Vertical canyon walls pull you in fast. Canyoning Los Arcos de Chimoche in La Orotava mixes big adrenaline moments with safety you can feel from the start.

I also love the pacing for a first-timer: a small group of up to 7 keeps things moving, and the equipment you get is included and in good shape. The guided format is the difference between fun and chaos, and that shows on the water-sculpted rock.

One key consideration: this isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with back problems, anyone dealing with altitude sickness, or for those over 243 lbs / 110 kg.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Safety briefing first: you get 20 minutes of instruction before the descent starts.
• A real hike, not just “repel and leave”: there’s hiking before and after, totaling about 65 minutes.
• 4.5 hours of guided canyon time: most of your day is spent inside the Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche.
• Big vertical walls and caves: this canyon’s erosion-made shapes are part of the main show.
• Small-group energy: max 7 participants helps the guide stay hands-on.

Los Arcos in La Orotava: why this canyon feels so impressive

This canyon is the kind that makes you talk less and stare more. The route is in Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche, where the canyon walls are large and vertical, and the rock forms look carved by wind and water over a long time. You’ll move through sections that include walls, caves, and narrow channels, plus walking between interesting natural rock shapes.

What makes it special is that the scenery isn’t stuck at the edges. You’re inside the shapes. You’re under them, beside them, and moving through them at a pace set by the guide and the canyon conditions. That’s when the whole experience starts to feel like a living world rather than a checklist activity.

And yes, you’ll get repelling/down-climbing moments, the kind that get your heart going. But the real payoff is the combination: adrenaline plus a strong sense of being somewhere wild.

Getting to the start: Mirador Vista a La Palma and the drive up

Your day starts at Mirador Vista a La Palma, a viewpoint with a large parking area. The directions are simple: you head up the Orotava provincial road toward Teide, and the viewpoint is on the right.

Once you meet there, you continue by vehicle to where the canyon route begins. This matters more than you might think. It reduces wasted time in transit and lets you show up to the canyon already set for hiking, then the descent.

If you’re trying to fit this into a Tenerife itinerary, treat this as a half-day adventure with a defined endpoint back at the meeting point. Plan around it and you’ll be happier.

Safety briefing and the hike to the head of the ravine

Before anyone is sliding or rappelling, you’ll get a safety briefing (about 20 minutes). This is where the guide sets expectations: how movement works in the canyon, what to do when you’re facing different sections, and how to stay coordinated as a group.

Then it’s hike time. You’ll walk for about 35 minutes toward the head of the ravine where the descent begins. This stretch is useful because it gets your body warmed up, and it also helps you mentally transition from normal walking to canyon movement.

Practical tip: the shoes you bring matter. You’re told to wear sports shoes, and that’s your clue to avoid anything that’s too slick, too thin, or too new/unbroken. Sportswear is the other requirement, because you’ll want comfort for movement and contact with the rock.

The 4.5-hour guided canyon run: rappels, caves, and moving with the flow

The heart of the experience is the guided tour inside the Barranco. It lasts about 4.5 hours, and during that time you’ll go down different walls, pass through caves, and move between whimsical rock forms shaped by erosion.

This is where the guide’s role becomes obvious. On a canyon route, it’s not only about what you want to do—it’s about what the canyon allows and what keeps you safe. In particular, repelling is not a solo sport here. You follow instruction, and you move in a way that’s controlled and paced.

What I like about the way this is set up is that you’re guided for confidence, not just for speed. In real terms, you don’t need to be a gym athlete to enjoy it. The experience leans more toward technique and flow than brute strength. One person’s first canyoning experience can feel surprisingly smooth when the guide keeps things clear and encourages you at the right moments.

There’s also a strong “nature first” feel. Between the more adrenaline-heavy moments, you get time to look around: rock textures, cave shadows, and the way water and wind have shaped the canyon’s details over time. It’s not just a thrill ride—it’s a moving tour of a carved system.

If your guide is English or Spanish speaking, you’ll get instruction in that language (this tour lists English and Spanish). One review specifically mentioned a guide named Bentoray, noted for a great mix of encouragement, humor, and professionalism—exactly the kind of vibe that helps first-timers relax instead of overthinking.

The walk-out: how the last hike finishes the day

After the main canyon time, you’re not done yet. There’s another 30-minute hiking segment to arrive back at the endpoint.

