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Barranco de Ruiz – Natural Beauty, Accessible yet Rugged
The Barranco de Ruiz is an impressive ravine located in the northern part of the Canary Island of Tenerife, specifically between the municipalities of Los Realejos and San Juan de la Rambla. And the ravine is renowned for its wild, natural beauty and offers a fascinating example of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape. The Barranco de Ruiz is characterised by steep slopes and deep gorges, which are typical of the island’s geography. The vegetation in the ravine is lush and diverse, featuring a mix of Canarian plant species such as laurel trees, pines, and many endemic plants. Particularly impressive is the variety of ferns that thrive in this region’s humid climate.
Map
Hiking trail in the Barranco de Ruiz
On this circular hike, you will first follow a well-laid trail on the right side of the Barranco de Ruiz, gradually ascending. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views back towards the Atlantic coast and down into the wild part of the ravine. The Barranco is overgrown at the bottom and on the opposite side of the ascent, making it inaccessible and very difficult to traverse—a path for true explorers and adventurers. However, the hike described here is an easy, large, scenic loop for those looking to savour the experience.
View from the hiking trail along the coast back towards San Juan de la Rambla and las Aguas
Barranco de Ruiz and the Coastal Path
On this hike, you’ll first walk through the Barranco de Ruiz, ascending to the heights of La Vera. From there, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic and the northern coast of Tenerife from various viewpoints along small country roads. Finally, you’ll descend through another very green ravine, the Barranco de Poncio, to reach San Juan de la Rambla. This is a picturesque town on Tenerife’s north coast, known for its historic architecture and tranquil atmosphere. The route continues along the coast, partly on ancient paths used by the island’s indigenous people, the Guanches.
Barranco de Ruiz – Circular HikeThe path offers spectacular sea views and leads through a landscape dotted with small farms, terraced fields, and natural vegetation. Particularly impressive are the sections where the path runs high above the cliffs, offering expansive views of the Atlantic. You’ll walk through Las Aguas and La Rambla before returning to the ravine. The Barranco de Ruiz and the associated coastal path are popular with both locals and visitors. They offer a combination of nature experiences, physical challenges, and cultural discovery. Nature lovers and hikers looking to experience authentic Tenerife away from the tourist centres will particularly appreciate this area of the island.
Track of the circular hike Barranco de Ruiz - San Juan de La Rambla
General Information about the Circular Hike through Barranco de Ruiz
Starting Point and Access
The starting point of the hike is the Zona Recreativa Barranco de Ruiz rest area on the TF-5.
Access by Car
You can reach the well-signposted Zona Recreativa Barranco de Ruiz car park from both directions via the coastal road TF-5. There is ample parking available.
Access by Bus
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Sign up nowBus lines 363 and 325 stop directly at the rest area at Barranco de Ruiz. For details and further information, visit the Titsa website.
Time
I am hesitant to provide general time estimates for hiking tours as they can vary greatly from person to person. We took 3.5 hours for this leisurely loop, including breaks.
Elevation profile of the circular hike Barranco de Ruiz
Elevation Gain and Distance
The elevation gain is approximately 470 metres, and the route is just under 10 kilometres long.
Difficulty Level
Throughout the hike, you’ll be walking on good hiking trails or paths. The descent towards San Juan de La Rambla is on narrower but easily walkable paths.
Refreshment
You can find places to eat in San Juan de La Rambla, Las Aguas, and at the Mirador de Mazapé. Nevertheless, be sure to bring enough water with you.
Track of the Barranco de Ruiz hike (light blue), coastal hike (dark blue), La Guancha (green on the right), Mirador de la Corona (green top left)
Variants
The hike can be shortened if you’re only interested in the Barranco de Ruiz. In this case, you can simply hike up and down the ravine. If you want to avoid elevation gain and prefer a coastal walk, you can just follow the lovely coastal path between the Barranco de Ruiz and San Juan de La Rambla.
On SiebenInseln, you’ll also find the following hikes nearby:
View from the hiking trail through the Barranco de Poncio over San Juan de La Rambla
Circular Hike through Barranco de Ruiz
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Sign up nowSection from Zona Recreativa Barranco de Ruiz to Mirador El Mazapé
You’ll start your hike at the Zona Recreativa Barranco de Ruiz. On the right-hand side, a wide, paved path initially leads up in broad switchbacks. After the bends, the path gradually ascends into the Barranco Ruiz. You’ll cross a water channel and pass a large, distinctive rock face before eventually climbing in wide switchbacks to the edge of the Barranco de Ruiz. As you ascend, you’ll have lovely views into the deep green ravine and across to the opposite side, with its water channels.
Hiking trail up the Barranco de Ruiz
At the top, you’ll find yourself in the hamlet of La Vera, first crossing the Plaza Cruz de Los Rodriguez. Here, you can enjoy the view of the Barranco de Ruiz and the northern coast of Tenerife below. You’ll then be on the Carretera de La Vera. If you want to extend your hike, you can head left and further uphill to the Fuente del Rey. For the circular tour, however, continue straight on, then right along the road Orilla de la Vera. This road leads you downhill past fields, houses, and reservoirs. Eventually, you’ll reach the Mirador El Mazapé.
View from the hiking trail to the coast above the Mirador El Mazapé
Section from Mirador El Mazapé to TF-5 Road Bridge
The road is lightly trafficked, easy to walk, and offers stunning views, particularly at Mirador El Mazapé. Shortly after the Mirador, the road turns left. You’ll continue for a while along the road between terraced fields, with beautiful views along the way. Eventually, you’ll reach the Barranco de Poncio, which you’ll first cross via the road. Before the road climbs again after the crossing, a small path branches off to the right, leading down into the Barranco.
Hikers on the path downhill in the Barranco de Poncio towards San Juan de La Rambla
This path, which takes you into a scenic green ravine below the Risco de Mazapé cliffs, is a highlight of this hike. You can enjoy traversing the Barranco de Poncio along a small trail. Eventually, the trail becomes a paved path that leads you to Calle Vistabella in San Juan de La Rambla. Here, turn right and shortly afterwards cross the road bridge over the TF-5.
Hiking trail through San Juan de La Rambla
Section from TF-5 Road Bridge to Starting Point Zona Recreativa Barranco de Ruiz
After crossing the road bridge, turn right again on the other side in San Juan de La Rambla. Walk along Calle Antonio Oramas to the end, then turn right at the church (Calle El Sol). Before Calle El Sol merges into the TF-5, turn left onto Avenida de las Aguas. This will quickly bring you to the coast in Las Aguas, where there is also a bar. From there, turn right and follow the easily identifiable coastal path. It first leads above the swimming pool and beach of Las Aguas and then continues towards La Rambla.
Hiking trail along the coast back towards Barranco de Ruiz
After crossing a small ravine, continue past some houses towards La Rambla. The path, the small houses, and the natural surroundings along this trail are indeed varied—a true delight for walkers. Once you arrive in La Rambla, you’ll hike above the Playa de Ruiz, up to the Plaza de La Rambla, and then head right through the narrow streets with houses. Above the town, you’ll reach Calle El Rosario, which takes you left back to the TF-5 and the Barranco de Ruiz rest area. Be cautious when crossing the road, as it can be quite busy.
View of Puerto de la Cruz from the hiking trail along the coast
And finally
I hope you enjoyed this scenic hike through the Barranco de Ruiz and along the northern coast of Tenerife. I wish you much joy on all your future hikes.
Dagmar from Siebeninseln
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