Guayadeque 
Guayadeque - Overview:
The wonderful Guayadeque ravine ('barranco') is situated between the towns of Aguimes and Ingenio, in the south east of Gran Canaria. The valley can be reached by road from both towns passing through the Troglodyte hamlet of Cueva Bermeja and ending at the small village of Montana de las Tierras, situated within the ravine. In the two settlements in the valley you'll find 3 restaurants and a bar. As well, a tiny church/chapel can be visited, carved from the rocks. Food is typical Canarian and the restaurants all offer cave rooms for dining.
Guayadeque - History and Heritage:
The outstanding environmental and historical value of this exceptional area of Gran Canaria has earned it the status of "Natural Monument" and it has also been declared an Archaeoligical Site of Cultural Interest. Population of this area dates back to the pre-hispanic age and some inhabitants still live in cavehouses in the valley. The relative isolation of this area has enabled the preservation of its natural and cultural wealth and retained centuries old traditions and practices (many of which have long disappeared from other parts of Gran Canaria).
Guayadeque - Archaeology:
The archaeological importance of Guayadeque in Gran Canaria began to be recognised towards the end of the 19th century, when the Museo Canario began its first explorations. One of the Canary Islands' most important prehistoric burial grounds is to be found here in the Natural Park of Guayadeque. The mummies and the large burial caves are the most well-known archaeological elements of the ravine but they are by no means the only ones. Other sites of tremendous archaeological value include the large troglodyte hamlets, grain stores, cave paintings and engravings.
Guayadeque - Geography:
The course of the river runs some 20km from the foothills of the Marteles crater to the area surrounding the El Burrero beach. Here the water has carved out a channel and created towering walls which are home to a considerable number of typical Gran Canarian plants. The diverse flora and fauna benefit from the variety of altitudes and temperatures which occur along the route of the ravine.
The course of the river continues to be one of the defining elements of the landscape, affecting the local way of life. It not only encourages the growth of vegetation but also provides sufficient water to cultivate adjacent smallholdings and supply the surrounding villages.
When post-Conquest historical documentation refers to Guayadeque it does so almost exclusively in relation to the exploitation of the waters, whether for supply and irrigation, or to drive the mills which have lain along its route up until the present day.
Guayadeque - Out and About: Ingenio:
Between Guayadeque and the Aguatona ravine in the north lies Ingenio, one of Gran Canaria's oldest towns. The area is predominantly agricultural with tomatoes being its main crop. It was once a prosperous sugar-refining centre in the 16th century and the remains of an old sugar cane pressing machine can be found at the eastern end, from which the town also takes its name (ingenio is a sugar mill).
Today the town is best known for its embroidery. The Museo de Piedra y Artesania (Stone and Handicraft Museum) is home to a collection of rocks and minerals, pottery, wicker works and agricultural tools, along with an embroidery school, where visitors can watch fine pieces of Gran Canarian embroidery being created.
The attractive, newly-tiled Plaza de la Candelaria, has modern fountains and is surrounded by pretty houses with wooden balconies. It is dominated by the two towers and a white dome of the impressive Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria. This landmark building is a colonial-style church, and is home to the image of the Virgin de la Candelaria (patron saint of the archipelago).
Guayadeque - Our holiday accommodation and service:
If you travel with secretdestinations.com holidays you can choose from many hand picked hotels, privately owned holiday apartments and villas with pools in privileged secluded destinations in Gran Canaria, including Guayadeque, in beautiful coastal, rural, mountain locations with an authentic taste of unspoiled Gran Canaria.
Additionally, all of the Canary Islands are ideal for a spot of winter sun. So if you're looking for an activity holiday scuba diving, walking or cycling, scuba diving or simply relaxing on beaches, sand dunes, enjoying watersports or just a spot of sunbathing, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Las Palmas, ferry travel and island car hire.
