Volcanic ash walls and gravity doing their thing. This guided canyoning trip in Tenerife brings you into Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche, where you abseil down walls of volcanic ash while the rock colors and shapes do the talking. I really like how the route is built for beginners, and the views inside the gorge feel like you found a secret pocket of the island.

The second thing I love is the focus on safety and coaching. With small groups (up to 9 people) and careful instruction, the guides, often led by Alexis, help you get comfortable fast, whether you are brand-new or just nervous about heights.

One consideration: you should expect cold stretches and a bit of walking, especially because the canyon area was affected by a major fire in summer 2023, and you’ll cross some burned zones on foot during the approach.

Key highlights at Los Arcos canyoning

• Up to 20 meters of abseils with a mix of rope-down sections
• Beginner-friendly training before you descend for real
• Volcanic ash canyon walls that look and feel different from one rappel to the next
• Small group size (max 9) for more guide attention and smoother timing
• Geology + endemic flora explanations while you move through the canyon
• Post-2023 fire regeneration areas you’ll walk through on the approach

Los Arcos canyoning: what you’re really doing (and why it feels different)

This is not just an adrenaline drop and a goodbye. Your day is built around learning to rappel safely, then using that new skill to reach parts of Tenerife that most people never get to see. You’ll move through Barranco Los Arcos de Chimoche with multiple abseils, and the canyon itself is the star: eroded rock forms like Los Arcos were shaped by water carving through over long periods, and the canyon walls are made from volcanic ash.

That ash matters. It gives the canyon a distinctive look as you descend, with each wall feeling a bit different in texture and character. You’re also not just staring at it from above. You’re at eye level with the gorge, watching the rock change as you go, and you feel the scale in your body when the rope goes taut.

I also like that the experience ties the physical part to the island part. Your local guide doesn’t treat the canyon as scenery. They explain what you’re seeing—geological history, plus endemic plants you pass along the way. That turns the whole outing into a story you can actually follow while you’re wearing a helmet.

Casa Forestal meeting point and the short drive before the hike

Your day starts at Casa Forestal, with the tour lead meeting you near the starting area. From there, you’ll meet your guide and then ride together in individual cars for a quick transfer—about five minutes—to the access point close by.

There is also a clear public landmark for the meeting location: the car park next to the cafeteria Los Andes, with a Titza bus stop and toilets. That’s useful if you’re getting yourself there independently. Even if you’re using local transit, you can orient quickly.

This “meet, short drive, then hike” rhythm is part of the value. It keeps your time efficient and gets you to the canyon approach without turning the day into a long bus-and-walk marathon before you even touch the ropes.

One thing to plan around: the tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off. So unless you’re staying very close to the meeting area, you’ll want to think through your own transport for the start and end.

The 45-minute approach: a nature walk with a real-world post-fire route

Before any rope work, you’ll head down a 45-minute approach route on foot. This is when you get your bearings. The walk isn’t presented as a fitness challenge, but it does get you moving so you can settle into the day, meet your guide properly, and get a feel for the terrain.

In summer 2023, the area around the gorge was damaged by a large fire. Nature is slowly regenerating. You’ll cross some areas affected by the fire during the approach, which adds a meaningful layer to the trip. This is one of those travel moments where you can see recovery happening, not just read about it later.

Along the approach, the guide also points out details you might otherwise miss—endemic flora and other local nature notes. That makes the hike feel purposeful instead of filler time, especially because canyoning days can have a lot of “moving, waiting, moving” time.

Helmet, harness, and the training moment that makes or breaks first-timers

Once you arrive at the entry point, you’ll put on your helmet and harness. Then comes a short training workshop. This part is more than safety theater. The goal is simple: help you learn the rope basics and feel confident enough to descend.

The tour structure is beginner-friendly, and the coaching style matters. The guides are there to support you while you practice the technique in a controlled setting before you start on the actual abseils.

If you’re nervous about heights, this is the piece you should appreciate most. A calm, step-by-step approach helps your brain stop fighting the situation. That’s exactly what the best guides tend to do—make the rope feel like a tool, not a threat.

You’ll also be learning what to expect for each rappel. In a canyoning day, the uncertainty is what drains people. When you know how the rope system works and what each descent will feel like, you can focus on the canyon instead of panicking about what comes next.

Abseiling Los Arcos: up to 20 meters, multiple rappel walls, and volcanic ash vibes

Here’s the fun part: once you reach the first abseil, you’ll start rope descending. The highest wall is about 20 meters, but you likely won’t do it once and call it a day. The course includes several walls—each described as different from the next—and they’re all part of the canyon’s volcanic-ash setting.

In practice, that variety keeps the day interesting. You’re not repeating one identical drill. You’ll experience different rappel lengths and moments of waiting while others descend, and between those moments you’re also watching the gorge around you.

I love how the adrenaline is balanced by structure. You get the thrill of feeling the drop, but you do it on a route managed by a certified guide. The equipment is provided, the route is permitted, and the guide is responsible for safe spacing and timing.

You might also notice little moments of play. Some participants have mentioned trying fun tricks like a Spider-Man-style pose while repelling. That’s not the main point, but it’s a sign the guide keeps the day light while staying serious about safety.

What it’s like underfoot and in your clothing

This tour is outdoors, so you’ll deal with changing surfaces. Some people choose to wear shorts, but the canyon can involve slippery rock sections. I’d plan for long pants to protect your legs and keep you more comfortable when you’re standing around or moving over uneven ground.

