Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist

Maspalomas Camel Tour

Tucked away in the southern tip of Gran Canaria is an oasis of unmatched beauty that'll make you think you're in the Sahara desert. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are hemmed in by the resorts of Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Meloneras – and there's no more authentic way to explore them than on the back of a camel.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist

Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs. Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged. Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away. Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.

Sioux City Entrance

Think thundering hooves, whirring spurs and shouts of ‘yeehah' on this trip to Sioux City – the Canaries' most authentic cowboy themed adventure park. Wandering the dusty streets of a replica old west town, the action happens all around you. From cattle runs and horseshows to gunfights and bank heists, it's an entertainment extravaganza, Wild West style.Kick off the adventure the moment you step foot in the park. Originally a movie set for a spaghetti western, it's all swinging saloon doors and one-room jailhouses. Packed with gun-slinging characters, it feels every bit the authentic American west.Throughout the day, you'll be wowed by cattle runs, horseshows, duels, fights and more – some when you least expect it. Don't miss out on the thrilling bank heist. The town sheriff faces down some dastardly outlaws in an exciting horseback shootout. All in all, an action-packed family day out.

Peaks of Gran Canaria: full-day hiking with pickup and lunch

Discover the peaks of Gran Canaria on a 9-hour guided tour. Hike in the central part of the island to see Pico de las Nieves, and learn about the the flora and fauna of this region.

Hop-On Hop-Off Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 24hr Bus

Enjoy the stunning sea views of Las Palma and the wind in your hair, as you board the bus and create your tour.

Aqualand Maspalomas

Thrills, spills, rides and slides – and lots of fun – await you at Aqualand Maspalomas. One of the largest of water parks in the Canaries, it has more than 30 attractions to keep the whole family grinning all day.

Palmitos Park Ticket

Dr Doolittle eat your heart out – Palmitos Park has more birds, fish and creatures than you could ever chat to. Set at the top of volcanic canyon near Maspalomas, this brilliant wildlife park boasts a roll call of residents that will impress your whole family, large and small.

Blue Bird Ticket

Cruising off the coast of the Gran Canaria has always been fun but this boat tour makes it even better. You can now hop off at any of the ports the Blue Bird boat docks in and wander around before hopping back on when the next one sails into port.The itineraries vary and cover four coastal towns in the southwest – Arguineguin, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan. So you can tick off sleepy fishing villages like Anfi, bubbly seaside spots like Puerto Rico and Arguineguin or more dashing towns like Puerto de Mogan.Each has its own charm – and nowhere can the colour of a town be better appreciated than during the weekly market. In Arguineguin, it's every Tuesday, while in Puerto de Mogan, there are two. Monday is the farmers' market while Friday sees the town come to life for the ethnic and gastronomic market – African drums, wooden wind chimes and Canarian cheeses are among the stall buys.