FAQ

About Canary Trail

Who is this trip suitable for?

Because a trail’s difficulty depends on several factors, we’ve put together a clear overview of those factors.

Anyone between 16 and 65 years old with good fitness and a sense of adventure can do this trail. The trip involves a lot of physical activity, so good health is a must. Also take very hot weather conditions into account..

Children are not allowed.

Want to try a multi day hike for the first time, but unsure about your fitness?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What kinds of physical activity do I do regularly, and for how long?
  • Have I had any recent injuries that affect my ability to hike?
  • Can I comfortably walk 15 km over hilly terrain?
  • Can I train with a clear goal in the coming months to prepare properly?

If your answers give you full confidence to head out on an adventure, then this trail is definitely for you. One week after booking, you’ll receive a training plan to get you ready so you can complete the route comfortably.

Can I book this trip as a solo traveller?

Yes, absolutely. You can book this trip on your own. Depending on the departure date, there are often other solo travellers joining as well, so you’ll likely meet fellow hikers along the way if you’d like.

Still unsure and want to test yourself before you head out on trail?

Try one of our micro adventures, such as The Packraft Trail.

How big is the group?

This is a self-guided trail, so you won’t be hiking in one fixed group with a guide. You’ll set off at your own pace, with all the route information you need.

If you’d like to hike with other participants, that’s usually possible. How much you connect and hike together depends mainly on you and the group you’re travelling with.

There’s a maximum of 10 participants per departure date.

Is this trail suitable for people who are afraid of heights?

Yes, in most cases. The Canary Trail has no sections where you walk right along cliff edges, and the paths are generally fairly wide.

Of course, you may still encounter some elevation changes or enjoy views over valleys in Gran Canaria, but there are no narrow, exposed sections. If you have mild to moderate fear of heights, you should usually be fine on this trail.

What about food and drinks during the trek?

Along the trail, you’ll occasionally come across a small bar where you can buy a refreshing drink or a snack. For extra convenience, we offer a meal package, so you can also enjoy discovering the local cuisine along the way.

The meal package includes a packed lunch for each hiking day. It’s freshly prepared with care by the accommodations hosting us.

Breakfast is included in the base price.

We do recommend bringing a few snacks of your own for the hike, so you’ll have something to eat during breaks.

Meal overview (subject to change)

  • Breakfast: often a typical European buffet
  • Packed lunch: 2 small sandwiches with a meat or vegetarian filling, a piece of fruit, a small bottle of water, a juice box and a biscuit
  • Dinner: not included; at most accommodations, you can eat on-site or at a nearby restaurant

We also offer a vegetarian option.

You can always refill your water at the accommodation.

Is this trip suitable for children?

No, Canary Trail isn’t suitable for young children, as the minimum age for participation is 16.

Can I customise the trip to my own liking?

As we offer a fully organised trip, it is not possible to adjust the duration or itinerary. However, you are free to extend your trip independently by spending a few extra days on site afterwards, for example, or continuing your journey to another country.

With how many people can I book this trip?

You can book Canary Trail solo, as a duo, or in a group.

Please bear in mind that there is a maximum group size of 10 people for certain trails.

When can I do this trip?

The calendar on the website shows all departure dates, available spots and prices.

Would you like to be notified personally when new departure dates are posted online? If so, please complete this form with your details.

What is the minimum age for taking part?

The minimum age for Canary Trail is 16, and travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices & Booking Conditions

What is the payment procedure?

Within 5 days after your registration, you must pay a deposit to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until a few weeks before departure to modify your options and pay the remaining balance. If you make changes, the deposit is automatically recalculated.

There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.

If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.

Can I modify my registration?

Depending on availability, you can add or remove most options (except cancellation insurance) until a few weeks before departure. Generally, we follow a first-come, first-served principle, so early decision-makers are at an advantage.

Can I still cancel my trip?

It is always possible to cancel your trip. You can find the general cancellation conditions here. You can also rely on the Superflex cancellation conditions. More info under the FAQ ‘What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?

What is included in the price?

The basic price includes the following: 

  • Detailed route and full trip organization
  • 5 nights in comfortable accommodations in unique locations, breakfast included
  • Tourist tax
  • Shuttle transfer to the start of the trail
  • Welcome and briefing by an experienced ranger
  • Complete packing list so you don’t forget anything
  • Canary trail app with all the essential information

What are the additional costs?

The essentials are already included in the basic price, but while booking you can also add the following options:

  • Equipment: the rental of high-quality camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat) and walking poles.
  • Meals: handy food packs for on the go or organised local meals.
  • Comfort & Extras: options such as luggage transport or extra overnight stays before or after the trail.
  • Insurances: cancellation and/or travel insurance.

A detailed breakdown of the prices per option and any compulsory charges (such as tourist tax) can be found under the practical information section.

What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?

The Superflex cancellation conditions are available for anyone who books early.

You can reschedule your trip to another period within the same season (depending on availability) or cancel for free before a certain date, which is clearly stated on the registration form.

If the deadline to use the Superflex conditions has passed, the general cancellation conditions apply.

Preparation

Do I have to carry my luggage myself for the whole week?
No, you don't have to. You can choose to add luggage transport to your booking. If you do, your bags will be taken to the next hotel each day, so you only need to carry a light daypack while hiking. If you don't, you'll carry all your belongings yourself for the entire week.
Can I leave behind any extra luggage I won't need during the trail?

