When you think of Fuerteventura, beaches spring to mind. Venture inland, though, and you’ll find landscapes with a very different feel. The Las Peñitas ravine is one of them: a rocky valley dotted with palm trees, quiet paths and a natural stone arch whose outline recalls an elephant’s head.
It’s a short, easy walk and the perfect way to discover another side of the island. Fancy giving it a go?
The Las Peñitas ravine in Fuerteventura: a different kind of landscape
This is one of the oldest landscapes on Fuerteventura. The rocks here are millions of years old and form part of the Betancuria massif, among the most ancient geological areas in the Canary Islands. Over time, wind and water have sculpted a narrow ravine, with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and clusters of palm trees growing in the cracks.
Unlike other ravines on the island, the terrain here has more relief. You’ll find polished rock faces, little rises with views and narrow passes that demand some attention. It’s also one of the few places on the island where palm groves have survived naturally, adding a photogenic contrast to the landscape.
One of its main attractions is the walk up to the Las Peñitas arch, a rock formation that many say resembles an elephant’s head thanks to its curved, elongated shape. The climb is short but rewarding, with sweeping views once you arrive. It’s not a long route, though some steeper stretches are best taken slowly.
How to get to the Las Peñitas ravine: access and route
The Las Peñitas ravine lies between the villages of Ajuy and La Vega de Río Palmas, in the central-west of the island. The simplest way to get there is by car, along the FV-621 road. The best option is to leave your vehicle in the car park by the Casa Naturaleza restaurant, in La Vega de Río Palmas. From there, the path begins.
The route is around 3.5 kilometres with just over 100 metres of elevation gain. While there are a few uphill stretches, it’s not especially demanding. Most of the path is well marked and easy to follow. Even so, good footwear, sun protection and water are essential, especially if you set off in the heat of the day.
The trail starts out broad and open, gradually narrowing between rocky walls. You’ll pass patches of vegetation and drier ground. The final climb up to the Las Peñitas arch is steeper than the rest of the route, but manageable if you take your time and have a reasonable level of fitness.
What to see in the Las Peñitas ravine
Although the stone arch is the star of the show, there are several points of interest along the way that deserve a pause.
The hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña
Halfway along the ravine, tucked among palm trees, stands a small white chapel: the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, patron saint of Fuerteventura. According to tradition, several apparitions of the Virgin took place here after the conquest of the island, leading to the building of this modest shrine.
Every year, on the third Saturday in September, a popular pilgrimage is held here, with hundreds of islanders bringing offerings. The chapel is simple, but it holds deep symbolic value for the people of Fuerteventura.
The Las Peñitas dam
A little further on you’ll come across one of the more unusual sights on the route: an old dam built in the 1930s, now out of use. Dams are rare in Fuerteventura, so this structure is striking against the arid backdrop. Although it no longer fulfils its original purpose, it still retains some water during rainy periods and creates a small ecosystem around it.
The Las Peñitas arch
From the dam, the trail begins to climb. The ascent to the arch is short but steeper than the rest of the walk. At the top, you’ll find panoramic views of the ravine and the wider Betancuria Rural Park. This elevated spot is also known as the Las Peñitas viewpoint, offering wide, photogenic vistas.
And right there, nestled among the rocks, is the Las Peñitas arch itself. Its shape is said to resemble an elephant’s head, with a smooth curve that juts out against the landscape. It’s one of those places where you want to stop, sit for a while and simply enjoy the silence.
Tips for your visit
Although the walk through the Las Peñitas ravine isn’t particularly long or technical, there are a few things to bear in mind if you want to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.
The first is footwear. Sturdy hiking shoes, or at least trainers with a good grip, are important as the path includes loose stones and a few steeper stretches. It’s also advisable to bring water, a light snack and sun protection. There is little shade along much of the route, and the Fuerteventura sun can be intense, even in winter.
The best time to do the walk is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially in the hotter months. Avoid the middle of the day, when the heat is strongest and the path becomes more demanding.
Finally, although the trail is well signposted, it’s worth checking the route before you set off. Mobile coverage is available for most of the way, but it’s always wise to carry a map or a downloaded hiking app, just in case.
Where to stay near the Las Peñitas ravine
Travelling around Fuerteventura takes time, calm and somewhere comfortable to rest. If you’d like some inspiration, check out our article What to do in Fuerteventura in a week. If you’re already planning to explore the Las Peñitas ravine or head into the island’s interior, staying in the south can be a practical choice. From there, it’s just over an hour’s drive to reach this and other routes.
At Lopesan Hotel Group we have two properties in Morro Jable that are ideal for this type of trip. The IFA Altamarena Hotel, right by Jandía beach, is a family-friendly option with direct access to the sea and all the services you need after a day of walking.
If you’re after something quieter or travelling as a group, the Villas Altamarena provide more space, direct access to the seafront promenade and a relaxed atmosphere. Both options allow you to enjoy the south of Fuerteventura while still exploring hidden corners like the Las Peñitas ravine.
We’ll be waiting for you!
