About us
The origins of this travel organization are worth mentioning. I, Jeanne van den Reek, was fighting the disease cancer. Because I didn’t want to spend the whole day dealing with the disease, I set myself a goal: Create a website about a passion of mine: the Canary Islands and the grande route GR131 that covers the 7 islands.
Never made a website before, but purely to put my focus and thoughts elsewhere. Strange but true, I really enjoyed this. This hobby project had started and would eventually become Canary-Hiking.
I have walked all the routes, more than 600 kilometers. First alone, and later together with my girlfriend and our special dog Kyra. In 2020 we went to the Canary Islands with a camper to do research on all the islands. Purely because we believe that only then can we offer the best experience!
At this point we have seen, felt and discovered all the islands. When we hear the enthusiasm of our customers after their trip, it makes us so happy!
Do you also want to discover the real Canary Islands?
Jeanne – Founder
As stated above, I am the creator of this organization. After the terrible illness, I didn’t want to sit still. My motto is: Where there is a will, there is a way. I am focused on what can I do instead of what can’t I do!!
I am a person who likes to take on challenges. I ran the New York Marathon after I was diagnosed with diabetes type 1 in order to contribute to the BasvandeGoorFoundation.
Then shortly after my surgeries due to cancer I walked the challenging GR131 on Fuerteventura on my own with a backpack not knowing what to expect. Rare forms of cancer often do not receive research budget. During this trip I asked for attention for a special kind of cancer and raised an amount of money.
To be able to achieve something positive with the negative aspect of life, makes me feel good. During the Corona pandemic I left for the Canary Islands with a camper and together with my girlfriend I investigated all islands. We now have the expert reputation on these islands.
Mauk – Guide
Co-owner since 2024
I was born and raised in Helmond, and from the Netherlands I left for Tenerife in 1998.
This is where my passion for mountains, nature and the activities you can practice in it grew. Trail running, climbing, canyoning, orienteering and of course walking, hiking, mountain hiking or whatever you want to call it.
Our proverbial paths crossed in the summer of 2021.
For several years I worked as a guide in an underground volcanic tunnel system, and was ready for a new challenge.
I had just completed and passed my training for an official Spanish hiking guide, and I was doing a guide course in the Teide National Park.
Canary-Hiking, with growth spurts, could really use some help. For me, pillars such as sustainable tourism and support for the local economy were very important. As well as the personal character and the small scale of the trips offered. Since then we have started working together more and more.
I hope to meet you, and get to know you better, on one of our beautiful hiking trips.
“It is not the mountain that we conquer, but ourselves”.
Edmund Hillary
