El Rio

Last Update: by
Country: España / Spain
Subregion: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Town: El Rio
v5 a2 IV
6h30
1h
5h
30min
1430m
610m
820m
x
50m
2x60, 1x40
7000m
Car optional
Rating:
★★★★★
3 (1)
Info:
★★★
1 (1)
Belay:
★★★
2 (1)
Summary:
Deep, wild, long continuation of the Rio superiore, at first quite alpine (max. 45-50m) with ever more vegetation, but also sections with compact rock, pools, and with a lot of luck (happens every few years) running water to the end near the el Rio dam.
November - February
Summary:
Deep, wild, long continuation of the Rio superiore, at first quite alpine (max. 45-50m) with ever more vegetation, but also sections with compact rock, pools, and with a lot of luck (happens every few years) running water to the end near the el Rio dam.

Access:

Approach (1 h):

Tour (5 h):

Return (30 min):

Coordinates:

Canyon End
28.157251°, -16.538058°
DMS: 28° 9" 26.1', -17° 27" 42.99'

DM: 28° 9.435", -17° 27.717"

Google Maps
Parking at Exit
28.156607°, -16.533141°
DMS: 28° 9" 23.78', -17° 28" 0.69'

DM: 28° 9.396", -17° 28.012"

Google Maps
Parking at Entry
28.180963°, -16.550321°
DMS: 28° 10" 51.47', -17° 26" 58.84'

DM: 28° 10.858", -17° 26.981"

Google Maps
Parking lot Alternative access
28.192583°, -16.568046°
DMS: 28° 11" 33.3', -17° 25" 55.03'

DM: 28° 11.555", -17° 25.917"

Google Maps
15.12.2025 Jeroen Kirchner ★★★★★ 📖 ★★★ ★★★ 💧 Normal Completed
Snowmelt on Guajara & Teide saw moderate waterflow down to El Rio dam. This also means the pools have temporary underwater vegetation, as well as enormous rockfall. Impressive place... unfortunately rather laborous from its middle section. And a hike up for 1/2 of the 800m if you don't have a 4x4. Can be made shorter by doing the upper half or longer in combi with the sup. Anchors mostly doubled and in good condition, but also some clearly impacted by water & rockfall. One or two extra anchors would be good to have, also in the last part (guided abseils could use fixed ropes) to avoid some of the pools. Replaced a few recent steel for stainless.

Hydrology: