Barranco del Infierno: 2025 Guide to this Stunning Hike

Q: Are there stairs on the Barranco del Infierno hike?

Yes , there are indeed man-made stairs incorporated into the path of the Barranco del Infierno hike, as depicted in the image provided. They are strategically placed to assist hikers in navigating the terrain.

Q: Is the Barranco del Infierno hike suitable for everyone?

The Barranco del Infierno hike is a medium-difficulty trek with a 1500-foot elevation increase, requiring a fair level of physical fitness. It's not suitable for everyone; notably, children under 5 years are not allowed on the trail.

Q: Is Barranco del Infierno hard?

Barranco del Infierno presents a moderate challenge : it's a bit tough due to the elevation gain but generally not too difficult. Taking breaks, as we did for photos, helps manage the effort needed for the ascent.

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Are you deciding whether to go to Barranco del Infierno while in Tenerife?

Barranco del Infierno is an often less talked about but a must-visit gem for adventurers while in Tenerife!

During our month-long exploration of the Canary Islands, we made it our mission to uncover Tenerife’s best-kept secrets, including this breathtaking trek.

Our guide is packed with everything you need to know about visiting Barranco del Infierno, including how long the hike is, what you’ll see, how to get there, parking tips, and ticket costs.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just love soaking up beautiful views, we’ve got all the information for you.

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to Barranco del Infierno, answering all your questions and getting you trail-ready!

A wide view of the Barranco del Infierno canyon with lush greenery, a winding trail visible on the left, and the majestic walls of the ravine under a vibrant sky.

What is Barranco del Infierno Tenerife

Barranco del Infierno, located in Tenerife, Canary Islands, is a stunning natural reserve known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history.

This canyon, translating to “Hell’s Gorge” in English, isn’t as intimidating as its name suggests.

The highlight of the reserve is its magnificent waterfall, a rare sight in Tenerife due to the island’s generally dry climate. This waterfall, which flows more vigorously during the wetter months, creates a lush oasis that contrasts sharply with the surrounding arid landscapes.

Historically, Barranco del Infierno was significant to the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands who lived in the caves of the gorge.

A captivating view within the Barranco del Infierno canyon, showcasing steep, layered rock formations covered in rich green vegetation under a sunny sky.

The area contains important archaeological sites, offering insights into the Guanche way of life before Spanish colonization in the 15th century.

The trails and paths within the gorge have been trodden for centuries, serving various purposes from herding to ritual practices.

Today, the canyon serves as a vivid reminder of Tenerife’s natural beauty and complex history, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to connect with the island’s past and present.

Barranco del Infierno Difficulty

Hiking Barranco del Infierno offers a mix of challenge and beauty, with a 1500-foot elevation gain from the entrance of the reserva natural especial (nature reserve) to the waterfall.

We found it tough but not overly difficult. The climb tests your stamina, yet it’s achievable for those with a decent level of fitness.

The steepest part of the hike is the beginning, with a nice reprieve in the middle when you get closer to the waterfall. Since this is an out-and-back, the hike back from the waterfall is mostly downhill.

What made our journey easier were the frequent stops to snap photos of the stunning views, which also gave us the perfect excuse to catch our breath. This approach turned what could have been a grueling hike into an enjoyable adventure

A sunny view from the beginning of the Barranco del Infierno trail, looking down into a deep gorge with hikers descending on a path and the sun casting a bright light from above.

Barranco del Infierno Trail Distance

The Barranco del Infierno trail spans a total of 3.9 miles (6.3 km) as an out-and-back path.

On our adventure, we clocked exactly 2.0 miles to the waterfall using the GPS on our watch.

It’s important to note that sticking to the trail is mandatory; leaving the path or climbing is not allowed. This rule helps protect the natural environment and ensures the safety of all hikers.

How to Get to Barranco del Infierno

Getting to Barranco del Infierno, located in the town of Adeje, is straightforward, whether you’re driving or taking a bus.

Several bus lines serve Adeje from different parts of Tenerife, including the popular routes from major tourist areas and the capital.

But we highly recommend renting a car to get around Tenerife to all the amazing things to see and do.

