4 minutes of readingSomething that will surprise you about Costa Adeje is its diversity of activities and natural landscapes. The sky, the sea and the water, which although little known, has carved part of the history of Adeje and its tourist destination. It is now called Blue Tourism, where natural wealth takes on a special meaning, not only because of its attractiveness but also because it has changed the focus of destinations, prioritizing the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, while promoting the sustainable development of local communities. This strategy not only seeks to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, but also to revalue the cultural and natural wealth, creating authentic and responsible experiences for visitors.
Costa Adeje has a wide proposal along these lines. One of them just 350 meters above sea level, the so-called Barranco del Infierno. This emblematic place is a Protected Natural Area due to its geological and archaeological value. If you are passionate about being in contact with nature and practicing outdoor sports, you must visit it.
But the Barranco del Infierno also has magic, not only the one conferred by its richness and natural attractions. But the magic of mystery. In 1913, the writer, poet and judge, Luis Salcedo y Diez de Tejada wrote:
"This ravine, from whose multiple and deep crevices the main and most plentiful contingent of waters of which constitute the wealth of Adeje, offers in the average of its strange and gloomy location (...)", to present this characteristic place, continuing in his explanation as some geological elements of the ravine arose "(....) suddenly and unexpectedly from the unfathomable terrestrial abysses, as a rapturous expression of the divine wrath, to punish, and only to punish, the most nefarious and cruel betrayal, the most monstrous and vile of all crimes".
This is the prologue of a text in which this author recalls the well-known "Leyenda del Barranco del Infierno", recovered decades later by Professor Octavio Rodríguez and which tells a love story of the Guanche period in which there is also infidelity, jealousy, power, envy or revenge. It is a legend that has been passed down from generation to generation through popular culture in which the characteristics of this place are decisive in its development and the relevance it has acquired. A love story involving a young Guanche girl, the two sons of the Mencey, king of Adeje and of all the menceys of the island. The legend concludes with the death of one of the sons who then turns into lava and will end up shaping one of the rocks that make up the Barranco del Infierno.
A journey through time in Costa Adeje
The Barranco del Infierno trail surprises from beginning to end. Its name refers to the abrupt and rocky landscape. As soon as you start you can observe the magic of the place from a viewpoint that offers a wide and incredible panoramic views of the municipality. From here you can see the coast from the midlands, enjoy the extensive vegetation and fauna and end the tour in a small waterfall. It is the perfect place to take a trip back in time. It is Blue Tourism in its broadest expression, where the sky, the sea and the natural riches are the protagonists of your trip.
Surprising local flora and fauna
The Barranco del Infierno Special Nature Reserve is one of the seven protected natural areas of Adeje. A municipality that has some kind of protection over 80% of its territory. The ravine is full of magical spaces where you can enjoy nature in its purest state. Espineros, almácigos, dragos, cardonal... are some of the species that cover the area and make it a place of enviable vegetation. In addition, in this natural area there are native plants of the Canary Islands, such as the tabaibal.
Bird watching enthusiasts will find in the Barranco del Infierno a place with more than 40 different species. Imagine enjoying a walk while flying over crows, kestrels, hawks or sparrow hawks. It is an unforgettable experience that you can not miss on your visit to Costa Adeje.
This natural landscape has more secrets to show! During the tour you can pass very close to mysterious caves where once were found mummies and aboriginal utensils of incalculable value, which today help us to understand the history of the Canary Islands.
How is the tour?
To do this hiking route you need to book in advance through their website (www.barrancodelinfierno.es). This nature reserve has limited access to 20 people every half hour in order to preserve the terrain, not to alter the welfare of the species that live there and preserve the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape.
The route can be completed in three and a half hours and totals 6.5 km. It is one of the most complete hiking excursions in the south of Tenerife and has a medium-low difficulty.
It starts at the highest part of the Calle de los Molinos, following the old shepherd's path. It continues along the bed of the ravine, where you can make different stops at different viewpoints to observe majestic views. The path narrows towards the interior and the vertical walls will envelop you during the excursion.
After several hours of physical exercise, the greatest reward is found at the end of the hike. At the indicated times of the year, and if there has been rain or snow, a spectacular waterfall of 200 meters high awaits, in which bathing is not allowed. A magical corner that makes the hike worthwhile.
A magical corner that makes the hike worthwhile.
A magical corner that makes the hike worthwhile.
