Discover Valsequillo: Hiking Trails, Nature and Culture

Nine signposted hiking trails begin in Valsequillo. Allow approximately one hour for a walk through the historic centre of Valsequillo. The different trail lengths, starting points and levels of difficulty offer various ways to combine active days with local history.

Hiking between ravines and craters

The Barranco de los Cernícalos hike is 5.5 kilometres long, takes an estimated four to five hours and has a medium technical and physical difficulty level. The Tajinaste-Pasadera circular hike is seven kilometres long, begins in Tenteniguada and leads to the foot of the Caldera de Los Marteles; its technical difficulty is medium, while its physical difficulty ranges from medium to high. Another hike to the Caldera de Los Marteles begins in Rincón de Tenteniguada and follows the Tajinaste route towards the crater. Along the way, it passes the bases of Roque Grande and Roque Chico.

The Ruta de Barrancos is a circular route that begins at the Barranco de Coruña and heads towards Lomito del Tafetal; the entire area belongs to the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve. The Camino de los Alfaques is a historic Camino Real of ethnographic value. It was used as a livestock droving route and as a connection between the uplands, the Caldera de Tenteniguada and the Caldera de los Marteles. From its highest section near Las Mesas, the trail offers views of the northwest of Gran Canaria and the mountain system of the Caldera de Tenteniguada.

Nature around Los Marteles

The Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve also extends across parts of the municipality of Valsequillo and covers 3,568.7 hectares. The Caldera de Los Marteles is a geological formation described as spectacular, with significant scientific, educational and landscape value.

The Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve has a high concentration of endemic flora and fauna. This includes 23 plant species endemic to Gran Canaria and three reptile species endemic to Gran Canaria. Water flows year-round in the Barranco de los Cernícalos; large wild olive trees and Canary willows form a humid woodland there. The Mirador de la Calle Sol offers panoramic views over the Barranco de San Miguel.

History and living culture

The Rancho de Ánimas de Valsequillo has preserved a long-standing tradition and has never disappeared over time. In 2025, it was classified as an intangible Bien de Interés Cultural in the categories of “social, ritual and festive customs” and “forms of collective socialisation and organisations”. Traditionally, the Rancho de Valsequillo undertakes four outings beginning on Christmas Eve; outside the season, there is a special activity called “Ranchos de Levantisco”.

The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel was built between 1903 and 1923 over a chapel that was established under the same name in the second half of the 17th century. The church contains a baptismal font from Seville dating from the late 15th century. It is made of fired clay and decorated with green ceramics. There is also a sculpture of San Miguel Arcángel created by Luján Pérez, considered to be the only known work in which the saint is depicted standing over a dog.

The Biblioteca Municipal Benito Pérez Galdós displays five religious sculptures from the Gothic-Flemish tradition that have been declared Bien de Interés Cultural. The historic Cuartel de El Colmenar complex is located in the Barranco de San Miguel and was built in 1530 as temporary accommodation for cavalry troops. In the area around Valsequillo, the Molino de los Pérez is considered the oldest mill of its kind in Valsequillo; it dates from the 18th century.

The Fiestas del Almendrero en Flor take place every year in the first half of February at various locations in Valsequillo and include cultural, social, gastronomic and musical activities.

Local insights and cheese-making

The “Quesos de Valsequillo” visitor route includes a visit to a farm, insights into milking and caring for the animals, artisanal cheese-making and a tasting.

More destinations

La Aldea De San Nicolás, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, El Espinillo, Firgas, Comarca Oeste, Lomitos De Correa, San Bartolomé De Tirajana, Tarajalillo

To the main travel overview: Gran Canaria.