GRAN CANARIA - ISLAND OF CONTRASTS

Often referred to as a continent in miniature the Canary Island of Gran Canaria offers a unique

walking experience, from the rugged coastline broken up with sandy beaches and whitewashed

villages, to lush forests, tropical plantations and arid volcanic mountain ranges.

Your journey starts in the whitewashed fishing village of Agaete on the Northwest Coast of the island. On

arrival take some time to explore the winding narrow streets, and sample the local goats cheese or fresh

seafood paella. From here you will follow walking routes which take in the lush vegetation of the Agaete

Valley, where bananas, mangoes, papayas and citrus trees grow in abundance. Walk the ancient Camino

Reales along mountain ridges and deep ravines offering panoramic views of the valleys below.

Your base for the next few days is the village of Tejeda in the centre of the island, set in the protected

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. On a clear day you will enjoy views across the mountains and out to Tenerife

in the distance. Visit the village market and try some traditional sweets and marzipan made with locally grown

almonds and honey. During your daily walks you will experience some of the islands most famous sights

including the volcanic landscape of Roque Nublo and Gran Canaria’s highest peak Pico de las Nieves.

Your tour comes to an end in the tiny rural village of La Lechuza. From here you have the choice of another

challenging yet rewarding day of walking, or a day trip to the capital city of Las Palmas. Soak up the

atmosphere is this bustling city while enjoying some tapas in one of the café filled side streets.

Your trip includes seven nights hand-picked accommodation in high quality small authentic hotels. We also

include door to door baggage transfers, comprehensive route notes, a detailed map and pre-departure

information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it. So all you have to do is relax and enjoy

your walking adventure!

• The volcanic landscape of the 80 metre tall monolith of El Roque Nublo.

• Explore the charming whitewashed Mediterranean villages brimming with bougainvillea.

• The Caminos Reales - an extensive network of paths and classic routes.

• Lush tropical valleys, rolling sand dunes and dense woodlands.

• Gran Canaria’s white sandy beaches and rugged coastline.

WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US?

Macs Adventure specialise in great value self guided walking holidays. As passionate and regular walkers we

know what makes for an unforgettable trip and we deliver outstanding holidays with every last detail taken

care of. Great walking routes, breathtaking scenery and warm, welcoming accommodation are guaranteed.

From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a specialist who knows Gran Canaria inside

out. They will help you plan every aspect of your holiday and to make the most of your time on Gran Canaria

with their in-depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions.

What’s Included? Accommodation: 7 Nights between 3 hotels Meals: 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Lunch and other dinners are not included but are always available at your accommodation or nearby. Baggage Transfer: Included Transfers: Airport transfers included Information Pack: Detailed route notes, maps and emergency support.

Tour: Walking in Gran Canaria Code: WSPSGC Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday Price: See Website Single Supplement: See Website Dates: All Year Days: 8 Days (6 days walking) Nights: 7 Nights Start/Finish: Gran Canaria Airport Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Closest Airport: Palermo Airport

HIGHLIGHTS Is It For Me? This trip is best suited to keen walkers and is graded moderate to strenuous. The walks are of 4.5 to 7.5 hrs a day, some long as-cents and descents (max of 1300m in as-cent, 715m in descent). Some options for easier alternate routes.

GRAN CANARIA:

ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA

Day Route Km

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Arrive Gran Canaria/Transfer to Agaete Walk the Camino Real via Mirador de la Paloma Walk to Tejeda Walk around Roque Nublo Walk from Tejeda, via Altavista Walk to to La Lechuza Walking route OR visit Las Palmas Onward travel

0

10.5

11/16 12/20

9.5/14

12.5/19 15.5/14

Code: WSPSGC Days: 8 (6 Days Walking) Nights: 7 Overnights: 2 Agaete, 3 Tejeda, 2 La Lechuza

DAY 1

Arrive Gran Canaria/Overnight Agaete

Arrive at Gran Canaria Las Palmas Airport where

a driver will be waiting to take you to your

accommodation just outside Agaete (1 hour).

Take some time to explore the charming fishing

village of Agaete or relax by the swimming pool

for the afternoon.

Dinner & Overnight: Finca Las Longueras,

Agaete

Your accommodation for the next two nights is a

colonial mansion, located in a tranquil valley

outside Agaete. With a backdrop of craggy

mountains, a pool surrounded in palm trees. and

a tropical garden filled with oranges, lemons,

papayas and avocadoes this is a great base for

you to explore from.

