Visiting the Arco de las Peñitas in Fuerteventura is a great bucket list item for hikers and nature lovers. This natural arch is a hidden gem at the Barranco de las Peñitas, where you can walk among impressive rock formations and enjoy some peaceful outdoor time.
The Barranco de las Penitas and its arch are two of the coolest places to visit in Fuerteventura, but they’re a bit off the beaten track. If you don’t know where to go, you could end up wandering for a while trying to find it. Don’t worry because I’ll tell you how to get to the Arco de las Penitas, what to expect along the hiking trail, and some suggestions on what to do in the nearby area.
Visiting Fuerteventura’s Barranco de las Peñitas is well worth it since you’ll get to witness the volcanic terrain, mountainous reliefs, and abundant biodiversity of Betancuria National Park. The hike is one of the best trails in Fuerteventura, with beautiful scenery and spectacular panoramic views. So, if you’re ready for an adventure, keep reading!
Visiting the Arco de las Peñitas
Getting to the Arco de las Peñitas isn’t exactly straightforward, but it’s not too difficult. The Barranco de las Penitas hike is a moderate hike, with some rocky sections and a few areas with steep terrain. If you’re in relatively good shape, you shouldn’t have any problems.
The route’s total elevation gain is about 560 feet, but it increases incrementally, so you’ll hardly notice it. As you make the ascent to the arch, it gets a bit steeper, but it’s not terrible. The entire route takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, accounting for rest breaks and stops to take photos and appreciate the views.
Visiting the Arco de las Peñitas
The trail begins in the village of Vega de Río Palmas, a quaint hamlet that encompasses the true essence of the Canary Islands. The village is made up of small traditional houses and, unlike other more arid parts of the island, is full of palm trees and green vegetation.
As the official hike to the Barranco de las Penitas, the trail is very well marked, with signs guiding you along the way. The total distance is 3.7 miles, including the detour to the Arco de las Penitas.
That said, you can also start from Buen Paso, which has a small parking lot. From there, follow the Barranco de Malpaso. It’s a shorter route, but you’ll miss some of the most interesting rock formations and views.
Barranco de las Peñitas hike
Along the Barranco de las Peñitas hike, you’ll find a serene environment and a landscape that changes as you go. In addition to the cliffs and rock formations, you can see a variety of native flora and fauna.
This is somewhat surprising, considering the arid conditions, but some plant species have managed to survive the dry terrain. Keep your eyes peeled for thistles and tabaibas, a type of shrub native to the Canary Islands. Curiously, there are also some gigantic palm trees that disrupt the brown desert climate.
While it doesn’t rain often, after a downpour, little water holes form along the trail. They’re great cooling-off spots for critters, so you might see wild goats, small reptiles, and birds of prey.
Barranco de las Peñitas hike
As you continue along the Arco de las Peñitas route, you will come across the famous Ermita del Barranco de las Peñitas. This 18th-century hermitage stands in the center of the ravine and was a popular historical and cultural site for religious pilgrims. It’s dedicated to the Virgen de la Peña (Virgin of the Rock), who, according to legend, appeared to the locals right there. While tiny, the rustic hermitage is an intriguing sight, especially amidst such a remote and isolated environment.
Ermita del Barranco de las Peñitas
After the hermitage, there is a detour to the right that makes a steep descent before climbing back up to the Arco de las Penitas. This is my favorite part of the route, as the path takes you through impressive rock formations that attest to Fuerteventura’s volcanic origin. If you pay attention, you’ll notice different textures and colors on the 500-foot-tall rock walls, the result of constant wind erosion.
Arco de las Peñitas
At the end of the route, you’ll find the Arco de las Peñitas, a geological formation that stands out among the volcanic landscape thanks to its distinct arch shape. There are other archaeological sites, settlement ruins, and even caves and aboriginal rock carvings in this area, but they’re hard to find on your own. If you want to see all these sites and learn more about the history of the island, you’re better off booking a guided tour.
Mirador de las Peñitas
Finally, as I mentioned, there are panoramic lookout points along the trail. However, I’m partial to the Mirador de las Peñitas. I’m not referring to the viewpoint that can be seen from the road but to the views that you get on the way back to Vega de Río Palma, just before the hermitage. From here, you can admire the immensity of the ravine and the color contrast of its surroundings, with the palm trees of Vega de Río in the background. It’s also a great resting spot before finishing the hike.
Arco de las Peñitas trail map
I recommend downloading this map and keeping it handy. It shows not only the Arco de las Peñitas route but also some nearby attractions and hotels:
Things to do near the Arco de las Peñitas
Once you finish the route to the Barranco de las Penitas and see the arch, you can explore some other interesting places in the area. Visiting the Arco de las Penitas should only take a couple of hours, so here are some ideas to add to your itinerary:
Visit the town of Betancuria
Betancuria is one of the most beautiful towns in Fuerteventura, and it’s just 6 miles from the Barranco de las Peñitas, so you can visit it before or after your hike.
The town was the former capital of the island and was founded by Jean de Bethencourt, to whom it owes its name. As such, many of the attractions in Betancuria are nestled among the traditional buildings and along the cobblestone streets.
There are also a few museums here where you can learn more about the town’s history. For example, the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Betancuria exhibits historical tools and artifacts, while the Convent of San Buenaventura was the Canary Islands’ first convent, so it’s a fascinating place to visit.
Betancuria
Although Betancuria’s historic center suffered from several pirate attacks over the centuries, you can still appreciate some of its old-fashioned buildings, which have been remodeled to preserve the original structure. The Church of Santa María de Betancuria is one of the most important monuments on the island. Dating back to the 15th century, it brings together a variety of architectural elements from different time periods.