Also, canyoning can get cold. One helpful suggestion from the experience: pack an extra extra sweater in your daypack, because even if it starts comfortable, you can end up feeling chilly during pauses and after you’ve been in the cooler canyon air.

Small group size and guides who explain what you’re seeing

This is a small group outing, limited to 9 participants. That matters more than it sounds. With fewer people, the guide can pay closer attention during equipment checks and during the descent process. It also keeps the flow smoother when someone needs extra time getting down comfortably.

Language options are English and Spanish, and the guides can explain the canyon in a way that makes sense even if this is your first time. Names that show up frequently include Alexis, and participants describe him as both safety-focused and genuinely friendly, with humor that helps when you’re trying something new.

The guide’s explanations add a lot to the experience. You’ll learn about the canyon’s geological history, and you’ll also hear about endemic flora during the approach and along the route. Some guides share local legends and history too, but the more practical benefit is that you stop viewing the rocks as random shapes. They become a real story of how water erosion and volcanic materials shaped this part of Tenerife.

There’s also a strong thread about local wildfires and regeneration. Because the canyon area was burned in 2023, the guide often connects what you see now with the island’s recovery process. It makes the day feel grounded in the present, not just an escape.

Duration and pacing: 6 hours that feel like a full day of action

The tour runs about 6 hours. That’s a solid chunk of time. You’re not only rappelling—you’re also hiking in, doing equipment training, descending multiple walls, and then walking back out after the last rappel.

After the final abseil, there’s another short walk back to the meeting point, around 35 minutes. That means you’ll likely finish feeling tired in a normal hiking way, not because the walk is brutal, but because the day stacks tasks: movement, rope work, waiting between descents, and then more walking.

Expect it to be physically tiring, even if it’s not marketed as a heavy workout. You’re using your arms, bracing your legs, and walking on uneven ground. You may also hold a tense posture during higher moments—another reason your body feels it even if you’re not sprinting.

Price and value: what $82 buys you in the real world

At about $82 per person for a 6-hour guided canyoning experience, the value is strongest in the basics they include:

• Certified canyoning guide
• Accident insurance
• Access permits to the natural area
• All necessary canyoning equipment

Those are the expensive hidden parts that independent canyoning rarely covers for regular visitors. You’re also getting a course that’s permitted and planned, with a guide who can manage risk and rope setup. That matters a lot because canyoning is one of those activities where “I thought it would be easy” is a bad strategy.

The only price-related drawback is what’s not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. So your overall cost might rise a bit if you need taxis or rentals to reach the meeting point.

Still, when you compare cost to the time, the guided safety, and the equipment and permits bundled in, it’s easy to see why the rating is so high.

What to pack and wear for Los Arcos canyoning

Bring practical stuff. You’ll want to feel warm, sure-footed, and organized for long hours outside.

Here’s what you should plan for:

• Warm clothing (layers are your friend)
• Long pants
• Hiking shoes or sports shoes with good grip
• Water and snacks if you need them (plus food)
• Jacket
• Daypack
• Hair tie
• Garbage bag (they explicitly ask you not to litter)
• A charged smartphone (just note you’ll be outdoors and moving)

If you show up without proper footwear, there are reports of boot rental for around 10 EUR. I can’t guarantee availability, so I’d treat it as a backup plan, not your plan.

Also take weather seriously. Canyoning depends on conditions. The tour notes that if bad weather or warnings prevent the activity, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Who should go, and who should skip this canyon

This experience is designed for people who can handle ropes and heights safely with instruction. It is not suitable for:

• Children under 16
• Pregnant women
• Wheelchair users
• People over 60
• People under 120 cm (3 ft 9 in)
• Visually impaired people
• People over 127 lbs (280 lbs)

If you’re the average fit adult who can walk for around an hour plus handle rope descent with coaching, you’ll likely do fine. The route is described as not overly demanding physically, but it is still active. Your comfort with heights matters most. If you fear heights, go anyway only if you’re willing to follow instruction closely and take your time during practice.

One small but real note: if you’re wearing shorts, your legs might pick up more irritation from rock contact. Long pants make the day easier.

Should you book Natura Xtreme Tenerife for Los Arcos?

I’d book this tour if you want three things at once: real adventure, a trained guide, and a reason to care about what you’re seeing.

You’ll get that here. You’re abseiling up to 20 meters, learning technique before you drop, and moving through a canyon shaped by erosion and volcanic materials. You also leave with something better than a photo album: a clearer understanding of Tenerife’s geology, plus endemic plants and the island’s post-fire recovery context.

Skip it if you’re on the wrong side of their safety limits, or if you know cold weather and heights will ruin your day. And don’t plan to show up in flimsy footwear.

If you’re flexible, have decent mobility, and can follow safety instructions, this is one of the more rewarding ways to experience Tenerife’s rugged side without needing advanced skills.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Los Arcos canyoning tour?

You meet at the car park next to the cafeteria Los Andes. There’s also a Titza bus stop and toilets nearby. The starting location is listed as Casa Forestal.

How long is the guided canyoning experience?

The duration is about 6 hours total, including the approach on foot and the time at the canyon.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What is the maximum height you’ll abseil?

The highest wall is approximately 20 meters.

Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?

No, it is not suitable for children under 16, and it is also listed as not suitable for people over 60. It’s also not suitable for certain accessibility and health needs listed by the operator.

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