Update on the Barranco del Infierno in Costa Adeje
December 6, 2011 3 CommentsBefore anyone gets excited, there’s nothing new to report but we thought it was about time to provide an update on the situation… such as it is.
The Barranco del Infierno has been closed to the public for more than two years and there appears to be little sign of anything changing in the near future.
Reports suggest that both the Tenerife Cabildo (Government) and the local authorities in Adeje want the Barranco to re-open but there has to be an agreement between both before it can happen. However, where the Cabildo suggested that the Barranco del Infierno could open if walkers were told of the risk and provided with a safety helmet, the local council in Adeje felt this wasn’t enough of a guarantee against injury and subsequent possible proceedings against them for criminal liability.
The result is that an impasse has been reached until this particular part of Tenerife’s natural beauty is made completely safe – not something easily achieved where nature is concerned.
We checked the situation at the Barranco del Infierno out this week and sure enough the small offices and the gate at the entrance to the ravine remains closed. A sign warns of the risk of entering the ravine but, whilst we tucked into Adeje’s famous pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken) at Otelo’s, I counted four groups of walkers who completely ignored the warning signs.
I can understand why the sign is ignored. All experienced walkers know that nature can be dangerous, it’s not a situation that is exclusive to the Barranco del Infierno. When walking on Tenerife, just like walking most places, you’ve got to be aware of your surroundings whether there is or isn’t a warning sign.
The Barranco del Infierno may be closed but there are still plenty of people unofficially enjoying the second most popular walking route on Tenerife.
The situation regarding Hell’s Ravine remains…well, hellish.
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[...] location in Adeje overlooking the ruggedly dramatic and shut (possibly soon to be re-opened) Barranco de Infierno has the draw of a Klingon tractor beam for tourists, as does its reputation for serving the local [...]
Just got back the day i was there at least 20 people did the walk,no problems at all,why dont they make it free enter at your own risk.
I was down there last week and like you saw at least 20 people + walk the barranco. Lots of people simply ignore the signs nowadays. I suppose they’re tired of waiting for anything to happen.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The latest news is that the barranco will open again some time this year. There are still a few technicalities to sort out and when we hear anything for definite we’ll add another update.