Gran Canaria is home to countless beautiful natural spots. Think of the pristine sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south, the stunning west coast with its towering cliffs and the natural pools in the north of Gran Canaria. The island’s inland areas also showcase Mother Nature’s talent for creating breathtaking sights. One of these gems is Tobas de Colores del Barranco de las Vacas, better known to most as Barranco de las Vacas. It’s a place you definitely should visit when exploring the inland beauty of Gran Canaria.
Antelope Canyon of Gran Canaria
When you see photos of Tobas de Colores, you’ll likely immediately think of Antelope Canyon in the United States. It’s not surprising, as both places were shaped by similar weathering processes. The rock in the canyon is of volcanic origin, called tuff; layers of compressed volcanic ash. Tuff is a soft, porous and easily carved stone, making it susceptible to the effects of wind and water. Over thousands of years, these elements have shaped the stunning formations we see in Tobas de Colores today.
While Antelope Canyon in the United States is 200 meters long (Upper Antelope Canyon) and even 407 meters long (Lower Antelope Canyon), Tobas de Colores is no longer than 50 meters. The height difference is also significant. In Antelope Canyon, the walls can reach up to 37 meters, almost five times higher than the walls of Tobas de Colores. So, it’s definitely the little brother of Antelope Canyon, but on a smaller scale, it’s equally impressive.
Tobas de Colores, part of Barranco de las Vacas
For a long time, the Tobas de Colores canyon was a hidden gem on Gran Canaria, until photos of it started appearing more frequently on social media. From that moment on, the place seems to have become more popular than any other spot on the island. The 50-meter-long canyon, shaped by wind and weather, is part of the much larger Barranco de las Vacas. The locals gave this beautiful section the name Tobas de Colores. Or more precisely, Tobas de Colores del Barranco de las Vacas. However, the canyon is mainly tagged as Barranco de las Vacas, which can cause some confusion.
How to get to Tobas de Colores?
When you enter “Barranco de las Vacas” in Google Maps, it will direct you to the wrong location. Upon arriving by car, you might think, “Yes, we’re here!” as there are official brown signs with “Barranco de Las Vacas” written on them. However, this is the southern section of the canyon. Tobas de Colores is located in the northern part of the canyon. To find the correct location, enter “Tobas de Colores Barranco de las Vacas” in Google Maps and you’ll be directed to the right spot. The map below shows exactly what I mean. The (lower) hairpin bend on the GC-551 is the wrong one. The correct turn is shown at the top of the map where “Barranco de Las Vacas” appears with the camera icon, on the GC-550 from Agüimes towards Temisas.
A bit more about the “wrong” turn at Barranco de las Vacas
The photos below show where we initially ended up (the lower bend, at the southern end of the Barranco de las Vacas canyon). Here, you can also park by the side of the road and we then walk up the path at the bend. We enter a narrow gorge filled with loose stones. This is the southern part of Barranco de las Vacas and the area is marked as such. The gorge becomes narrower and eventually ends. In this area, there is an old mine and a very steep path leads up the rock face. Many people climb up here, but something tells us that we’re not in the right spot. We notice that everyone is searching for the right place, but due to our lack of English-speaking skills, we can’t communicate with most of them.
The gorge here doesn’t feel safe at all, with all the loose stones. These stones are also hanging from the walls and everything looks very unstable. In many places, it seems that a large amount of stones has recently fallen. We quickly decide to leave and search for the correct part of the canyon.
The right spot to visit Barranco de las Vacas
When you arrive, it’s immediately clear that we are at the right place. It’s busy here! Only a few cars can park by the road near the bend. Drive a bit further past the next bend (towards Temisas), where there is plenty of space to park by the side of the road. You’ll need to walk a bit back along the road to reach the gorge. It’s not the most pleasant walk along the road, even though it’s short. Since the traffic needs to climb, cars often come around the bend quite fast. Once you reach Tobas de Colores, you can climb over the guardrail on the inside of the bend and walk down. Here, you’ll see a tunnel under the main road. Walk through it and you’ll arrive at Tobas de Colores.
Tip: Wear good shoes. We also see people wearing flip-flops; that’s fine in the gorge itself, but the section down to it is quite steep and slippery in some spots. Hiking boots aren’t necessary, but sneakers with some grip are definitely recommended.
What is the best time to visit Tobas de Colores del Barranco de las Vacas?
The canyon can get very crowded, especially midday and on weekends. If you want to see the canyon change color beautifully, it’s a good idea to visit early in the morning (shortly after sunrise) on a sunny day. At this time, you’ll have the canyon almost to yourself and you’ll witness stunning light reflections that make the walls seem to change color. This is also the best time to park close by, so you won’t need to walk along the road. If you can’t make it early in the morning, try to go on a weekday instead of the weekend. The chances of fewer people being in Tobas de Colores are also higher at the end of the day or early evening, rather than at midday.
Tips for photographing in Tobas de Colores del Barranco de las Vacas
If you want to take photos at a relaxed pace in Tobas de Colores del Barranco de las Vacas, it’s definitely recommended to arrive very early. During the day, you’ll have to wait your turn to capture photos in the best spots. It can also be difficult to take pictures without someone walking through your frame. Early in the morning, you won’t have this issue. At most, there may be someone who has the same idea, but in a 50-meter-long canyon, you won’t get in each other’s way.
Is direct sunlight hitting the canyon when you’re there? Make sure to shoot in RAW and underexpose your images. The dark areas will appear very dark, but you can brighten them later during editing. The focus is mainly on the lighter parts. By underexposing, you’ll keep enough detail in these bright areas, which would otherwise be completely overexposed. When I visited, the sun wasn’t shining, so I didn’t experience harsh light, but the color change of the rock is less pronounced in cloudy weather than on sunny days. Each situation has its advantages and disadvantages, as you can see!
Discover Gran Canaria with a rental car
Want to explore even more beautiful spots on Gran Canaria? The best way to do so is with a rental car. Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit hidden gems and scenic locations at your own pace, without relying on public transportation. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to the insurance options when renting a car. Some rental agencies may offer basic insurance, but it’s often wise to opt for comprehensive coverage that includes theft protection and collision damage waivers. This is especially important if you’re planning to drive in more rugged areas or unfamiliar roads. The last thing you want is to be left with unexpected expenses in case of an accident or damage to the vehicle. Always check the details of the policy, including any excess or deductibles and consider additional coverage if necessary.
Overnight stays in the inland of Gran Canaria
In the inland of Gran Canaria, you’ll find beautiful places to stay. A real recommendation is Villa Nestor in Ingenio, a stunning property right in the center of Ingenio. It’s been beautifully renovated while maintaining its original features. Villa Nestor boasts a lovely rooftop terrace and the Dutch owners serve delicious breakfasts. If I’d known about this place earlier, I would have booked multiple nights here! In the charming, small town of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Rural Suite Santiago de Tunte is a great spot to stay. It offers a few authentic accommodations with a cute and colorful courtyard.
If you’re looking for more space, Hotel Rural Hacienda del Buen Suceso in Arucas is a perfect choice. This former hacienda is surrounded by banana plantations and it’s especially worth a stay if you’re into photography. The picturesque surroundings will provide you with plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful shots.