In addition to the traditions and history of Betancuria, I recommend taking advantage of your visit to enjoy some of the top-rated restaurants in Fuerteventura, which are located right in town.
Vega de Río Palmas
Even if you decide to start the Barranco de las Penitas hike in Buen Paso, I still recommend visiting Vega de Río Palmas. This small town has a unique charm, thanks to its traditional rural Canarian homes with white walls and stately patios.
Vega de Río Palmas
Besides the Arco de las Penitas route, there are other trails you can take from Vega de Río Palmas. You can also head to the Embalse de la Peña, a scenic lake with an old iron bridge and an 18th-century sanctuary dedicated to the Virgen de la Peña.
Mirador de Guise y Ayose
The Guise y Ayose Viewpoint is one of Fuerteventura’s most impressive lookout points, so don’t miss your chance to capture a postcard-worthy picture of the surroundings. From here, you can see the mountains of the Betancuria Valley and its unique vegetation.
Mirador de Guise y Ayose
The viewpoint is 6 miles from the Barranco de las Peñitas, and the entrance is flanked by two 13-foot sculptures known as the Kings Ayose and Guise. These two historical figures ruled over the island until it was conquered by the Normans, but their legacy still lives on.
Swim in the Aguas Verdes natural pools
If you’re craving a refreshing dip after hiking the Barranco de las Peñitas, I have the perfect solution: the Aguas Verdes natural pool. This is one of the most famous lagoons in Fuerteventura and is best enjoyed at low tide when the currents aren’t overpowering.
Again, this natural pool is quite popular, so it can get crowded. Still, it’s worth a visit, especially if you want to relax after a long walk. If you bring your swim goggles, you can see the underwater marine life.
Aguas Verdes natural pools
Another option is heading to Playa del Valle, a fine sand beach with calm waves and clear waters. Both Aguas Verdes and Playa del Valle are about 12.5 miles from the Arco de las Peñitas, so you can easily get there in your Fuerteventura rental car.
Explore the Ajuy Caves
Finally, the Ajuy Caves are among the 150 places with the greatest geological value in the world, so I can’t recommend them enough. They’re just over 12 miles from Fuerteventura’s Barranco de las Peñitas, so you can tack it onto your itinerary. Another option is this guided tour, which takes you to both the Arco de las Penitas and the Ajuy Caves.
The Ajuy Caves are characterized by their 130-foot-tall cliffs, which offer panoramic views of the coastline. The caves were formed by the repeated crash of the sea waves, a powerful force you can still hear today.
Ajuy Caves
The color contrast of the basalt cliff walls and the turquoise water is quite striking, so bring your camera. Entrance to the caves is free, and I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds.
How to get to the Barranco de las Peñitas
As you can see, the Barranco de las Peñitas is well worth visiting, and there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area. Now, let’s get into how to get there:
Take a guided tour
First, it’s worth noting that there are several great excursions in Fuerteventura that’ll take you to the Barranco de las Peñitas. Not only will you not have to worry about figuring out how to get to the Arco de las Peñitas, but you’ll be able to maximize your time and see other attractions in one go.
Plus, you’ll have the knowledge of a professional guide, who will give some historical and geological context to your visit.
Get to the Arco de las Peñitas with a guided tour
I specifically like this tour, which begins with a hike through the Barranco de las Penitas. Your guide will lead you along the trail, stopping at interesting sites like the hermitage and the arch. Then, you’ll go to the village of Ajuy to see the caves, followed by free time to relax on the beach or walk through town.
Go by car
If you have your own vehicle or a Fuerteventura rental car, you can visit the Arco de las Penitas yourself. We’ve rented cars on the island several times, and we love going through DiscoverCars, a reliable platform with a wide selection and great rates.
Get to the Barranco de las Peñitas by car
No matter which town you pick up the car from, you can take the FV-30 road to Vega de Río Palmas in the center of the island. The road is well-maintained and paved, with plenty of signs and nice views along the way.
I don’t recommend public transportation since it’s primarily designed for locals and drags out your travel time. However, you could take bus line 2 from Puerto del Rosario to Vega de Río Palmas.
Where to stay near the Barranco de las Peñitas
If you want to stay someplace close to the Barranco de las Penitas, I have a few suggestions:
- Luxury: Casa Milagrito, in the town of Betancuria, is the perfect place to make yourself at home while traveling. This rural house has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 5 guests. Plus, it has beautiful modern facilities like a fully equipped kitchen and a garden with a barbecue.
- Mid-price: Also in Betancuria, Casa Princess Arminda is a traditional Canarian house that’s been renovated for travelers. It’s ideal for couples, featuring double rooms with original wooden details and stone floors. Alternatively, the Apartamento Ajuy, in the village of Ajuy, has comfortable rooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. Finally, over in Antigua, the Hotel Rural Era de la Corte is one of the first rural hotels on the island, dating back to 1890. It’s specifically designed for adults, so you’re guaranteed peace and quiet.
- Budget: If you want to travel cheaply, a good way to save money is to go camping in Fuerteventura. You can rent a campervan in Fuerteventura and spend the night for free in one of the lots in Betancuria. This way, you can get an early start and do the hike before the hottest part of the day.
That’s everything you should know about how to visit the Arco de las Peñitas! Don’t forget to share your experience hiking the Barranco de las Peñitas below. I’d also be happy to answer any questions you still have.
Enjoy your trip to Fuerteventura!