If you have items you won't need during the hike, you can leave a small bag with our local ranger on the morning of day 1. They will return it to you at the end of your trail in Gran Canaria.

What’s the climate like in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has a subtropical climate, with generally mild winters and warm, sunny days. In November, temperatures are usually very pleasant, often around 24 °C during the day along the coast and in lower-lying areas.

Keep in mind that the weather can vary greatly from one region to another. Temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains, especially after sunset. At higher altitudes, 5 to 10 °C in the evening is certainly possible, and the wind can make it feel cooler too.

So be sure to pack layers and something warm for the evening, so you stay comfortable on cooler nights and during sudden changes in weather.

When should I arrive?

On The Canary Trail, you always start hiking the day after you arrive. For example, if you book the week from 15 to 21 April, you arrive on 15 April and your first day of hiking is 16 April.

Our departure dates already include both your arrival and departure days. You don't need to book any extra days to complete the trail. If you'd like to explore Gran Canaria for longer, you can of course do so.

You can add an optional hotel night in Maspalomas for your final night. In the example, this is the night of 20 to 21 April.

You can still add this extra night to your booking up to 2 months before departure, subject to availability.

Example: week from 15 to 21 April

In the Travelbase App, you'll see this period as your full stay.

  • 15 April: arrival in Gran Canaria
  • 16 April: Maspalomas → San Bartolomé de Tirajana
  • 17 April: San Bartolomé de Tirajana → Tejeda
  • 18 April: Tejeda → Juncalillo
  • 19 April: Juncalillo → Agaete
  • 20 April: free day (with an optional extra night in Maspalomas)
  • 21 April: departure from Maspalomas

Can I get to know the other participants beforehand?

Yes, you can get to know your fellow travellers two weeks before departure via the official group chat in the Travelbase app. Due to privacy legislation, we do not share personal contact details, but you can, of course, exchange details amongst yourselves during the trail.

What should I bring?

Identification

Gran Canaria is part of Spain, so you don’t need a passport. A valid national ID card is sufficient.

Hiking gear

Good hiking boots are essential for Gran Canaria. Choose a pair you feel comfortable walking in for multiple long hiking days. We strongly recommend boots in category A/B to B/C with good ankle support, as some sections are steep, rocky, and uneven.

Before departure, we’ll also send you a detailed packing list so you know exactly what to bring.

Communication

How can my family get in touch with me during the trail?

Your family can contact the main Travelbase office line to pass on any urgent messages. Our office staff can then inform the guides or rangers via a satellite phone.

Where can I find more information about my trip?

You can find all practical information about Canary Trail step by step in the Travelbase app once you have completed your booking. You will also receive the most important updates by email.

When will I receive more information about my trip?

In the run-up to your trip, you will receive all practical information at the following stages:

  • Shortly after booking: you will receive a training schedule and a packing list, and gain access to the Travelbase app.
  • No later than 1 month before departure: you can find all trip information in the Travelbase app.
  • No later than 2 weeks before departure: you will receive the final practical details and gain access to the group chat so you can get to know your fellow travellers, guides or rangers.

General

Can I bring my dog?

No, unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail. Looking for an adventure where your four-legged friend can join you? Then be sure to check out this page.

Can I skip a day of hiking or stop early if needed?

Yes, absolutely. On The Canary Trail, this is usually quite easy to arrange.
If you decide to skip a full day of hiking or stop early, you can normally reach each endpoint by car, so taking a taxi is also an option. Keep in mind that taxis and any additional transport aren’t included, so you’ll need to pay for them yourself.

Some sections of the trail are more remote, so it isn’t always possible to have a car pick you up right away. In that case, it’s best to continue walking to an accessible location or to the endpoint of the stage.

If something happens or you’re unsure what to do along the way, you can always check in with the ranger to find the safest and most practical solution.

Is there on-site support?

How is the trail organized and what can you expect?

The Canary Trail is a self-guided trail. This means you hike completely independently, but with everything you need taken care of. We handle the practical side for you, so you can simply walk and enjoy.

Before your trip starts, you’ll get access to our Travelbase App. There you’ll find all routes, highlights, and practical information. Each day includes clear descriptions, navigation, and tips so you’re well prepared, even when conditions change.

This is how your week works

  • On the first day, you’ll receive a detailed briefing from an experienced ranger
  • Throughout the week, you’ll receive a short daily briefing by message
  • You hike independently along the accessible, well-balanced route we’ve mapped out for you
  • All hotel/accommodation nights are reserved for you in advance
  • If you chose the lunchpack option, you’ll have a prepared packed lunch for your hiking days. For dinner, you can visit nearby local restaurants, and the ranger will share recommendations each day
  • If you have questions along the way or something goes wrong, you can always contact the ranger for support
Can you take food allergies or intolerances into account?

For meals provided by local people, we can cater for dietary requirements if you let us know in advance, but for freeze-dried meals (food packs), we recommend that you bring your own food. As all freeze-dried meals are processed in the same facility, cross-contamination with allergens cannot be ruled out.

What kind of footwear is required for the hike?

High-top hiking boots are mandatory. Low-cut walking shoes, running shoes, trainers, or other low-cut footwear are not permitted. The terrain is often uneven and challenging, so high-top hiking boots are required to provide adequate ankle support and reduce the risk of injury.

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