Embalse de las Peñitas
Discover the dramatic desert canyon of Barranco de las Peñitas, home to the iconic Arco de las Peñitas and an impressive historic dam.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Embalse de las Peñitas
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the dramatic desert canyon of Barranco de las Peñitas, home to the iconic Arco de las Peñitas and an impressive historic dam.
"A beautiful hiking trail, one of the most beautiful hikes in Fuerteventura."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is rocky and uneven; good hiking boots are a must for safety and comfort.
Bring plenty of water :droplet:
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Facilities are scarce.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arco de las Peñitas
Barranco de las Peñitas
A stunning natural rock arch sculpted by wind and time, perfect for photos.
Presa de las Peñitas Dam
Barranco de las Peñitas
An impressive 22-meter high dam, a testament to engineering with unique rock formations.
Desert Canyon Landscape
Barranco de las Peñitas
Experience a unique desert environment with reed forests and towering rock faces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Footwear & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is rocky and uneven; good hiking boots are a must for safety and comfort.
Bring plenty of water :droplet:
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Facilities are scarce.
Capture the arch :camera_with_flash:
The Arco de las Peñitas is a prime photo spot, but be mindful of the terrain.
Look for wildlife :squirrel:
You might spot cute African squirrels along the way!
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is rocky and uneven; good hiking boots are a must for safety and comfort.
Bring plenty of water :droplet:
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Facilities are scarce.
Capture the arch :camera_with_flash:
The Arco de las Peñitas is a prime photo spot, but be mindful of the terrain.
Look for wildlife :squirrel:
You might spot cute African squirrels along the way!
Check weather warnings :warning:
Be aware of potential flash floods in the canyon after rain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique desert canyon scenery and the impressive Arco de las Peñitas, often describing the hike as one of Fuerteventura's most beautiful. While the dam is historically interesting, many note the reservoir is often dry, and the landscape is more about the geological formations and the hike itself. Some find the terrain challenging and advise thorough preparation.
"Jaccuzies!"
Jan Lijffijt
"FUERTEVENTURA DUKE:
From the parking lot, a path leads towards the mountains. At the fork in the path, take the right-hand trail to reach an old dam. Follow the green and white markings. Along the way, you'll find a small chapel and several pools of water. There are many very curious chipmunks here."
INIKI
"For those who don't necessarily want to hike through a gorge for several hours, I can definitely recommend this one. The path is easy to walk, but you should wear sturdy shoes, and above all, the trail is quite varied. If you enter the gorge from above, you first pass through a small palm grove. The gorge itself also offers interesting rock formations and geological strata. You'll frequently encounter small ground squirrels along the way, and you can easily spot some mountain goats. There's also a small chapel in the middle of the gorge. We hiked to the other end of the gorge and then back again. It took us about three hours, including short breaks."
Alexandra F.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Embalse de las Peñitas is by car. There's a small parking lot near 'Casa Naturalessa' from where the hiking trail begins. Some visitors mention coming from the direction of Ajuy or via the small town of Rio Palmas.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the specific trailheads. Renting a car is highly recommended for easier access to the Barranco de las Peñitas.
The drive can involve unpaved roads, especially if you're looking for more remote access points. Be cautious and check your rental car's insurance policy regarding off-road driving.
Yes, several tour operators offer guided hikes to Embalse de las Peñitas, which can be a great option if you prefer not to drive or navigate yourself.
The nearest significant town is Betancuria, a historic village that is also worth visiting. Ajuy is another nearby coastal village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Embalse de las Peñitas or hike in the Barranco de las Peñitas. It's a natural attraction.
As a natural area, Embalse de las Peñitas does not have set opening hours. It's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for the hiking trails leading to the dam and the Arco de las Peñitas.
While accessible anytime, visiting during daylight hours is strongly advised for safety. Avoid visiting after dark or during heavy rain due to potential flash floods.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and stay on marked trails where possible. Be mindful of the terrain and weather conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include hiking through the canyon, admiring the natural rock arch (Arco de las Peñitas), and exploring the historic dam structure. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying desert landscapes. 
The hike to the dam from the parking area near Casa Naturalessa is approximately 5 km one way, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace.
Expect a dramatic desert canyon with towering rock faces, reed forests, and unique geological formations. The dam itself is built from ancient plutonic igneous rocks.
No, the reservoir often has very little or no water due to silting and salinity, though the dam structure remains an impressive sight.
There are very limited facilities directly at the dam or along the hiking trail. It's advisable to use restrooms and stock up on supplies before you start your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arco de las Peñitas is a must-capture. The dam itself, with its unique rock formations, and the dramatic canyon landscapes offer numerous photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and softer hues.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the arch and canyon. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Yes, be extremely careful when navigating rocky areas for the perfect shot. The terrain can be treacherous.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in this natural area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the harshest sun. While the Arco de las Peñitas is a visual treat, supervise children closely when exploring near rocky areas. The dam itself is an interesting sight, offering a glimpse into the island's past efforts in water management. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about geology and nature in a memorable setting.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Presa de las Peñitas dam itself, with its ancient, colorful rock formations, provides a compelling subject, showcasing the island's geological history. The Barranco de las Peñitas canyon offers a diverse photographic palette, from arid desert vistas to surprisingly lush reed beds and imposing rock walls.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the scale of the arch and the vastness of the canyon. Be prepared for challenging terrain when seeking out the best angles; safety should always be the priority. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images in varying light conditions and be mindful of potential dust. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The well-defined path (though sometimes rocky) leads to the impressive Presa de las Peñitas dam and the iconic Arco de las Peñitas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and History of the Dam
Historically, the dam was crucial for irrigating the surrounding fields, playing a vital role in local agriculture. However, over time, high concentrations of sediments caused by erosion and increased salinity have rendered it largely ineffective for farming. Today, it serves as a habitat for various bird species and vegetation, showcasing nature's resilience and adaptation.
Visitors often remark on the dam's impressive engineering, especially considering its age and the challenging Fuerteventura landscape. The contrast between the ancient rock formations and the arid surroundings makes it a unique point of interest for those exploring the island's interior.
Hiking the Barranco de las Peñitas
The path is approximately 8.5 km round trip to the dam, with many choosing to hike just to the dam and back, which is about 5 km. The terrain can be challenging, with rocky sections and uneven ground, making sturdy hiking shoes essential.
Along the way, keep an eye out for the island's unique wildlife. Visitors have reported spotting adorable African squirrels, adding a delightful surprise to the hiking experience.
The Iconic Arco de las Peñitas
+1Reaching the arch involves a hike through the canyon, and while the journey is rewarding, the terrain requires careful footing. The visual impact of the arch against the rugged Fuerteventura landscape is striking, making it a popular spot for memorable photos.
+1Many travelers seek out this spot for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot, but it's important to balance the desire for a great photo with safety. The natural beauty of the arch is best appreciated with a sense of respect for the environment and the geological processes that created it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit