Ingenio

Overview

Bordered by the verdant ridges of the Barranco de Guayadeque, Ingenio is often, if rather unfairly, snubbed by tourists in favour of its neighbour, Agüimes. Although not as popular, this small town- also a hotbed of arts and crafts- has a few interesting sites to hold your interest, including a quaint old church and a museum dedicated to stones and local artisanship. The International Folklore Festival is also held here every summer.

History

Ingenio’s history can be traced back to the island’s mass colonisation in wake of the Spanish conquest. Initially, the settlement and its surrounding fertile lands were exploited by settlers who cultivated sugar cane production and built the town’s first sugar mill.

Unfortunately, due to the inexorable sugar boom in the Americas at the beginning of the 17thcentury, demands for local produce soon declined dramatically leading many to set sail for the New World in hope of riches and a better life.

However, in the 19th century, Ingenio saw something of a renaissance, winning independence from the neighbouring town of Agüimes- of which it had hitherto been classed as an estate- in 1815, the same year its La Candelaria chapel was declared an independent parish church by ecclesiastical authorities.

Culture

Religion plays an important part in this small town and pace of life here is relaxing. The locals take pride in their handmade arts and crafts like embroidery, pottery, ceramic and stone work, live demonstrations of these can be observed at the Museum of Stones and Canary Island Crafts (see Museums section). Ingenio also play host to the annual International Folklore Festival where musically groups from various countries gather to embrace diversity.

Economy

Despite sugar cane production dying out in the 17th century, Ingenio has sustained itself over the intervening centuries through utilising its contiguous arable soils for agricultural purposes. The town is also a harbinger of ceramics and houses several charming handicraft shops.

How to get there

By Bus:
From Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, take either Global bus number 21 (hourly service from 07:20-19:20) or Global bus 11 (21 daily from 05:50-21:50).  Both journeys cost €2.95.

Global bus number 35 also runs a frequent service from Telde to Agüimes, stopping at Ingenio en route (eight daily, from 07:00- 20:45). Journey cost €1.35

By Car:
If driving from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, take the GC-1 motorway southwards along the coast before turning onto the GC-191 at exit 18. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.


Sights

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria (church)

Situated in the central Plaza de la Candelaria by the town hall, the church officially dates back to 1901, despite being built on the remains of the original 19th century chapel. The interior has a gothic altarpiece- its enormous bells were donated to the previous edifice by returning Cuban migrants in 1820.

Where: Plaza de Ntra. Sra. de la Candelaria, 35250 Ingenio, Gran Canaria island.

Casa del Reloj (Clock House)

A symbol of the town’s agricultural patrimony, yesteryear’s farmers would adjust their clocks in line with its Association clock so as to know what time to buy water to irrigate their fields. The present clock-face dates back to 1922.

Where: Calle Sebastiana Espino Sánchez, 35259 Ingenio, Gran Canaria island.

Parque de Néstor Álamo (park)

This leisure park with a huge grass area was created in 1996 to celebrate the International Folklore Festival (and still is today). Stood proudly in the park is one of the highest palm tree in Gran Canaria, it is so tall that it is almost impossible to take a full length picture of it!

Where: near Plazoleta del Puente, 35259 Ingenio, Gran Canaria island.

Barranco de Guayadeque (ravine)


Rising majestically between Ingenio and neighbouring town Agüimes, this winsome expanse is lush and green all year round. It’s particularly resplendent during early spring when its almond trees are in blossom. The ravine is also home to some of the island’s most noteworthy pre-Hispanic burial mounds (see Museum section). 

Within the surrounding calcified caves there is also a bar and a couple of atmospheric restaurants (see restaurants).

Barranco del Draguillo (ravine)

Running alongside the north of the municipality, this ravine contains further examples of aboriginal life, including engravings, silos, burial mounds and caves.


