GR®Betancuria - Pájara

Section 5

Betancuria - Pájara

We start stage 5 of the GR-131 in Betancuria, the former capital of the manor of Fuerteventura. For 1.7 km this stage shares the route with the SL-FV29 Antigua-Degollada del Marrubio Betancuria. We start from the Plaza de la Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria to the Casa de los Beneficiados, from where we descend some 150 m to reach the local road 30 via a cobbled path. We then cross this road and, a few steps further on, we come across the recently restored waterwheel of Pozo de los Peña. We will continue through a traditional cultivation area on the island, the gavias, which we will see on both sides of the path. We will ascend steadily, guided by some rows of pitas (Agave American), to Degollada del Marrubio (commonly known as Degollada de la Villa). It is here that the SL-FV 29 separates from our stage to continue towards Antigua. Stage 5 heads south and, after about 600 m, we turn right to enter a reforested pine forest that contrasts with the island's sparse arboreal vegetation. These are mainly pine plantations (Pinus canariensis, P. halepensis, P. radiata) and, to a lesser extent, other species such as wild olive trees (Olea cerasitormis), acacias (Acacia cyclops, A. cyanophyla), fruit trees, etc., which we can observe along the way. A little further on we will approach a picnic area and climb some stone steps that will lead us to the Padrones house from where we will have a glimpse of the Vega de Río Palmas. We start a descent until we reach the Parra Medina Nature Classroom, which we leave behind and head southwest along an asphalt track to enter the Barranco de Palomares ravine. The numerous prickly pear cactus plantations on the slopes, a plant of Mexican origin used in the past for the cultivation of cochineal (Dactylopius coccus). The path continues along the ravine until it reaches a small tunnel, which we will have to go through to enter the Río Palmas ravine, which we will follow for 1.5 km and where we will be able to observe numerous traditional gullies on its banks. We will also be able to see some plant elements such as Canary Island palm trees (Phoenix canariensis) and tarajales (amarix canariensis) on both sides of the path. After this section, our GR joins the SL-FV 2 Vega de Rio Palmas-Presa de las Peñitas. About 500 m further on, a bridge with several arches will appear in front of us, announcing that we must leave the ravine to turn right onto the local road V-323. Both paths continue together for another half kilometre, until the SL-FV 27 leaves our stage on a dirt track and the GR continues along the road bordering the Peñitas Dam. The abundant vegetation that surrounds the dam surprises us on an island as arid as this one. An exclusive forest of tarajales stands out, which is home to an important variety of insects. These become a great attraction for birds, which find shelter in this small grove. We will move away from the dam to enter the Granadillos Valley, in whose ravine we will observe different traditional forms of cultivation: the gavias at the bottom of the ravine, the chains on the slopes and the nateros located perpendicular to the bed of the ravine. After an ascent of approximately one kilometre, cross the local FV-30 road and continue climbing up to Degollada de Terequey (or de los Granadillos). From here, we will descend through the Barranco de Teguerey ravine, where the tabaibas (Euphorbia spp.) have reached a large size as they are sheltered from the strong wind that blows across the island. Once out of the ravine we enter the village of Toto along the street Cuesta de San Antonio. We pass the San Antonio Chapel and continue to the end of the street to turn right and enter the bed of the Toto ravine, through which we enter Pájara. The entrance to the village is indicated by the sculpture of a shepherd milking his goats on a roundabout. We take the second exit that will lead us to the end of the stage, in the Plaza de la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla.