Barranco del Infierno Hike

The Barranco del Infierno — "Hell's Ravine" — in the hills above Adeje is one of Tenerife's most popular and rewarding short hikes. Despite its fearsome name, the trail follows a beautiful, lush canyon through a protected nature reserve, culminating at a cascading 80-metre waterfall that is one of the few permanent waterfalls in the Canary Islands.

The 6.5 km round-trip trail begins in the upper part of Adeje town and follows the barranco (ravine) upstream on a well-maintained path. The canyon walls rise steeply on both sides, creating a microclimate that supports rich vegetation — Canarian willow, dragon trees, and abundant endemic flora including the blue-flowered Teide bugloss. The sound of running water accompanies you throughout, a rare pleasure in the generally arid landscape of southern Tenerife.

The trail is managed as a natural monument with a daily visitor limit of 300 hikers, requiring advance permit booking. Hard hats are mandatory in the final section near the waterfall due to occasional rockfall from the steep canyon walls above. The return follows the same path, offering a different perspective as you walk with the canyon opening up ahead of you and the southern coastline gradually appearing in the distance.

The Barranco del Infierno hike is one of the most accessible and rewarding nature walks in Tenerife, making it ideal for visitors who want a genuine hiking experience without the full-day commitment of Masca or Teide. Its location directly above the resort town of Adeje means you can be on the trail within minutes of leaving your Costa Adeje hotel.

The daily visitor limit keeps the trail uncrowded and the natural environment pristine. Permits sell out quickly for peak-season dates, so book several days in advance. The trailhead has a small visitor centre with information about the canyon's geology, wildlife, and the ancient Guanche settlements that once occupied the ravine.