Hiking the GR131: How to Prepare Effectively
The GR131 is a long-distance hiking trail that spans several Canary Islands from east to west. On Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, and El Hierro, you’ll cross mountain ridges, volcanic highlands, and historic paths connecting villages. The stages vary greatly in length and elevation, making the route diverse but also physically challenging.
Anyone planning to hike the GR131 should prepare carefully. It’s not only your fitness that matters, but also planning your stages, arranging accommodations, navigation, and luggage logistics. Proper preparation ensures you can enjoy the rhythm of walking without surprises along the way. Whether you choose a route on Tenerife, a multi-day trek on Gran Canaria, or a combination of islands, realistic planning and targeted preparation will make the GR131 a fully achievable and memorable hiking experience.
Physical Preparation
The GR131 consists of stages with significant elevation changes. Many sections alternate between long ascents and descents, accumulating altitude quickly. A basic level of fitness is essential, especially when walking several days in a row.
Start training several months in advance. Take long hikes of 15–20 kilometers on trails with elevation gain. Focus less on speed and more on endurance and recovery. Training regularly on hilly terrain helps your muscles and joints get used to climbing and descending on uneven surfaces.
It’s also wise to train on consecutive days. This way, you experience how your body reacts to back-to-back hiking days. This is what makes a multi-day trek different from a single-day hike. With proper preparation, your pace will feel natural, leaving enough energy to enjoy the scenery and the experience.
Navigation and Route
Waymarking on the GR131 varies across islands and trail sections. Some stretches are clearly marked with red-and-white GR signs, while others may have fewer or interrupted markers. Particularly on high volcanic terrain or wide lava paths, the trail may be less obvious.
A GPX file is essential. With a reliable navigation app on your smartphone or GPS device, you can easily check if you’re still on the correct route. Popular apps among hikers include Wikiloc, Komoot, and Ride with GPS. These apps show elevation profiles, distance, and your exact position on the map. Make sure to download maps offline, as mobile coverage can be limited in mountainous areas.
On a self-guided hiking tour, you’ll receive detailed route information, GPX files, and practical guidance for each stage. One major advantage of a package tour with Canary-Hiking is that everything is taken care of for you: accommodations, transfers, route details, and luggage transport between hotels. This allows you to hike completely relaxed, without worrying about logistics or carrying heavy bags, and fully enjoy the GR131 experience.
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Mount Teide Permit
Reaching the summit of Mount Teide requires an official permit, which must be obtained well in advance due to daily visitor limits. On organized hiking tours, Canary-Hiking takes care of the permit for you, so you can participate worry-free and focus entirely on the experience.
If you want to add the climb to your hiking trip as an extra adventure, for example alongside a GR131 stage or an island-hopping route, you can easily book the Expedition El Teide. This optional excursion offers a unique experience: professionally guided, fully planned, and including accommodation and transfers where necessary. This way, you can safely and comfortably reach the iconic summit without worrying about permits or route logistics.