This part is often when people realize canyoning is both physical and mental. You’re still moving, but now you’re also processing the whole day. It’s a good moment to slow down, catch your breath, and feel the contrast: adrenaline behind you, but the canyon experience still fresh.

You’ll return to Mirador Vista a La Palma, the same meeting point where you started. That makes the day easy to plan around—no mystery pickup spots, no long searches.

Also, you get a small bottle of water included. It’s helpful, but I’d still consider bringing your own extra water and maybe a light plan for when you’re finished, since food isn’t included.

Price and value: does $73 make sense for this 6-hour canyon day?

At $73 per person, this can feel like a steal or feel like a lot—depending on what’s included.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• Approved canyoning materials (so you don’t have to hunt down gear)
• An accredited tour guide
• Liability and accident insurance
• A small bottle of water
• A small group format (limited to 7 participants)

Then there’s what you’re not paying for:

• Food
• Transportation

The value is strongest if you want the full guided experience without sourcing equipment or worrying about safety coverage. You also get a full chunk of time—about 6 hours total—with 4.5 hours of guided canyon activity. That’s real time in the environment, not just a quick taste.

If you’re traveling with limited time on Tenerife, a single half-day adventure that covers both instruction and a guided canyon route is usually the best use of your schedule. Just remember you’ll want to eat after.

Who should book this canyoning tour, and who should skip it

This activity has clear boundaries, and I appreciate that. Canyoning isn’t just about willingness—it’s about safety and physical fit for the environment.

It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 12
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with altitude sickness
• People over 243 lbs / 110 kg

If any of those apply, you should look for a different kind of Tenerife adventure. The point isn’t to be tough—it’s to keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone in the group.

Who it suits best:

• Adults who want adventure and adrenaline with professional guidance
• First-timers who want instruction and reassurance
• Travelers who like getting outside and moving, not just sightseeing from a viewpoint

One more clue: you can choose between English or Spanish instruction. That makes it easier for non-Spanish speakers to feel confident during the safety briefing and within the canyon.

Packing and timing tips that actually help

You only need a couple of things to be ready, and the tour is clear about them:

• Bring sports shoes
• Bring sportswear

That said, there are a few smart add-ons you might consider (without overcomplicating it). Since food isn’t included, plan a meal before or after, depending on the start time you choose. Duration is listed as 6 hours, and starting times vary based on availability, so check before you lock in dinner plans.

Also, this tour asks that you don’t bring smoking or alcohol/drugs into the experience. It’s basic common sense for an activity near water and rock.

Lastly, communication matters. The operator notes that you’ll connect via WhatsApp previously to check availability. Do that promptly so you aren’t guessing about scheduling.

Should you book Canyoning Los Arcos de Chimoche?

Book this if you want a canyon day that’s built around safety, guidance, and real time in the canyon. The small group size (max 7) and the presence of an accredited guide make it a strong option for first-timers, especially if you like the idea of going down vertical walls, passing through caves, and seeing the canyon’s eroded rock forms up close.

Skip it if you’re outside the stated limits (especially weight and health conditions), or if you’re looking for something more relaxed and low-movement.

If you do book, I’d recommend going in with the mindset of learning and following instructions. When the guide sets the pace and the group stays coordinated, this kind of canyoning can feel less like a battle and more like a guided walk through a dramatic natural machine.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this canyoning trip?

You meet at Mirador Vista a La Palma, a viewpoint on the right when you go up the Orotava provincial road toward Teide. It has a large parking area. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is listed as 6 hours. Starting times can vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the exact schedule.

What language are the instructors?

The tour lists English and Spanish for the instructor.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included.

What’s included in the price?

Included: approved canyoning materials, an accredited tour guide, liability and accident insurance, and a small bottle of water.

Do I need to bring any gear?

Yes. You should bring sports shoes and sportswear.

What is the group size?

It’s a small group limited to 7 participants. The activity also requires a minimum of 4 clients to run.

Is this suitable for children?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 12.

What are the main restrictions?

Not allowed: smoking, alcohol, and drugs. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with altitude sickness, and people over 243 lbs / 110 kg.

What if my plans change last-minute?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The option to reserve now & pay later is also listed.

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