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Aldea de San Nicolás, Tasarte, and the Inagua Nature Reserve
Aldea de San Nicolás and its smaller neighbour, Tasarte, are two typical Canarian villages located in the southwest of Gran Canaria, distinguished by their stunning natural landscapes and rich history. The village boasts a population of nearly 8,000 residents. Surrounded by impressive mountains and the nearby Inagua Nature Reserve, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, the village offers numerous hiking and leisure opportunities.
Map
Tasarte, a smaller village within the municipality, is situated 9 kilometres from Aldea de San Nicolás, nestled in the picturesque Barranco de Tasarte. The idyllic scenery and tranquil surroundings make Tasarte a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace. And the local population primarily relies on agriculture and livestock farming, with a cooperative offering fresh produce. The nearby Playa de Tasarte attracts both locals and tourists with its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. Between these two locations lies the hiking trail described here.
Hiking trail via Aldea de San Nicolás
Short Hike Above Aldea de San Nicolás
The hike begins at the viewpoint Degollada de la Aldea, located at 642 metres on the GC-200. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire landscape, including Tasarte, the Inagua Nature Reserve, and down to Aldea de San Nicolás. You will then follow a quiet country road towards Las Rosas and Tasártico for some time. Subsequently, you’ll navigate small paths that offer breathtaking views as you descend towards Aldea.
View from the hiking trail to the nature reserve Inagua
At the southern edge of the village, you will pass by a cactus park before returning to the GC-200. You will make a detour, walking through the small hamlets on the outskirts. Eventually, you will join the long-distance trail GR-139, which will guide you back up to the Mirador Degollada de la Aldea.
Track of the hike Degollada de Tasartico - Circular Aldea
General Information about the Circular Walk
Starting Point and Access
The starting point for the hike is the Degollada de la Aldea at an elevation of 642 metres on the GC-200 at kilometre 42.6.GPS coordinates: 27.938353 -15.761019
Access by Car
To reach the starting point, take the island road GC-200 from Puerto Mogán to La Aldea de San Nicolás. The Degollada de la Aldea is located at the junction for Tasártico at KM 42.6. There is parking available along the wide roadside near the Mirador Degollada de la Aldea.
Access by Bus
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Sign up nowYou can take bus line 38 (Puerto de Mogán – La Aldea de San Nicolás) to the Degollada de Aldea, where there is a stop. For further information, please visit the Guaguasglobal website.
Time
I am reluctant to provide general time estimates for hikes, as times can vary significantly. We completed this leisurely loop in 4.5 hours, including breaks. The longer duration was partly due to our slow progress while “searching for the way” downhill. Additionally, a dog joined us on the return journey, which we were concerned about and wanted to guide back. This led to longer pauses. You should plan for less time for this short loop. Later, it became apparent that the dog was well-known and apparently walks this route daily on its own. When we reached the viewpoint and were about to take it back in the car, it returned on its own. If you encounter a medium-sized black dog following you, feel free to give it a pet from me.
Elevation profile of the hike via Aldea - Degollada de Tasartico
Elevation Gain and Distance
The elevation difference is approximately 525 metres, and the distance is just over 12 kilometres.
Requirements
The majority of the circular walk is on good hiking or dirt roads. And the return on GR-139 is particularly well signposted. The descent towards Aldea de San Nicolás includes some narrower paths where navigation might be less straightforward. You may need to search for the way at times. There are certainly better route options through Aldea de San Nicolás than the one I have described here.
Refreshment
You will find places to eat in Aldea de San Nicolás if you extend your loop slightly. Nonetheless, please ensure to bring sufficient water with you.
Track of the hike Circular Aldea de San Nicolás (blue) with neighbouring tracks such as Inagua (red)
Variants
On SiebenInseln, you will find another hike that starts at the same location, Degollada de la Aldea, which can be combined well with this short loop:Hike through the Inagua Nature Reserve
Other nearby hikes include:Leisurely circular walk around VenegueraCircular hike to Azulejos de Veneguera
Good hiking signposting along the way
Circular walk over Aldea de San Nicolás – Degollada de Tasartico
Trail Section: Degollada de la Aldea to Trail Below the Road (GC-203)
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Sign up nowBegin your hike at the Mirador Degollada de la Aldea. From there, follow the quiet, lightly trafficked road towards Las Rosas and Tasártico, gradually descending. At around 550 metres, the road turns left downhill towards Barranco Lechuga. To the right, a dirt track (GC-203) branches off, marked for walkers. You will follow this briefly; however, we ventured further along the track.
Hiker on the hiking trail via Aldea de San Nicolás - downhill on small paths
The small hiking path quickly diverges discreetly to the right from the main road. It is quite narrow, and at times, you will need to pay close attention, but overall, it is fairly easy to follow. This path leads you down with beautiful views of San Aldea de San Nicolás ahead and the Inagua Nature Reserve slowly below the road. Alternatively, you can continue along the dirt road longer before turning right downhill (though I haven’t tried this route myself).
View from the hiking trail down to Aldea de San Nicolás
Trail Section: Trail Below the Road (GC-203) to Aldea de San Nicolás, Calle El Hoyo
This part of the hike is the most intriguing, as you will need to find your own way. You can’t get lost, as Aldea de San Nicolás will always be visible ahead. During the descent, you will pass through small ravines. As you get closer to Aldea de San Nicolás, the path improves. Eventually, you will emerge after a descent beside the cactus park in Aldea, walking along a wide path that leads to a street, which you will follow to the right.
Hiking trail crosses the GC-200 road at Cactualdea Park (Aldea de San Nicolás cactus park)
In no time, you will be back at the GC-200. Here, you will turn right again. For a short while, you’ll walk next to or parallel to the road, but at a right bend, the hiking trail branches left onto a road lined with houses. Follow this path, and you will enter a small ravine. One path will take you upwards to the right onto Calle El Hoyo. I later noticed that you could also avoid this detour by going straight across on the other side of the GC-200. Alternatively, you can simply follow the GC-200 to the right until you meet the long-distance path GR-139.
Hiking trail in southern Aldea in the direction of the GR-139 long-distance hiking trail
Trail Section: Aldea de San Nicolás, Calle El Hoyo to Starting Point Degollada de la Aldea
Calle El Hoyo in Aldea de San Nicolás will quickly lead you to the well-marked long-distance path GR-139. From this point on, you will find the path clearly signposted, leading you out of the El Hoyo area over the GC-200 (crossing). Initially, you will walk along a road past houses, but eventually, the path becomes a hiking trail.
View from the hiking trail to the heights above the Degollada de Tasartico
From here, you will encounter only a few houses. The ascent back towards Degollada de la Aldea is steep, with some switchbacks. After a final steep climb, you will reach the GC-200, which you will follow to the right. Shortly thereafter, you will have returned to your destination, the Degollada de la Aldea.
View from the heights to the Inagua nature reserve and back to Aldea de las Nicolás
And Finally
I hope you enjoyed this short hike around Aldea de San Nicolás. There are also several alternatives, particularly on the descent. If you have any new insights, I would always appreciate suggestions, additions, and tips for other hikers. And if you encounter the eager hiking dog, please give it a pat from me. Wishing you much joy on all your hikes,
Dagmar from SiebenInseln
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