That first rope drop wakes you up fast. In Los Arcos, you spend a guided 6 hours learning how to abseil while moving through volcanic ash canyon walls carved by water, with a guide who also reads the geology and plants around you.

I love the mix of real adrenaline and real structure: you start with a short training session, then you rope down multiple sections with a certified canyoning guide like Alexis. I also love how much you learn along the way, including the canyon’s volcanic ash walls and the endemic flora you spot on the approach and in the gorge.

One drawback to consider: this is physical and time on your feet, with a 45-minute approach hike plus a walk back after the last rappel, and it’s not a good fit for everyone listed as unsuitable (like people over 60, pregnant, or under 16).

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Up to ~20 meters of abseiling in the Los Arcos gorge, with multiple rappels of different heights
• Beginner-friendly setup with a short training workshop before the first rope descent
• Volcanic ash walls where each rappel feels different as you move down the canyon
• Nature learning on the move, including endemic plants and the canyon’s geological story
• Small group size (max 9) so you get attention and smoother pacing
• A 2023 wildfire recovery area you cross on foot during the approach, so the day has a real, grounded feel

Los Arcos Canyoning: Why This Abseiling Feels More Than Just a Thrill

Los Arcos is the kind of place where Tenerife’s geology stops being abstract. You’re not just looking at rocks from above. You’re going down inside the canyon, where the walls and colors are the show, and where volcanic ash textures make the ropes and your steps feel extra “real.”

The best part is the blend: adrenaline + guidance + context. You get that rope-down rush, but you also get an explanation for what you’re seeing—how the canyon formed, and what grows there. With a guide like Alexis, the day doesn’t feel like a checklist. It feels like someone handed you the key to reading the place.

The route is designed to be manageable for newcomers, which matters. You’re not thrown straight into the deep end. There’s a training workshop first, and the rappels are paced so you build confidence as you go.

Casa Forestal to Los Andes: Getting There, Then Earning the Canyon Time

Your day starts at Casa Forestal. From there, you meet the guide and then head to the access area in a short car transfer (about 5 minutes). It’s a small but helpful touch, because it reduces “wasted” transit time and keeps the focus on the fun part.

Then comes the 45-minute approach on foot. This is where you set your pace. You’ll be walking through terrain that leads into the gorge area, and it’s also when you’ll start seeing what makes Los Arcos special—plus, you’ll cross some areas affected by the big summer 2023 fire. Nature has been regenerating, but the day doesn’t ignore what happened. It’s one of those moments where your canyoning adventure turns into a quick lesson in recovery and resilience.

You’ll also want to treat the approach like part of the experience, not just a prelude. Wear the right shoes, bring water, and keep your energy steady. When you reach the gear stage, you’ll be glad you didn’t burn yourself out on the hike.

Gear Up Right: Helmet, Harness, and a Real Training Workshop

Before you descend, you put on a helmet and harness, and the guide runs a short training session. This is not just formality. It’s your chance to get comfortable with how the system feels, how to move with it, and how to listen for instructions.

This matters most for beginners. The reviews you’ll find for this tour have a consistent theme: the guides stay calm, explain clearly, and make you feel secure even if you’re nervous about heights. You’ll hear guidance on technique and safety during the workshop, and then you apply it immediately on the first rappel.

Also, expect a bit of “learning with your body.” You’re not watching from a chair. You’re practicing the fundamentals while you still have the chance to adjust before the bigger drops.

Rappels in the Los Arcos Gorge: Volcanic Ash Walls Up to ~20 Metres

Once you start, the day gets very physical, very fast—in a good way.

You abseil down several walls, and the highest wall is about 20 meters. That’s tall enough to feel thrilling, but it’s also framed by other rappels so you don’t feel like you’re jumping from zero to hero instantly. The rappels are often described as multiple descents (many people mention a set around seven), with different heights like 20 m, 16 m, and 10 m showing up in the experience for different segments.

Here’s why volcanic ash walls matter: they create a different kind of surface and grip feeling than smooth rock. You notice textures. You hear your own movements. You pay attention to foot placement and rope setup because everything feels close and tactile.

Between rappels, there’s time to look around. Los Arcos has that carved-and-channeled effect where the canyon walls look sculpted by water over time. The colors and shapes are exactly what you want to see when you’re literally going down inside them.

Endemic Flora and Geology Talk: The Part That Makes It Memorable

The canyon is gorgeous, but the real value is that you learn how to interpret it.

Your guide talks about the canyon’s geological history, including how erosion shaped Los Arcos over many years. You also get explanations about the area’s endemic flora—plants you can’t just pick up and plant anywhere else. It turns “cool rocks” into “I understand what I’m looking at.”

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes nature facts without sounding like a textbook, this tour works. People consistently highlight how guides point out details during the walk and between descents. One guide named Alexis is often praised for mixing safety instruction with nature stories, and even for keeping the mood light when someone is a little scared at the start.