DAY 2

Walking on the Camino Real

Enjoy a breakfast of freshly squeezed juice and

warm homemade bread on the terrace before

starting your first walk. Leaving the hotel you will

walk up a path along a ravine to the village of

San Pedro. From here you will start your ascent

along the Camino Real to Montana Bibique

(645m), a rugged outcropping at the top of the

steep cliffs, with views over the lush Agaete

Valley.

Walk further on to the Mirador Vuelta de la

Paloma (850m) which looks out over several

valleys. The descent from Puerto de las Nieves

follows a narrow gravel path along the ridge and

is not for the faint hearted. Once at the bottom

take a bus or taxi back to Agaete. If you are

afraid of heights you are best to retrace your

steps from the Mirador back to the hotel instead

of following this path.

Walk: 10.5km , 4.5 hrs, 525m ascent, 650m

descent

Overnight: Finca Las Longueras, Agaete

DAY 3

Walk to Tejeda

Today you will enjoy views of the impressive

summit of la Cumbre on your way to your next

hotel situated in the mountain village of Tejeda,

where you’ll spend the next three nights.

After a short taxi transfer (10 min), you will start a

challenging walk today taking on two steep

ascents to reach an elevation of 1715m.

Following the ancient Camino Real to the village

of Fagajesto, you will then walk a tarmac section

along a high ridge surrounded by pastures. Stop

for a rest before beginning your second steep

ascent of the day, following paths through pine

forests near Galdar. After descending to the

crossroads at Cruz de Tejeda stop for a cool

refreshment before descending down the ridge to

Tejeda. En route you will pass the south side of

an extinct volcanic crater, with views to the sea.

Walk: 11/16km, 7.5hrs, 1300/700m ascent,

700m descent

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel Fonda de la Tea,

Tejeda

This rustic 19th century guesthouse is warm and

comfortable and provides a great base for the

next few days. Relax with a book in the courtyard

or enjoy the spectacular views over the Gran

Canaria Biosphere Reserve while soaking up the

sun on the rooftop terrace.

DAY 4

Walk around Roque Nublo

Today you will traverse the steep volcanic terrain

around the famous landmark of Roque Nublo.

This may not be the highest peak on Gran

Canaria but it is the most identifiable, as it is

visible from almost anywhere on the island.

Follow steep paths zigzagging up toward Roque

Nublo. As you get higher, gaze hundreds of

meters down steeply eroded ravines. On the

descent follow a different route through a

peaceful pine forest before catching a bus back

to Tejeda.

Walk: 12/20km, 5.5-7.5hrs, 800m ascent,

400/800m descent

Overnight: Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda

DAY 5

Walk from Tejeda via Altavista

Today you will do one of the loveliest walks of

the trip over the Altavista ridge, at the edge of

Tamadaba Natural Park on a huge extinct crater

(caldera).

After taking a transfer to the start of the walk in

the morning, you will walk all day with the clouds

below you and enjoy sweeping views all the way

to Tenerife. This afternoon you will be transferred

from Artenara back to Tejeda, where you will

have time to visit the spice garden and sample

different spices. Enjoy the sunset from the hotel’s

roof top terrace this evening, with the silhouette

of Bentayga Peak in the background.

Walk: 9.5/14km, 3-4.5hrs, 300/500m ascent,

300/450m descent

ITINERARY

GRAN CANARIA:

ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA

Overnight: Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda

DAY 6

Walk to La Lechuza

After a short transfer to La Culata you begin a

walking route which takes you up over La

Cumbre toward the green north of the island.

Ascending up to Roque Nublo, you will follow the

ridge enjoying views to Gran Canaria’s highest

peak, Pico de las Nieves (1951m). Descend

along footpaths, rural tracks and tarmac to your

accommodation where you can cool off with a

refreshing dip in the pool.

Walk: 12.5/19km, 5-7.5hrs, 500/785m ascent,

325/410m descent

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel Rural Las Calas, La

Lechuza

Your accommodation for the next two nights is a

century old manor house, in a fertile valley set

amongst an orchard filled with fruit, almond and

palm trees. Make use of the swimming pool in

this small rustic hotel.

DAY 7

Walking route or visit to Las Palmas

Today you have the choice of another day of

walking or a day trip to Las Palmas. The walking

route offers stunning views alongside gullies and

valleys brimming with a huge variety of tropical

vegetation.

If you decide to visit Las Palmas today, you start

off with a walk to San Mateo where you will catch

a bus to Las Palmas. Explore the historic town

centre taking in the Castillan-style colonial

architecture, the Santa Ana Cathedral. Soak up

the atmosphere before returning to the hotel for

your final night.

