Barranco Del Infierno – Wandering the Hell Trail in the South of Tenerife
The Barranco del Infierno, or “Valley of Hell”, is one of Tenerife’s most impressive natural gems. This protected nature reserve is located in the heart of the southern part of the island, near the town of Adeje, and attracts visitors with its unique combination of wild landscapes, rich flora and fauna and diverse rock formations. For nature lovers and adventurers, Barranco Infierno offers an unforgettable experience in the form of a hiking trail that leads deep into the valley with spectacular views and mysterious nooks and crannies. This article will guide you through the fascinating details of the history, natural heritage and reasons why you should visit this place during your stay in Tenerife.
History of Barranco Infierno
The formation of Barranco Infierno was preceded, as is the case with most natural formations in Tenerife, by volcanic activity. It is a site that is, among other things, of great archaeological importance, since several nearby caves have been found to be the home of the Guanches, the island’s original inhabitants. These natives are still a historical mystery, as it is not clear where and how they came to Tenerife. Some theories link them to the mythical Atlantis, others to the Berbers of North Africa, although their appearance – tall, fair-skinned, often blonde or red-haired with blue eyes – challenges this theory. They lived in caves, were physically fit, intelligent, friendly and had a penchant for competitions, gambling and dancing. They were most famous for their burial rituals, mummifying the dead in the Egyptian manner. Several of these mummies have been found in the Barranco Infierno ravine.
This place has borne many names over the centuries. According to local legend, it was once called “Barranco de los Difuntos” (“The Ravine of the Dead”) because of the many tragedies caused by the difficult terrain and dangerous conditions.
Another version of the legend claims that the name was originally “Barranco del Diablo” (“The Ravine of the Devil”) because it was believed that the devil appeared here and lured people into the gorge to imprison them or bring them to their death. This rumour gained popularity among the inhabitants, and the place eventually got its current name ,,Barranco del Infierno” (Hell’s Gorge).Whether you believe the legends or not, the gorge has unfortunately taken several lives during its history, and was closed for a period of time in 2009 and 2015 due to the death of a visitor. Since then, however, safety precautions have been increased, and every visitor is required to wear a mandatory helmet for the duration of the tour.
What You’ll See on the Barranco Inifierno Trail
The trail starts at 100 metres above sea level and ends at 1300 metres above sea level, for this reason it is important to bring solid footwear and be prepared for changes in the weather. A safety helmet will be given to you at the entrance of the gorge. It is important to mention that if you arrive in inappropriate footwear you will not be allowed into the gorge. However, it is possible to rent shoes on site for a fee. As this alternative may not be very pleasant, we really recommend that you don’t forget about proper footwear. You will come across several viewpoints along the way. The trail will follow the bed of the gorge, which gradually narrows until its vertical walls give the impression of closing in on you.
In addition to the weather, the local vegetation will also change during the climb. In the lower elevations you will see formations of cardoons and tabajbala-like cactus, while in the middle part of the trail there are remnants of thermophilic forests where you can see thorn bushes, mastiches, dragon trees, wild jasmine and also some palm trees. In the higher sections you will come across pine groves, the main feature of which is the Canary pine, which shares the area with some other trees such as alfalfa or broom, which are always found at altitudes of over 600 metres.
This nature reserve is also a haven for a rich and varied fauna, both vertebrates and invertebrates, with a great diversity of endemic species. Among the vertebrates, more than 40 species have been recorded here. Among the birds of prey that fly over the area, the wood hawk, the sea eagle, and the common raven are daytime birds, while the common kestrel, which uses the local rock cavities to build its nest, stands out among the nocturnal birds. Other bird species such as the garden dove, the pied wagtail, the common snipe, the Moorish partridge and the canary can also be found here.
The trail ends with a waterfall 200 metres high. In total, the trail is 6.5 km long and takes approximately 3.5 hours round trip.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Entrance to Barranco Infierno
Since this is a protected nature reserve, entry is limited to 300 visitors per day. You must therefore book your visit in advance on the website https://www.barrancodelinfierno.es/en/book. For non-residents, the entrance fee is €13 and includes the rental of a safety helmet. Children over 5 years of age are welcome, children under 16 must be accompanied by their parents. Dogs are not permitted.
Weather in Barranco Infierno
During the warm summer it can be really ‘hellish’ in the gorge. Therefore, try to start your journey early in the morning, especially to avoid the scorching weather at midday. During the winter the gorge can be closed due to bad weather and landslides. It can start raining at any time, so be sure to pack an umbrella or raincoat.
How to Get to Barranco Infierno
Barraco Infierno is located on the outskirts of Adeje in the south of Tenerife. The beginning of the gorge can be found at the end of Calle de los Molinos.
It takes approximately 20 minutes by car to get here from the Los Cristianos and Las Américas area. You can park directly in Adeje town, where there is a free car park a few metres from the start of the trail. When travelling by public transport, you can take bus 473 and 447 from Los Cristianos and Las Américas. If you are staying in Costa Adeje, bus 417 will also take you to the same stop. The stop is located approximately one kilometre (20 minutes walk) from the entrance to the gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Barranco Infierno?
Barranco Infierno is a gorge in the south of Tenerife, known for its rich flora, fauna and a beautiful hiking trail. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
How long is the Barranco Infierno trail?
The round trip through Barranco Infierno is 6.5 km and takes approximately 3.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit Barranco Infierno?
Barranco Infierno is open all year round, but due to the changing weather in winter and high temperatures in summer, it is recommended to visit especially during spring and autumn. The best time is early morning, between 8:30 and 10:00.
How far in advance to book entry to Barranco Infierno?
The Barranco del Infierno trail has a limited daily capacity, so it is necessary to book in advance. Without a reservation, you run the risk of having to wait for an open spot, or you may not be allowed entry and have to return on another day.
How did Barranco Infierno get its name?
Barranco Infierno means ‘Hell’s Gorge’ in Spanish. It probably got its name because of its dramatic appearance and wild terrain. Local legends and stories may also refer to the appearance of the devil, who was supposed to lure travellers into the gorge and kill them.