Museums

Museo y Centro de Interpretación de Guayadeque (museum)

Found at the entrance of the Guayadeque Ravine, the centre is built into a cave and provides fascinating explanations into the area’s erstwhile aboriginal inhabitants. There are also several exhibits, including a ghoulish mummy found in the 19th century.

Where: Barranco de Guayadeque, s/n, 35260 Agüimes, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 172 026
Opening hours: 09:00-17.00 Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00-18:00. Closed on Monday. 

Museo de Piedras y Artesanía Canaria (Museum of Stones and Canary Island Crafts)

Situated on the outskirts of the town is this interesting museum which houses a substantial collection of minerals and local displays of artisanship. In addition to live demonstrations by local craftsmen, you can also purchase pottery.

Where: Camino Real de Gando, 1, 35259 Ingenio, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 781 124
Opening hours: 09:00-18:30 Monday-Saturday, 09:00-20:00 Sundays. 

Casa de Postas

Dating back to the 19th century, this magnificent building used to serve as a coach house to all kinds of itinerant folk passing through the region. In its revamped capacity as a museum, its several rooms contain displays of local openwork, art and embroidery. It is also houses the tourist information centre.

Where: Calle Pascual Richard, 2, 35259 Ingenio, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 783 799


Activities

Hiking

The breathtakingly beautiful Barranco Guayadeque offers some pleasant walking routes which are also manageable for those that don’t don walking boots on a frequent basis.

The most common route is found on the outskirts of the town, “Orilla de Ingenio”. Approximately 4km long, the trail includes the Los Marteles caldera and will take you 45-60 minutes to complete.


Beaches

Playa del Burrero (beach)

Of the municipality’s two beaches, this is the most frequented; it is especially popular with youngsters during the summer holidays. The small stretch is only 500m long with pebbled sands and waters that are particularly favourable to windsurfing and sailing. 

Playa de San Agustín (beach)

This small sand cove with pebbles is not the easiest to access.


Festivals

Fiesta of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

A red letter day in the town’s calendar, this fiesta, in honour of its patron saint, is celebrated in the first week of February.  Celebrations entail a gathering in the town centre for a pilgrimage-offering to the Virgin, followed by folklore shows and livestock fairs. The pilgrimage is consecrated by the Taifas Ball which includes live music from local folk groups.

When: 1st week of February
Where: Villa de Ingenio 

International Folklore Festival

Ingenio is a proud host to the annual International Folklore Festival where musically groups from various countries gather to embrace diversity. This 2 week-long festival includes performances, guided tours, parade, workshops, traditional games and so much more!

When: Last 2 weeks of July (please note that dates might vary slightly each year)
Where: Villa de Ingenio


Restaurants 

Restaurante El Lechón

With a generous selection of meat dishes, this friendly and reasonably priced restaurant is especially well-liked by families. Average meals cost €15 per head.

Where: Avenida Valencia, 35250, Ingenio, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 782 084 

Restaurante El Centro

For a truly unique dining experience, head over to Barranco de Guayadeque where you will find this cosy and cavernous restaurant nestled into the rock face. Comprised of a warren of rooms and alcoves, take a seat and make sure to try its speciality- fried pork accompanied by garlic mayonnaise. Mains range from an incredibly cheap €4-9.

Where: Calle Cueva Bermeja, 25, 35260 Agüimes, Gran Canaria island.
Telephone: (+34) 928 172 145


Nightlife

If looking for a shindig, head to nearby Telde, Friday being the best night. Your best bet would be the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria however.

 

Shopping

If wishing to pick up a small souvenir, look no further than Ingenio’s wealth of craft shops. The town is particularly famed for its use of lace work, whilst it is also possible to purchase ceramics and pintadera- ancient aboriginal painted symbols.

If looking to find something to lend a soupcon of Canarian charm to your home, take your pick from a number of shops selling colourful rugs, blankets, bedspreads and curtains. It’s also worth visiting the Museum of Stones and Canary Island Crafts (see Museum section), which sells pottery and other trinkets.