Dry canyoning Chimoche

Chimoche gives you a proper mountain adventure, not a quick roadside thrill. You hike for most of the six-hour outing, then use ropes and a harness to descend towering basalt walls over 20 metres high in the high country above La Orotava. At this altitude, cloud can roll in and turn the canyon into a moody, misty world.

I like the small group size, capped at eight, and the chance to see Canarian pine forest and endemic species while moving through the mountains. I also like that a professional guide, approved ropes, insurance, first aid, and permits are included. The main drawback is simple: this is a demanding outing, with nearly six hours on foot, and the weather can be cold, wet, or cloudy.

Key points

• Six hours in Chimoche: Expect a full mountain day, with about 5 hours and 40 minutes of hiking.
• Basalt walls over 20 metres high: The rope work is the heart of the outing, but you need a head for height.
• Small groups of up to eight: This allows the guide to keep a close eye on each person.
• High-altitude weather: Warm clothing matters because the canyon can sit among the clouds.
• Local natural setting: You pass through Canarian pine forest, mountain paths, and areas with endemic species.
• Good practical coverage: Harness, helmet, ropes, permits, accident insurance, and first aid are included.

What Chimoche’s dry canyoning route is really like

This is best understood as a long mountain hike with a technical canyon section, rather than a short rope activity. The route takes place around Chimoche in the La Orotava area, where volcanic basalt has formed tall, dark canyon walls.

You will start at Casa Forestal and make your way through the mountain area on foot. The stated hiking time is about 5.67 hours, so you should arrive ready for sustained walking, uneven ground, and a full day outside.

The route includes paths, forest, open mountain views, and canyon sections. At certain points, the guide will prepare you to descend the basalt walls with a harness and approved ropes. A helmet is supplied, and the activity is supervised by a professional canyoning guide.

The setting is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. You are not simply moving from one abseil to another. You get time among Canarian pines, views across the mountains, and the chance to see native species along the route.

The high elevation also shapes the mood of the day. Clouds sometimes cover the whole area. That can make the canyon feel mysterious and dramatic, but it can also reduce views and make conditions cooler. Bring clothing for the mountains, not just light sportswear for a sunny beach day.

The route from Casa Forestal to the canyon

The meeting point is listed as the parking area at restaurant Los Andes, while the activity itself starts at Casa Forestal. Because those two points are described separately, confirm the exact meeting instructions and any transfer arrangements before setting out.

Once the group is together, the route heads into the La Orotava mountain area. This is not an activity where you walk a few minutes from the car and begin rope work at once. The approach forms a large part of the day, so your footwear and fitness matter.

You will cross established paths and mountain terrain before reaching the main canyon sections. The walk gives you time to get used to the guide, the group, and the changing weather. In a group of no more than eight, the pace should be easier to manage than on a large commercial outing, although the route is still physically serious.

The forest is a key part of the approach. Canarian pine is adapted to the islands’ volcanic mountains, and the route may also bring you near endemic plant and animal species. The activity information does not promise a wildlife tour, so think of nature sightings as part of the walk rather than the main goal.

The mountain views are another reward. Clear weather should give you a better sense of the surrounding high country. If cloud settles in, you may lose some of the long views, but the canyon itself can take on a striking, enclosed feel.

Descending basalt walls with ropes

The technical part of the outing uses a canyoning harness, helmet, and approved ropes. Your guide will direct the rope descents and handle the safety side of the activity, but you still need to take instructions carefully and remain comfortable with exposure.

The canyon walls rise more than 20 metres in places. That is high enough to feel serious, especially if you are new to rope work. The activity is not advertised as a gentle introduction for all ages. Children under 12 are not accepted, and people with heart problems, visual impairments, or a body weight over 110 kilograms are advised not to take part.

Dry canyoning also means the focus is on the rock walls, rope technique, walking, and volcanic scenery rather than a water-based canyon route. The supplied information does not promise swimming, waterfalls, or water slides, so do not book this expecting a wet canyoning day.

A helmet and harness are included, but your personal preparation still matters. Wear hiking boots or trail shoes with a solid grip. The operator says rental footwear may be available, which is useful if you are not traveling with proper mountain shoes, but confirm availability before relying on it.

Clothing should be suitable for the season and able to get dirty. Avoid delicate travel clothes. You may want a warm extra layer because the route is high in the mountains, and cloud can make the air feel chilly even when the coast is warm.

Why the small group makes a difference

The group limit is eight participants. That is a useful size for a rope-based outing, since the guide has fewer people to organize at each section of the canyon.

A small group does not remove waiting time. Everyone still needs to be fitted with equipment and guided safely down the walls. However, it should make instructions easier to hear and give the guide more opportunity to monitor how each person is managing the route.

