This is not a walk in the park. It’s canyoning in Los Arcos with real vertical drops, guided down at a safe pace in a dry volcanic channel. You’ll get to learn the ropes fast, even if it’s your first time.

Two things I really like: the equipment is fully provided (gear to keep you safe, not just a pat on the back), and the experience leans into teaching—guides like Alex/Alexis explain what you’re seeing and why the canyon looks the way it does. That turns the day from just adrenaline into something you’ll remember.

One consideration: you need to be comfortable with heights and movement on rope systems, and the canyon day runs about 6 hours. If your group pace is slow, you can spend more time waiting than you’d expect.

Key Things I’d Tell a Friend

• 7 abseils on rope, with vertical walls up to 20 meters (hello, real height).
• A dry canyon channel with volcanic ash formations, so the geology is the star.
• Full canyoning safety gear included: harness, helmet, gloves, rope, first aid kit.
• A guide-led day in English, with a focus on clear technique and reassurance.
• Small groups (up to 9 travelers), which can still feel slow with all-beginner pacing.

Los Arcos Canyoning: Dry Volcanic Walls and the Real Work of Gravity

Canyoning in Los Arcos is built around a simple idea: water shaped this canyon thousands of years ago, but today the channel is dry. That makes the route feel more like a geology and rope-skills playground than a wet splash-and-run day.

The canyon’s surfaces come with volcanic texture—especially those volcanic ash formations you’ll notice as you move through the route and look back up at the rock. It’s not just scenery. The look of the canyon helps you understand why the walls and channels formed the way they did.

And then you hit the main event: 7 abseils per rope down vertical walls reaching up to 20 meters. On paper, those numbers are straightforward. In real life, the first abseil usually feels like the biggest mental hurdle—your body needs a minute to trust the system. The good news is that the guides typically take their time with explanations and calm coaching before you go.

Meeting in La Orotava at 10:00: How to Arrive Without Stress

Your day starts at Restaurante Los Andes, on the Carretera General TF-21, km 14, number 495, in La Orotava (Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The start time is 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

A couple practical notes that matter more than you think:

• This activity is run for a maximum of 9 travelers, so schedules are tight.
• On the way toward the canyon area, phone signal can be poor, especially in mountainous terrain. If you’re running late, don’t rely on easy calls/texts to fix it.

I recommend giving yourself extra buffer time getting there from wherever you’re staying. Once the group leaves the meeting point, there may not be a simple way to catch up.

Also, you’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English, so you’re not stuck guessing what’s happening.

Seven Abseils and One Rope System: What the Descent Actually Feels Like

This is not a single-rappel photo moment. You’ll do multiple controlled descents—7 abseils—and you’ll move from one stage to the next as the guide manages the rope setup and group timing.

The experience is described as adapted for people without canyoning experience, but there’s still an expectation: you should have no fear of heights and be comfortable taking direction while you’re attached to the rope. If you get shaky with exposure, that’s the one thing to be honest about before you book.

What helps is how the day is coached. In past tours, guides like Alex have been described as explaining calmly and taking their time during the first moments, including walking you through how you go down step-by-step. That matters because abseiling is half technique and half mental rhythm.

What to expect during the rope time

• You’ll wear a harness and helmet, plus gloves for grip and protection.
• The guide will manage the safety system and help you get set before each descent.
• You’ll spend time moving between abseils, so the day isn’t just “down, down, down” nonstop.

The one downside of beginner groups

Even with a small group, if everyone is new and moving slowly, you can feel stuck in “waiting mode” between your turns. That doesn’t mean the guide is doing anything wrong—it’s often how beginners learn safely. Still, if you hate downtime, you’ll want to remember that a full day like this can be more like a careful progression than a constant flow state.

The Guide Makes It (Alex and Alexis): More Than Just Safety

A strong canyon guide changes the whole experience. The best version of this tour isn’t only about putting you on rope—it’s about helping you understand the canyon as you move through it.

In English, guides such as Alex/Alexis have been praised for being:

• super professional and helpful
• calm and fun without rushing people
• willing to explain geology and nature
• attentive if you feel nervous on the abseils

That explanation part is what turns Los Arcos into more than a thrill. You’ll likely spend more time looking at rock texture, volcanic forms, and how the canyon got carved in the first place—because the guide gives you a frame for what you’re seeing.