Walk (Optional): 15.5/14km, 5-6.5 hrs,

400/715m ascent, 615/715m descent

Overnight: Hotel Rural Las Calas, La Lechuza

DAY 8

Departure Gran Canaria / Onward travel

After breakfast this morning you will be

transferred back to the airport for your onward

travel.

Additional Nights and Extensions

You can add additional nights at any point during

the trip or before or after the holiday.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our

standard itineraries to suit your holiday plans.

Just let us know what you would like and we will

be happy to arrange tailor made walking holiday.

Grade & Fitness

This walking tour is graded Moderate to

Strenuous. Walks of 4.5 to 7.5 hrs a day, some

long ascents and descents (max of 1300m in

ascent, 715m in descent).

The walks follow rural tracks, both surfaced and

un-surfaced, footpaths and animal trails. You

may encounter some loose rock, or muddy /

slippery sections in wet weather. Ascents and

descents can be steep and footpaths rough.

The higher areas may experience occasional

snow during early spring and weather conditions

up high may be totally different from those

experienced in the valleys, so always take extra

warm clothing with you. From June till September

you should protect yourself against sun and heat.

You should be a regular walker and have a good

level of walking fitness to get the most from this

holiday.

Navigation

The routes on this trip are generally way marked

but you will need to follow the route notes and

maps supplied.

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation to

ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay

in Gran Canaria. During this trip your stay in

Gran Canaria you will stay at three charming

village hotels. Each has its own character and

history.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a

different accommodation which is not listed in the

description, and the start or end of some of your

walking routes may be slightly altered. Any

alternative accommodation will be of the same or

better standard as those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we

would be happy to accommodate you although

there is a single room supplement payable.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning. Three

dinners are included, but lunch and other dinners

are not included. Most hotels are happy to

provide a packed lunch, this should be requested

on arrival, or you can pick up lunch from a local

deli or along the trail. Dinner is available either

at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes

and restaurants.

Getting Around

Transfers are included on days 3,5 and 6,

according to the programme.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, appropriate clothes and a day pack.

Weather

Gran Canaria has the perfect climate for all year walking. Average maximums range from mid teens in the winter to mid twenties in the summer. For more details view climate guide.

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

GRAN CANARIA:

ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA

Getting to/from Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Las Palmas airport is served by

numerous low cost and charter flights from

throughout the UK. These include Easyjet,

Ryanair, Thomson, and Air Europa. Flying time is

just over 4 hours.

Other airlines fly from throughout Europe and

connect from further afield.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have

comprehensive travel insurance to cover illness,

injury, cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.

Price

Please refer to our website for up to date prices

www.macsadventure.com

Availability

You can start your holiday on any date during the

year, subject to availability. Gran Canaria is the

ideal winter walking destination.

Included

• 7 Nights hotel accommodation

• 7 Breakfasts

• 3 Dinners

• Route notes and maps

• Full information pack on local history, culture & traditions as well as advice on restaurants, bars and local attractions

• 24 hour emergency telephone support and assistance

• Return airport transfers

• Luggage transfers between accommodation on days 3 and 6

• Transfers for days 3, 5, and 6 according to the programme

Excluded

• Lunches, dinners not specified, snacks and drinks.

• Travel Insurance.

• Any transfers not specified

• Flights

• Personal expenses such as phone calls, drinks, extra transport etc

Optional Extras

• Extra nights during, before or after the tour

• Single room supplement

Once you have read all the information in this

factsheet or our website, you can then book

online at www.macsadventure.com or by phone

on +44 (0) 141 530 8886 or USA Toll Free +1-

866-355-1037

Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone on

+44 (0) 141 530 8886 or email:

info@macsadventure.com if you have any

queries and one of our expert team will be happy

to help.

Financial Security

In accordance with "The Package Travel,

Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations1992" all passengers booking with

Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the

initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all

monies paid to us, including repatriation if

required (this insurance will not cover repatriation

to the country of origin for the passengers

outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or

curtailment of your travel arrangements due to

the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd

Book with Confidence. We are a member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide full financial protection for your money.

ABTA Member Statement

Macs Adventure Holidays is a Member of ABTA.

ABTA and ABTA. Members help holidaymakers

to get the most from their travel and assist when

things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged

to maintain a high standard of service to you by

ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information

on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the

arbitration scheme available to you if you have a

complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London

SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com

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GRAN CANARIA:

ISLAND OF CONTRASTS WALKING IN GRAN CANARIA