CANARY ISLANDS

Summary

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A brief hike to a natural arch in central Fuerteventura.

Trail Stats

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Trail Details

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Located centrally on Fuerteventura Island, the Arco de las Peñitas trail offers a very short hike to a natural arch. We drove out from the town of Ajuy on the FV-621 and turned left onto the FV-627. This road took us to a parking lot and a dirt road that you could drive down toward the trails. As we noted quite a few cars parked here, we did too. Technically we parked in the over flow lot which, it turned out, was completely unnecessary. There was ample parking down that dirt road. Oh well. Not like this trail was long at all. The extra walking gave us the majority of the sparse mileage on this “hike”.

From the main parking, area head down the rocky gulley (you can’t miss it) to the left of the fenced off house. There’s a nice dog there who will likely stare at you as you pass. At the end of the gulley, turn right (there will be an abandoned building in front of you). In a few feet there’s an oasis type area that’s quite picturesque with large boulders all over the place. Quite a few people were clambering all over the boulders having a grand old time. There’s a trail that you could take here that seems to go along an old aqueduct. It didn’t seem to have any particularly grand destination so we passed on the opportunity. Plus, there were too many people and the skies were threatening rain. The forecast promised rain in fact.

Continuing on along the trail toward the arch, there are options. Trails seem to go cattywampus all over the place. The map calls out three main trail options. I’d say they are more closely resembling three vague ideas of where to go. The trails fade in and out of visibility. However, all have one thing in common. They go straight up. So. If you don’t like trail finding (even in such a short distance) or at least following wherever the other hikers are going, this may not be your trail.

Just as we began our ascent, the skies above decided to let loose their moisture. Hello rain. Luckily we had our trusty rain jackets. The best thing about rain is it sure can clear out a trail. The faint hearted scurry away in rapid form. Impressive as those rocks became slick as snot.

Somewhere along here we came across, well rather heard first, a rather unpleasant man. He was obviously quite perturbed and angry. It seemed the couple (there was a very nice lady with him) were having trouble finding the path to the arch. Welcome to the club. We all were. But, he was mad. Slipping around on those slick rocks. Doug had a theory he was mad about getting his nice shoes dirty. Maybe. He passed us in a grand huff. Doug stopped and talked to the gal. Showed her where the trail was on our map. We were headed the correct direction. She called after her wayward jerk, I mean partner. To which he hollered back, “I DON’T CARE.” Welp. There’s one way to finalize a bad impression. Sir, you are an ass. And if you’re a true couple, she should dump your butt. That behavior will only worsen with time. Sadly, the gal turned embarrassed eyes to us, shrugged and headed after him. I wanted to give him a good thump on the head for her. We later saw them at dinner and he was in much better spirits.

Continuing on, we blundered our way to the arch, meaning we faked it until we got there. The arch itself is, well an arch. Rather difficult to get a good photo of. There was a lovely group already there and everyone was happily snapping photos of each other. Those invasive squirrels were all over the place, running into and around packs looking for a quick nibble.

We took a few pictures ourselves. Stood in the arch, which was quite sloped and slippery. Afterward, we settled onto a nice rock ledge to enjoy lunch. While shooing relentless squirrels away.

A remarkably friendly Italian (from Capri) joined the arch gang. His two buddies were visible down the trail and were side tracked by the squirrels. We chatted with this gentleman about everything from his love of fishing, tourists (Capri is a major tourist destination), learning languages and life in general. Great guy. He had one of those squirrels jump onto his shoulder and hang out there. Hilarious.

We chose the “center” route for our descent. It was fairly steep and slippery. As we moved along you could hear intermittent squeals from people as they slipped and tripped along the trail. Everyone seemed thrilled to be there. Guess the rain chased out the Debbie downers.

The natural arch is well worth a brief visit as long as you’re able to clamber around on boulders and tolerate steep rocky inclines. Make sure to wear adequate footwear. Just perhaps not your favorite fancy shoes. And bring a rain jacket, weather depending.

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