If you enjoy learning while you travel (and you like asking questions), this kind of guided interpretation is a big value add.

Gear and Footwear: What You Pay For, and What You Don’t

Good canyoning gear isn’t optional. The good news is that most of the “hard part” is handled for you.

Included:

• harness
• helmet
• gloves
• canyoning rope
• first aid kit

What’s not included:

• shoe rental for EUR 10 per person
• feature photos for EUR 10 for 2 pax (optional)

Value check: why included gear matters

When the core safety gear is included, you don’t need to guess what’s appropriate or scramble to rent it at the last minute. That usually makes the day smoother and helps you show up properly ready to move.

Shoes: don’t wing this

If you don’t have the right footwear, plan on renting the EUR 10 shoe rental. The operator asks you to mention your shoe size in advance, so send that detail at booking. A rope day plus slippery rock is not the moment for improvised footwear.

What to wear and bring

You’re recommended to wear:

• long trousers
• hiking boots
• water

From September to April, warm clothing is recommended, since you’ll be in a canyon environment where temperatures can feel cooler and the day is mostly spent moving and waiting.

Timing, Group Size, and Why Your 10:00 Matters

This tour runs about 6 hours. That time includes the rope process and the natural pauses you get when learning new technique or when the group needs pacing.

With up to 9 travelers, you should expect a controlled flow, not a chaotic crowd. But if your group is all beginners, timing can stretch. Rope activities are slow by design: everyone needs a safe turn, and the guide needs to reset and manage everyone in sequence.

The practical takeaway is simple: don’t plan a second activity immediately afterward. Put margin on your schedule for the ride back and for a bit of tired-muscle recovery.

And since phone coverage can be unreliable near the canyon area, be on time at the meeting point and keep your plan simple.

Who Should Book Los Arcos (and Who Should Reconsider)?

This canyoning experience is aimed at people who want an adrenaline activity in nature, and it’s described as adapted for those without prior canyoning experience.

Still, it’s not for everyone. Based on the stated restrictions, it’s not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with mobility problems

Age guidance is listed with limits involving 16 and 60. The wording you see may be strict, so I’d treat it as “confirm before you book” if you’re near the edge of that band.

Ideal for

• You want your first abseiling experience with a professional guide.
• You can handle heights while following instructions.
• You enjoy learning about what you’re seeing, not just the action.

Not ideal for

• You’re very anxious about heights or rope exposure.
• You need a super fast, nonstop thrill with minimal waiting.
• You can’t meet the physical demands implied by rope descent and movement on rocky surfaces.

Should You Book Canyoning in Los Arcos with Natura Xtreme Tenerife?

If you want a Tenerife adventure that’s more hands-on than sightseeing, canyoning in Los Arcos is a strong pick—especially because the essentials are included and the guide approach sounds genuinely focused on safety plus calm instruction. The mix of 7 abseils, up to 20-meter walls, and dry volcanic formations makes it feel like you’re doing something specific to this place, not just renting thrills.

I’d say book it if:

• you’re comfortable with heights (or at least you can work through nervous energy)
• you don’t mind a 6-hour day with technique breaks
• you value guides who explain the geology while you descend

I’d hesitate if:

• you’re prone to panic in exposed situations
• you hate waiting and every “turn” feels like delay
• you’re unsure about eligibility with the stated restrictions—especially age wording

Take the practical steps seriously: arrive early, bring the recommended clothing and water, and rent the right shoes if you need them. Do that, and you’ll likely walk away feeling like you earned a new skill—not just survived a drop.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The tour meets at Restaurante Los Andes, on Carretera General TF-21, km14, numero 495, in La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The start time is 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the Los Arcos canyoning experience take?

The duration is listed as about 6 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What canyoning equipment is included, and what do I need to bring?

You’ll be provided with the complete approved canyoning equipment, including harness, helmet, gloves, canyoning rope, and a first aid kit. You’re recommended to bring water and wear long trousers and hiking boots.

Can I rent shoes, and how much does it cost?

Yes. Shoe rental costs EUR 10 per person, and you need to mention your shoe size in advance.

Who is this experience not suitable for?

The information states it’s not suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility problems. It also lists age restrictions involving 16 and 60, so it’s worth double-checking eligibility based on your age.

What group size should I expect?

This activity has a maximum of 9 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.