The Barranco de Ruiz or Ruiz’ Gorge is a unique place on the north coast of Tenerife and in my opinion one of Tenerife’s great hikes which very few people know about.
In 1994 it was declared “site of scientific interest” according to the Canary Islands Natural Areas act.
The walk starts on an old “camino” (Guanche trail) along the dramatic gorge where there is much flora and fauna to be seen due to the micro-climate within the gorge. It is not only a refuge for endemic plants such as oxtongue and fragrant jasmine, it is also the habitat of numerous birds of prey such as falcons, owls and sparrow hawks and our two endemic pigeons, Bolle’s pigeon and the laurel pigeon.
After leaving the gorge, we walk through a tiny hamlet and agricultural land where in the spring, the fields are full of wild poppies. Potatoes, corn and grape vines are still grown here echoing the signs of an age gone by. We then descend another old camino down to the sea. The views of the cliffs and down to the coast are altogether breathtaking. We then walk along a lovely coastal path where old Canarian style houses can be found together with magnificent vistas of the crashing waves on the shore, giving a completely varied twist to the day.
