Inagua

The circuit around the Inagua massif is in Walkopedia's view the finest on Gran Canaria. And that is saying something.

Inagua sits in the island's south-west, a long, thin, flattish-topped mountain whose remarkable south-western face consists of a series of cliffs with steeply sloping terraces between them. They look impossible to climb from the  Degollada de la Aldea pass where the trail begins. But you climb the ridge above the pass to reach a long, unbroken terrace/balcony, which you follow northwards for a couple of spectacular kms or so, enjoying superb views across the deep valley to the jagged mountains beyond and the sea beyond them. Occasional mild exposure.

To the north of the main massif is a steep slope of huge boulders, which you climb to reach the Mt Viso ridge, at 1,000m in or so, 300m+ above the start. Viso, out on a promontory to the west, is well worth the diversion, and fits best as a final treat after you've circuited the Inagua mountain.

You are now in for a treat as you climb back south-east up the shoulder to the base of Inagua's cliffs, to circuit their northern base on a delightful path through open pine woodland above a carpet of needles. (Note – the Cicerone book has you taking a lower and longer dirt track, which we consider a poorer option.) A meander up a dirt tracks get you to the high Degollada de la Brujas pass to the south-east. Further round, you join a path along the balcony at the base of the topmost cliffs for the finest section of a magnificent walk, which takes you back to Viso ridge. After walking out to Mount Viso itself, return the way you came, along the beautiful lower balcony to the roadhead, by now in golden later light.

18km, 7hrs including stops and Mt Viso. Well described in the Cicerone book. Take plenty of water. 

This is demanding walking in serious and waterless mountains: prepare. The heights are dangerous and this walk is mildly exposed, so not for those with significant issues with exposure.

See our Gran Canaria page for more walks, photos and detailed general information.