that feels like an honest adventure—rope work, canyon views, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing—this Los Arcos canyoning tour is a very good bet. The small-group limit and the guide-led pacing are key here, and the included gear and photos help you leave with both memories and confidence.

Book it if you can handle 6 hours of physical activity and you’re ready for heights in a controlled setting. Skip it if heights stress you out too much or if any of the health limitations apply.

If you go, do one thing that improves the whole day: come prepared with the right shoes, warm layers, and enough water plus food. Then you can focus on the fun part—dropping into the canyon and learning how volcanic ash and erosion turned this place into a natural rope course.

FAQ

How long is the Los Arcos canyoning tour?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Mirador de La Bermeja.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What group size should I expect?

The tour is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants.

How high is the first rappel?

The first rappel is about 22 meters.

How many rappels are part of the descent?

The descent includes 8 rappels.

What’s included in the price?

You get a canyoning guide, all canyoning equipment, photos of your experience, and accident insurance.

Do I get photos of the tour?

Yes, photos are included.

What languages are the live guides?

The live tour guide offers English and Spanish.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, hiking shoes, long pants (optional), water, food, rain gear, and a daypack.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 13, pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, epilepsy, people afraid of heights, people over 65, or people over 243 lbs (110 kg).

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