Trail S54 Tunte - Fataga - Arteara - Gitagana - Barranco Fataga - Maspalomas

This linear 26.8 km route descends from Tunte (947 m) to Gitagana and the mouth of Barranco de Fataga (near 2 m), running entirely along one of the few ravines in Gran Canaria where large mass landslides that have shaped the basin can be observed. The trail information classifies it as very high difficulty despite its low positive elevation gain —except for the climb at Arteara necropolis— because it combines great length, continuous sun exposure, and partial circulation on roads, with being run over as its greatest threat. Therefore, wearing a reflective vest is required.

In the descending direction it presents no progression difficulties, but it is considered extremely difficult if done in reverse, given its length and the strong elevation gain to overcome. The scarcity of tree vegetation makes the trail heavily exposed to the sun, a factor you should take into account when undertaking the route. Estimated time is 8 h 10 min.

Along the way you observe brooms, retamas, codesos, and rockroses; as you approach the coast, the vegetation changes to palm groves, cardonal, tabaibal amargo, balos, and upon reaching Maspalomas, tamarisks. The trail is well signposted, intuitive —the direction of travel is constant southward— and has no turns or junctions with other trails that could lead to confusion. It runs entirely through the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

It crosses the Arteara necropolis, where the tomb of the Great King is located and, according to the trail information, one of the few places in the world where you can see the sunrise twice during the summer equinox, with the first rays illuminating the tomb of the aboriginal leader. It also passes near other archaeological sites: Lomo Perera, Casas del Maestro, Casa del Cura, and Gitagana.

The route crosses longitudinally through the interior of the Fataga Protected Landscape (C-27) and offers high scenic value by viewing the Tirajana Basin and Barranco de Fataga down to its mouth. You can section the trail into segments or abandon it due to its proximity to urban centres with public transport stops. It has accommodation and dining services both at the start and end, and at intermediate points where urban centres are crossed.