Rock Climbing in the Canaries: How to Obtain a Permit to Climb Guaria
On the Canary Islands, climbers can visit the unique volcanic dome of Guaria after obtaining prior permission and adhering to quotas to preserve the natural landscape.
The Canary Islands are a true paradise for climbers! Imagine: you are climbing volcanic rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. There is everything here – from gentle slopes for beginners to steep walls for professionals. The Canary rocks are basalt, ravines, ocean views and red spiers. And each island has its own unique terrain.
Thanks to the trade winds and mild climate, you can climb here almost all year round. The rocks here are different: there are sharp holds, lava-smoothed rhombuses and cracks where you need to think carefully about how to move. This is especially true of the Guaria rock.
Guaria is part of the Montaña de Tejina Natural Park. This is a volcanic dome that has been protected by law since 2005. There is unique nature, rare plants and animals. Therefore, special rules apply here.
The goal is to preserve this volcanic landscape and its inhabitants. Therefore, on Guaria you can only climb with permission and by quota.
To obtain permission, you need to visit the website of the Central Office for Booking Nature Activities. There you need to select the event "Climbing on the Guaria Reef (natural monument Montaña de Tejina)".
The quota is 70 people per day. You can book a place for a maximum of 5 people and no earlier than 15 days before the ascent.
If you are an organized group, you need to book in the name of the guide who will be responsible for safety.
Important: the island council has not installed any additional belay points and is not responsible for their condition. Therefore, when climbing here, you are responsible for your own safety.
It is worth knowing that Guaria is a wild area, there are no settlements here. You can get there by a dirt road to the village of Las Fuentes, and then walk on foot into the mountains.
There are no tourist routes or infrastructure here. This is a protected area with traditional trails. Therefore, always take an up-to-date map with you and coordinate the route with the permit.
Guaria attracts with its volcanic terrain: steep slopes, walls and ravines form a unique landscape.
That is why there are restrictions here: quotas, permits and possible temporary bans, if nature protection requires it.