Climbing in the Canary Islands: A World of Contrasts
Climbing in the Canary Islands is a dramatic game of contrasts played out in the middle of the Atlantic. Imagine volcanic basalt walls slicing through deep ravines, sea-facing cliffs, and reddish rock spires whose texture changes from one island to the next, and from one aspect to another. Sheltered by the trade winds and blessed with a gentle climate almost year-round, the archipelago offers everything from beginner-friendly sectors to long, demanding walls. Here, you’ll find sharp edges, rounded holds polished by ancient lava flows, and cracks that demand thoughtful problem-solving with every move. Guaria is a prime example of this unique and compelling landscape.
The Protected Landscape of Risco de Guaria
The Risco de Guaria forms part of the Montaña de Tejina Natural Monument (code T-25), located in Guía de Isora, Tenerife. This protected area encompasses a volcanic dome and its immediate surroundings. Its status was formally established for protection under the Conservation Rules definitively approved on April 5, 2005. The monument was created to preserve unique geological values and habitats that support officially cataloged fauna and flora. Consequently, all public use must adhere to very specific rules designed to protect this fragile environment.
Planning Your Visit: The Permit System
To balance this incredible sporting experience with vital conservation efforts, the island government (Cabildo) has established a straightforward permit system: climbing is only permitted with prior authorization and is subject to a daily quota. All management is centralized through the Cabildo’s Central Nature Activity Reservation Office.
Reservations are processed online via the reservation portal by selecting the activity “Escalada en el Risco de Guaria (Monumento Natural de Montaña de Tejina)” – Climbing at Risco de Guaria (Montaña de Tejina Natural Monument). The daily quota is limited to 70 people, and each reservation can include up to 5 individuals. Reservations can be made a maximum of 15 days in advance. For organized groups, the reservation must be made in the name of the person who will act as the guide and be responsible for the group.
Important Safety and Access Information
The institutional notice importantly states that any existing fixed climbing equipment (bolts, anchors, etc.) was not installed by the Cabildo. Therefore, the authority does not assume any responsibility for their maintenance, inspection, or safety. The responsibility for their use falls entirely on the climbers themselves.
Official documents describe a wild, rugged area with no population centers within its boundaries. The main access is via a dirt track leading to the hamlet of Las Fuentes, from which traditional pathways continue into the mountain—the primary trail ascends from Las Fuentes to the summit. There are no tourist roads or internal recreational infrastructure; this is protected natural terrain with traditional access points. Always plan your trip using up-to-date cartography and ensure your itinerary strictly follows your authorization and any on-site signage.
The Allure of Guaria’s Volcanic Landscape
The magnetic draw of Guaria lies in its spectacular volcanic relief: steep slopes, massive walls, and deep ravines that compose a beautifully preserved dome landscape. This very value, combined with the presence of protected species, is the reason for the strict limits—daily quotas, the necessity of a permit, and the possibility of temporary closures if required by the Conservation Rules to ensure the area’s long-term preservation.