Once in Adeje, be prepared for a large hill leading up to the entrance of Barranco del Infierno. Interestingly, we found this hill to be more challenging than any part of the hike itself!

A steep street leading to the hill of Barranco del Infierno, featuring parked cars, a pedestrian, and a striking red building under a clear blue sky.

There’s no parking available at the top, but a handy tip is to drop people off at the entrance before heading back down to find a parking spot.

Parking for Barranco del Infierno

There is a parking deck at the bottom of the hill that charges by the hour. It was not too bad of a price and had plenty of spots.

A multi-story parking garage entrance with clear skies above, located next to a modern building with a green façade. A blue parking sign and a red "Alarm Zerovision" sign are visible.

There is a parking lot a little further down the street on a gravel lot. It is free but is often full and hard to find a spot.

Barranco del Infierno Tickets

In order to hike Barranco del Infierno, you must purchase a ticket. The ticket includes the rental of the helmet you are required to wear during the hike.

We recommend buying your tickets ahead of time since the natural reserve limits its visitors to 300 per day, 20 people every half hour. This helps preserve the beauty and integrity of the environment.

The entrance fee is 11 euros for adults (12 years and older) and 5.5 euros for children aged 5 to 12. Tickets can be purchased on their official website.

It’s important to note that children younger than 5 are not permitted to enter, and all children under 16 must have an adult with them.

You can rent a pair of trekking poles or hiking shoes for an additional 4 euros (closed-toed shoes are required). There’s also the option to rent a hair net for the helmet, required for safety, at just 0.5 euros.

When you purchase your tickets, you’ll be assigned a time slot for your visit. This system ensures that the trail remains uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Barranco del Infierno comfortably and safely.

Don’t be late for your time slot! Since they can only have so many people in the canyon at a time, you may not get to go at all if you’re late. We recommend giving yourself a 30-45 minute cushion to find parking, make it up the hill, and check in.

If you would like to hike the natural reserve with an expert guide, you can also book a Guided Hike.

What to Expect on the Barranco del Infierno Hike

On the Barranco del Infierno hike, there’s a lot to take in as you hike the ravine, ending with the hike’s main attraction: the waterfall. This impressive natural feature is about 200 feet tall.

A view inside the Barranco del Infierno, focusing on the verdant canyon walls and a delicate waterfall cascading down a rock face, surrounded by nature's serenity.

However, to manage the impact on the area, visitors are allowed to stay at the waterfall for just 15 minutes.

For our safety, wearing a helmet was mandatory throughout the hike due to the risk of falling rocks. There was also a quick safety briefing before we started, which we found very helpful for understanding the trail’s do’s and don’ts.

Hikers at a kiosk collecting helmets before entering Barranco del Infierno, with safety signs, a clear sky above, and brochures available on the counter.

As we moved along the trail, the sounds of nature surrounded us. At first, these noises were a mystery, but soon we realized they were coming from frogs in the ponds scattered along the path. We thought it was really cool and made a game out of spotting them!

Birdwatching enthusiasts would be thrilled here; we spotted grey wagtails and robins.

The plant life is notable too, with Canary Dragon Trees scattered along the path. These trees are symbolic of Tenerife and quite a sight. We also saw chestnut trees, which are pretty common in this area.

Barranco del Infierno Map

At the entrance of Barranco del Infierno, they hand you a helpful map to guide your hike.

This map not only marks the trail but also highlights key viewpoints like the Adeje Viewpoint, The Witches’ Dancefloor, and The Great Viewpoint. It’s a useful companion for the trek, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the spectacular views on offer.

A map brochure of Barranco del Infierno with hiking trail points in Spanish, German, and English, an orange route highlighted, and an image of a traditional Canarian meal promoting a local restaurant.

It details twelve notable stops, making sure you experience all the notable sights along the hike. There were corresponding signs on the trail, though some were whitewashed from the sun.

How Long Does Barranco del Infierno Hike Take?

The Barranco del Infierno hike is marked at the start with a sign indicating it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the waterfall.

A rustic, wooden signpost reading Barranco del Infierno, with an arrow pointing right and the text "La Cascada 1.30 Horas." Below, it says "Respetemos la Naturaleza" with symbols telling no food, glass, or fires

For us, it took exactly 70 minutes to get there, and that included pauses for taking photos.

