The "Ravin de l'Enfer" lives up to its name poorly. It is a lush canyon, carved by millennia of erosion, that ends with a waterfall at the bottom of the canyon (spectacular after winter rains, sometimes reduced to a trickle in summer) falling into a natural pool surrounded by vertical cliffs. Morning light descends through the canyon's opening and illuminates the mist against the light — one of the most photographed sights on the island. It is one of Tenerife's hikes with strictly regulated access: 300 people per day maximum, mandatory reservation.
6.5 km round trip from the village of Adeje. The path runs along the bottom of the barranco between walls that rise 300 metres. The vegetation changes as you go: cacti and spurges at the entrance, ferns and mosses at the bottom. The elevation gain is moderate (~350m) and the climb is gradual. Only the last section before the waterfall requires attention — large rocks, narrow passages, and often wet. The return is by the same path. Allow 3 to 3.5 hours without hurrying. Your knees will work on the descent — take your time.
Book on barrancodelinfierno.es at least 3-4 days in advance. In high season (July-August, Christmas, Easter Week), minimum 1 week. Rates: check the daily price on barrancodelinfierno.es (often around €15 for non-resident adults in 2025-26; children 5-12 at reduced rate). Under 5s not admitted. The website assigns you a time slot — arrive 15 minutes before. Without a reservation, the guard at the entrance will turn you away without exception. The 8am and 8:30am slots are the best: fewer people, raking light in the canyon, and you pass the stragglers on the way down rather than having them behind you.
The waterfall is spectacular after winter rains (December-March) — a 200-metre curtain of water in the natural amphitheatre at the bottom of the canyon. In summer (July-September), it can be reduced to a trickle or be completely dry. The canyon remains magnificent even without water — the walls, the light, the vegetation are worth the trip. Swimming in the pool has been prohibited since 2019 (risk of rockfalls). Stay behind the safety line, even if others don't.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory — guards check at the entrance. No sandals, no flip-flops, no dress shoes. Bring 1.5L of water minimum per person (no water points on the trail), a hat for exposed sections, and sunscreen. Hiking poles are not necessary but useful for sensitive knees on the return. Dogs are not allowed. Watch out for rockfalls in the last section — the signs are there for a reason.
The start of the trail is 10 minutes' walk from Adeje town centre. Park at the free municipal car park on Calle Guillén — it fills up quickly, arrive before 9am. The village is worth a stroll: the Casa Fuerte (16th-century fortress, free museum), the Church of Santa Úrsula on the main square, and the narrow streets climbing up towards the barranco with views of the terraced crops. After the hike, the Casa Tino restaurant on Adeje square serves potaje de berros (watercress soup) and grilled pork ribs that set you right. The locals go there — it's a good sign.