The guide leads in Spanish and English. One verified booking from January 2025 gave the instructor four out of five and praised the guide’s friendly manner and strong knowledge of the local area. The guide’s name is not provided, so you should not expect to request a particular instructor.

That feedback points to an important part of the experience: local guidance is useful here for more than rope handling. The guide can help you understand the forest, the volcanic rock, and the mountain conditions as you move through the route.

The rating is currently 4.7 from two reviews. That is encouraging, but it is also a very small sample. I would treat the score as a positive sign, not as a guarantee that every outing will feel the same.

Price and what you receive for $71

At $71 per person, this is a fair price if you want a guided rope adventure with the main safety equipment and permits already arranged. You are paying for a six-hour outing, professional supervision, a small group, accident insurance, first aid, and the practical permissions needed to operate in the area.

The included equipment covers the canyoning harness, helmet, and approved ropes. That saves you from carrying or renting the central technical gear. Parking is also included, which is handy for an activity in a mountain area.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan to bring your own supplies for the day, since the route lasts almost six hours and the activity takes place away from ordinary services. The information does not specify meal or rest arrangements, so ask the provider if you have particular needs.

Value depends heavily on your interests. If you want a quick thrill with little walking, this is not the right use of your money. If you enjoy mountain hiking and want to add rope descents in a volcanic canyon, the price covers the parts that are hardest to arrange independently.

The free cancellation policy gives you some protection if your plans change. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Who should book Chimoche dry canyoning

I would recommend this for active adults and older teenagers who are comfortable with a long hike and curious about canyoning. You do not need to be an expert climber based on the information provided, but you should be ready to follow instructions, handle uneven mountain ground, and work around heights.

It suits people staying in or exploring Tenerife who want a more physical day than a standard sightseeing trip. The combination of pine forest, volcanic rock, mountain paths, and rope descents gives the outing a clear sense of place.

It is less suitable if you want a warm, relaxed day, if you dislike heights, or if your main interest is swimming and waterfalls. It is also not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with visual impairments, or anyone over 110 kilograms.

Smokers should note that smoking is not allowed during the activity. Drones, alcohol, and drugs are also prohibited. These rules make sense in a technical outdoor setting, where distractions and loose equipment can create problems.

Practical preparation for the six-hour hike

Start with your feet. Hiking boots or trail shoes are required to reduce the risk of slipping. Ordinary trainers may not give enough grip on mountain paths or rock, and the operator says rental shoes may be available.

Wear sportswear that can get dirty and add warm clothing suitable for the mountain and the time of year. The cloud conditions are part of Chimoche’s character, but they also mean you should not dress only for Tenerife’s coastal heat.

Bring food and drinks because they are not included. The activity information does not provide a detailed packing list beyond footwear and clothing, so keep your personal kit sensible and light.

Arrive ready for a long day. The route begins at Casa Forestal and returns to Casa Forestal, with the meeting point given as the parking area at restaurant Los Andes. Check the precise meeting instructions before the day, especially if you are driving yourself.

The guide speaks Spanish and English. If you need safety instructions explained slowly or have concerns about heights, tell the guide before the rope section begins. Clear communication matters more here than showing off.

Is Chimoche worth booking?

Book Chimoche if you want a demanding, guided mountain outing with genuine rope work and volcanic scenery. The best features are the small group, the high basalt walls, the local forest setting, and the practical safety coverage included in the $71 price.

Think twice if you are looking for a short activity, dislike long hikes, or want a water canyon. The route can also be cold and cloudy, and the six-hour duration asks more of you than a standard half-day attraction.

For the right person, this is a focused way to experience Tenerife’s high country. Bring proper shoes, warm layers, food, and a willingness to get dirty, then let the guide handle the ropes and route.

FAQ

How long does the Chimoche dry canyoning activity last?

The activity lasts six hours. The stated itinerary includes approximately 5.67 hours of hiking in the La Orotava area.

Where does the activity start?

The activity starts at Casa Forestal and returns there at the end. The meeting point is listed as the parking area at restaurant Los Andes, so confirm the exact meeting instructions before the activity.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $71 per person.

What equipment is included?

The activity includes a canyoning harness, canyoning helmet, and approved ropes. A professional guide, accident insurance, first aid, permits, authorisations, and parking are also included.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies for the six-hour outing.

What should I wear?

Wear hiking boots or trail shoes and clothing that can get dirty. You should also bring clothing suitable for the mountain and the time of year, including warm layers because the area can be cloudy and cold.

Is the activity available in English?

Yes. The instructor speaks Spanish and English.

How large is the group?

The activity is limited to eight participants.

Can children take part?

Children under 12 are not allowed to join the activity.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.