Hikers, tourists and, in general, ramblers of every age have made of this gorge one of the island’s most visited spots. Everyone ―children, young people and adults― have dreamt and lived unforgettable experiences among its streams, cascades and luxuriant trees. The habitat generated by the water, which flows openly and permanently, has led to a balanced biodiversity that gifts us wonderful scents and colours throughout the route.

The gorge of Los Cernícalos is 12 km long and is integrated into the Natural Space of Los Marteles Reserve, which covers 3,568.7 hectares. The gorge is born in the foothills of the Caldera of Los Marteles, at an altitude of 1,500 metres, and ends its narrow meandering course in Tecén, where it joins the San Miguel gorge. It divides two municipalities: Telde and Valsequillo; but at the same time it unites an entire population segment in its conservation: nature lovers.

FIRST SECTION ON FOOT:
Car park-Entrance to the gorge. 15 minutes. 500 metres.

We start in the recreational area, where several tables are available for people to enjoy a delicious picnic. Away from the road we set out along a narrow concrete path that climbs up between residential homes. This small rise was created only for the local inhabitants. Without leaving the indicated route, we follow it on foot right to its end, where a wooden signpost marks the start of the dirt track along the centre of the ravine bed.

SECOND SECTION ON FOOT:
Castle-Ravine bed to the two-level cascade. 1:45 h. 3 km.

We enter the gorge amidst the abundant vegetation. As we climb, the path becomes more defined. We turn left to climb some stones and to connect with an abandoned dirt track surrounded by wild olive trees.

Towards the right the track will take us to an old well (a disused construction), where the dirt track ends and the water channel starts. A short section crosses the channel to reach the path that sets off among the willows.

From here on, always next to the water, the path climbs up the gorge, circumventing small waterfalls right until its end, which is the two-level cascade. Up to this point the path is moderately well-maintained. Although there are two larger ones above this cascade, the path is quite eroded and following it is not recommended.

THIRD SECTION ON FOOT:
Return via the same track. 2 hours. 3.5 km.

In the shade of huge willows, and after being refreshed by the freely flowing water, we have to make our way back along the same track.

What to discover: the Sao or Canarian willow. Known as Sao, the tree is endemic to Macaronesia and grows in Madeira and the Canaries, where we can find it on all the islands except in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. This hydrophilic species (requiring constant moisture) can be seen in ravines where there are habitual water courses as well as around streams and small ponds or the wetlands of our islands.

In optimal conditions, Salix canariensis can grow up to ten metres. It possesses a greenish grey trunk that, with age, gradually takes on a brown and cracked appearance; the branches are greenish, thin and smooth, though they grow rougher over time.

How to get there:

You need to take the road that goes from Telde to Lomo Magullo, the GC- 131. After passing the square of this small village, some 400 metres later turn right in the direction of Los Arenales and Cernícalos (GC-132). There are signposts to guide you.

Start and end point: Los Arenales del Lomo Magullo, recreational area
Distance: 7 KM (there and back)
Duration: 4 hours
Level: low-medium
Emergency telephone: 112
Transport by TELBUS: +34 928 699 968.