You might even get small fun rope techniques along the way—some guests mention trying a spiderman-style pose. Think of it as confidence-building and silliness in equal parts.

Wildfire Recovery Walking: What the 2023 Fire Adds to the Day

Because the gorge area saw significant damage in summer 2023, you’ll cross some affected areas during the approach. This does two things for your experience.

First, it makes the day feel real. You’re not in a fantasy movie canyon that never changed. Second, it gives you context for why parts of the terrain look the way they do, and it makes the regeneration you see feel earned.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about observation. And it’s a reminder that Tenerife is active—geology, climate, and wildfires all shape what you see.

Timing and Pacing: A Full 6 Hours That Doesn’t Drag

The total duration is 6 hours, and the timing is built around steady flow.

You’ll have:

• a short transition by car after meeting,
• a 45-minute approach hike,
• gear fitting and a training workshop,
• multiple rappels during the main canyon section,
• then about 35 minutes walking back after the final abseil.

The pacing works because the canyon itself keeps you busy. Even when there’s waiting time for groups to descend, it’s usually filled with views, photos, and spotting details with your guide. In other words, it doesn’t feel like endless standing around.

Small group size helps here too. With up to 9 people, you’re less likely to get stuck behind a long line. That’s real value when you want adrenaline without losing momentum.

Price and Value: Is $82 Worth It for a 6-Hour Guided Rappel Day?

At $82 per person, you’re paying for far more than a basic activity ticket. The tour includes:

• a certified canyoning guide,
• accident insurance,
• access permits to the natural area,
• and all necessary canyoning equipment.

That’s the key value piece. Canyoning gear isn’t something you want to bring half-right. You also don’t want to improvise safety. Having equipment provided and insurance included changes the whole feel of the day.

It’s also structured for beginners, which can be a big deal if you don’t already know how harnesses and ropes work. You’re not just buying thrills—you’re buying instruction and risk management.

One thing to watch: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. So build your plan around getting yourself to the meeting area and getting back after.

What to Pack: The Cold, the Footwear, and the Little Comfort Wins

Bring warm clothing. Even when it’s nice outside, canyon conditions can feel cooler once you’re in and near shaded sections. People also advise packing an extra warm layer if you run cold.

You’ll want:

• hiking shoes (proper traction),
• long pants,
• a jacket,
• water,
• food and drinks,
• a daypack,
• hair tie if needed,
• and a charged smartphone (for photos after you’re safely out of the gear zone).

If you don’t have solid hiking boots, expect you might need to rent footwear on the day. Plan ahead if you want to avoid last-minute scrambling.

One practical tip: pack a garbage bag in case you’re dealing with wet gear or want to keep your things organized.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is best for people who want adventure but still want clear coaching.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• are comfortable with being active for hours,
• want to learn a new outdoor skill,
• can handle heights without panicking too hard.

It’s not suitable for:

• children under 16,
• pregnant women,
• wheelchair users,
• people over 60,
• people under 120 cm tall,
• visually impaired people,
• and people over 127 kg.

If you’re in that range, don’t try to “push through.” The safety setup is designed around who can handle the physical and situational demands of rope work plus uneven walking.

The Logistics You’ll Care About Most: Meeting Point, Language, Group Size

You’ll meet at the car park next to the cafeteria Los Andes, which also has toilets and is near a Titzi bus stop. From there, the guide handles the short drive to the access point.

The tour runs with a live guide in English or Spanish, and the group is small—limited to 9 participants.

Those details matter because they affect comfort and confidence. Small group + bilingual guidance = fewer gaps in understanding, especially during safety instruction.

Final Call: Should You Book This Los Arcos Canyoning Day?

Book it if you want:

• a true beginner-friendly first canyoning experience,
• guided rappels up to ~20 meters,
• and a day that mixes action with geology and endemic plant spotting.

Skip it if:

• you’re not up for the walking time and rope-work demands,
• you fit the activity’s unsuitability categories,
• or you don’t have the right clothing and footwear and you’re not willing to adapt.

If you’re excited by the idea of going down inside Tenerife’s volcanic shapes—while someone like Alexis shows you what you’re seeing and keeps the safety tone steady—this is one of those days that sticks.

FAQ

How long is the Los Arcos canyoning tour?

The experience lasts 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the car park next to the cafeteria Los Andes.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. It’s described as suitable for beginners, with a short training workshop before you start descending by rope.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a certified canyoning guide, accident insurance, access permits to the natural area, and all necessary canyoning equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are offered?

The live tour guide speaks English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, long pants, hiking shoes, water, food and drinks, a jacket, a daypack, and a hair tie. A charged smartphone and a garbage bag are also listed.

Who is this activity not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people over 60, people under 120 cm tall, visually impaired people, and people over 127 kg.