The return trip was quicker, at just 45 minutes, as it’s all downhill and we took fewer photo breaks.

The hike’s duration can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop, but this gives you a good benchmark for planning your visit.

Is Barranco del Infierno Worth It?

Absolutely, Barranco del Infierno is worth the visit! For us, it was the perfect combination of natural beauty and physical activity.

The trail offers more than just a workout; it’s a chance to see a unique part of Tenerife. The sights, from the rugged canyon walls to the sight and sound of the waterfall, are a rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates nature.

Plus, getting some exercise while exploring this picturesque landscape felt like a bonus.

A trail in Barranco del Infierno adorned with wild white flowers, succulent plants, and dense shrubbery under a bright blue sky.

So, if you’re debating whether to add it to your Tenerife itinerary, we’d say go for it!

🪂 If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still experience the breathtaking views of Barranco del Infierno from above by opting for a thrilling paragliding adventure.

Where to Eat by Barranco del Infierno

Otelo Restaurant is conveniently located just 50 feet from the entrance of Barranco del Infierno, making it the nearest dining spot to the trailhead.

With a great view overlooking the ravine, Otelo specializes in fried chicken, offering a tasty reward after a hike in the gorge.

The facade of Otelo Restaurant, with its sign displayed prominently, the restaurant overlooking a stunning coastal view, and a steep street leading down towards the ocean.

Our other two favorite spots to eat in Adeje are Bonet’s Grill Adeje, where the hamburgers are a hit, and Pizzeria Regina Margherita, which serves up some delightful pizza.

FAQs for Tenerife Barranco del Infierno

Are there stairs on the Barranco del Infierno hike?

Yes, there are indeed man-made stairs incorporated into the path of the Barranco del Infierno hike, as depicted in the image provided. They are strategically placed to assist hikers in navigating the terrain.

The start of a descending trail at Barranco del Infierno with a stone pathway and stairs bordered by diverse flora under a bright, cloud-speckled sky.

Is the Barranco del Infierno hike suitable for everyone?

The Barranco del Infierno hike is a medium-difficulty trek with a 1500-foot elevation increase, requiring a fair level of physical fitness. It’s not suitable for everyone; notably, children under 5 years are not allowed on the trail.

Is Barranco del Infierno hard?

Barranco del Infierno presents a moderate challenge: it’s a bit tough due to the elevation gain but generally not too difficult. Taking breaks, as we did for photos, helps manage the effort needed for the ascent.

In Conclusion: Barranco del Infierno Tenerife

We hope the insights from our trip and hike in Barranco del Infierno equip you for your own adventure.

May our tips and experiences smooth your path and enhance your enjoyment of this special place.

Have an amazing time exploring the rugged beauty of Tenerife and the enchanting Canary Islands! Safe travels and happy trails to you!

We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”

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Read More About the Canary Islands

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Canary Islands Travel Planning Guide

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in the Canary Islands?

Yes! Renting a car is a necessity in the Canary Islands if traveling between cities! If you want to go on day trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you can use public transportation, but we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals in the Canary Islands.

📲 Will my phone work in the Canary Islands?

Maybe, but it will be expensive! Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe. To use your phone in the Canary Islands and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel. There is not a lot of free WIFI in the Canary Islands, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.

🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in the Canary Islands?

While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime. NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my the Canary Islands?

Our go-to for Canary Islands hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to the Canary Islands?

For finding cheap flights to the Canary Islands, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive. Vueling and Iberia are usually our airlines of choice to get to the Canary Islands. Air Europa and Binter Canarias are the main inter-island airlines.

🚐 Should I book tours in the Canary Islands? Do the guides speak English?

We LOVE taking tours in the Canary Islands. We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English. For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.

🚑 Should I buy Canary Islands travel insurance?

100% YES! Spain has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all Spanish citizens and legal residents in the Canary Islands! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!

💧Can you drink the water in the Canary Islands?

The water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink. In some rural or remote areas, or in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.

🎫 Do I need a visa for the Canary Islands?

Likely Not! US passport holders don’t need Spanish visas for travel less than 3 months. If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will be considered a resident and must have an entrance visa.