May 14, 2024
Interesting ancient site if you don't mind a walk up a (usually windy) hill. - If you need something local to do before a flight home, check out this ancient site. It's free for a start, and fairly close to the airport. The site itself is composed of 4 separate structures - the first is the Cueva de Cuatro Puertas (cave of the 4 doors) and is a small cave carved out of the hillside with views over to Las Palmas. Follow the steps up the hillside and turn right at the first information sign.
Then walk up to the top of the hill (there's no fixed path so watch your step) to see the circular carved area that was used for libations (it's known as Almogarén).
Come back down to the first sign and turn right, going round the other side of the hill to the Cueva de los Papeles (cave of the papers). There's a railing to stop you falling over the edge and this has been improved over the last year with a painted concrete foundation so it feels a lot safer.
In order to access the last set of dwellings, the Cueva de los Pilares (cave of the pillars) you'll have to climb over a few rough-hewn steps and then walk along a more treacherous path but the views and the location are worth it.
There are many theories about how old the site is, but most agree that it dates back to the Guanches, the first humans to settle the islands after migrating from the Berber tribe in north west Africa, although it's been used as a dwelling and animal storage into thr 20th Century.
If you find it a bit windy going up the hill, it's usually calm on the other side (where the last 2 sets of caves are) and it's not a site to visit easily if you're unsteady on your feet.
Be aware that someone lives on the house at the top of the hill, just before you get to the caves, so be courteous and don't block his exit or trespass in his clearly-marked garden - follow directions to the caves and then park just before the post box that signifies the start of his driveway. The path then continues up to the caves and past his house, which is also charming to look at as you go past.
In all, an interesting excursion if you like aboriginal history, don't mind a scramble across rocks, and have time to spare. Just be sure to take the first turning right as you leave or else you'll get stuck in a one way section and have to turn back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 27, 2024
Very beautiful, unusual place. - Magnificent site. Easily accessible and short (1.2 km A/R) but possible to do a trek of around 5km with good walking shoes and water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 7, 2024
Fantastic historical adventure! - Fantastic experience - learned so much and enjoyed scrambling around the mountains to reach the caves. They were fascinating, and all the more so because of the knowledge Juan and Inez clearly had about their history and meaning. The village was also lovely, especially as Juan was able to share his memories of his time there with us. They were the perfect guides and it was an insightful and informative adventure.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 4, 2022
Great tour, yummy food away from the touristy beaten path. - This was our third excursion with Sky Rebels and it took us to some genuinely local places that tourists don't usually get to, and we were blown away.
Let me say that I usually try to book things with different tour guides wherever I go so I can get the most out of my stay but from the get go we all loved Juanjo and Ines and decided to stick with them. And I’m so glad we did, they know their stuff and go out of their way to make you feel super welcome and show you unique experiences that most tour places don’t offer.
On this tour we visited Ingenio and learned how water was used and what life was like for farmers in the 18th century.
Then we were taken to visit an authentic castle built into the rocks by the ancient inhabitants of Gran Canaria.
Finally we visited a nice village on the coast where we got to experience the warmth of the people of Gran Canaria away from touristy spots (thank you very much for "la cuchara", mininno!).
On all three days we were offered to taste local products which we loved.
We will definitely be booking our tours with Sky Rebels again when we are back in Gran Canaria.
These guys are awesome, we very highly recommend them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jul 22, 2022
Lovely half day tour on very unique places of GC - A very pleasant and surprising; original side of GC with two very enthousiast locals!
We had a half day tour of the beaten path. The service was perfect. A hot day but the tour and views; walks & spots we did were just perfect
Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor