Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria and have a soft spot for spirits—or simply love unique cultural experiences—a guided tour of the Arehucas Rum Distillery makes for an engaging, flavorful outing. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews and detailed descriptions offer a clear picture of what to expect: a fascinating journey through rum-making, a generous tasting, and the chance to take home some of the distillery’s finest products.

What we love about this experience is its affordable price point of around $13, making it accessible for most travelers. The knowledgeable guides, who are praised for their clarity and friendliness, really bring the process to life. Plus, the tasting session at the end is a highlight, giving you the chance to sample a variety of rums and liqueurs. The location in Arucas, a charming town with colorful streets, adds an extra layer of appeal.

One aspect to consider, however, is the short duration of about 45 minutes. While ideal for a quick overview, some visitors might wish for a longer, more detailed exploration. That said, this tour suits those looking for a bite-sized, authentic experience that balances education, fun, and tastings without taking up an entire day.

If you’re a rum enthusiast or simply curious about how spirits are crafted in the Canary Islands, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction—especially if you’re after good value and engaging storytelling.

Key Points

• Affordable and accessible: At just $12.79, it offers good value for a 45-minute guided experience.
• Educational: Learn about the rum production process from fermentation to bottling.
• Authentic setting: Visit one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars, housing over 4,300 oak casks.
• Tastings: Enjoy a generous sampling of different rums and liqueurs at the end.
• Guides praised: Knowledgeable and friendly guides like Elena and Sofia enhance the experience.
• Convenient location: Easily reachable in Arucas, with direct meetup at the distillery.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point: Destilerías Arehucas in Arucas

The tour begins at the Destilerías Arehucas, situated in the picturesque town of Arucas. This location is not just the heart of rum production but also a site with a long tradition—home to one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe, containing 4,308 American oak casks.

Step 1: Introduction to Arehucas

Your guide will kick off the tour with a brief history of the distillery, explaining how it was founded and its significance in the Canary Islands. The reviews highlight guides like Elena and Sofia for their clear and engaging explanations, making complex processes easy to understand. Expect to hear stories about the distillery’s origins and its evolution over the years.

Step 2: Visiting the Rum Ageing Cellar

One of the tour’s standout features is walking through the ageing cellar, where the rum matures in oak casks. Being in such an ancient cellar adds a tangible sense of history. Reviewers frequently mention the impressive size and number of casks, which contribute to the rich flavor profiles of the final products.

Step 3: Learning About Production

Next, you’ll explore the fermentation and distillation rooms—key stages where raw ingredients transform into spirits. The guide will detail the process, from milling to fermentation, to the actual distillation in the stills. A reviewer noted that the tour offers a good overview of the rum-making process, which is perfect for those interested in spirits production.

Step 4: Bottling and Packaging

The visit then moves to the bottling plant, giving insight into how the final products are prepared for sale. While the focus is more on the process rather than the machinery, seeing the bottling line provides a sense of the scale and care involved.

Final Stop: Rum Tasting

The tour culminates with a sampling session of a range of rums and liqueurs. Reviewers consistently praise the generous tastings—some mention tasting up to four different rums—making it a delightful, flavorful conclusion. The tasting offers an excellent opportunity to compare various styles, from aged to flavored liqueurs.

Shopping Opportunity

After the tasting, you have the chance to purchase original Arehucas products at reasonable prices, which many visitors find a great way to bring home a taste of the Canary Islands.

The Experience: What You’ll Love

Knowledgeable Guides and Clear Explanations

A recurring theme in reviews is the quality of guides like Sofia and Elena, who are praised for being friendly, informative, and easy to understand. Their ability to explain the process clearly makes the tour accessible, even for those unfamiliar with spirits production.

Authentic Setting and Historic Cellars

Walking through one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars adds a special touch. The vast collection of oak barrels and historic ambiance offer a glimpse into centuries of spirit-making tradition, which is rarely experienced in modern, commercial distilleries.

Tasting and Product Variety

The rum tasting is notably generous, with reviews mentioning up to eight samples when including the tasting of products made with local ingredients like banana. Many appreciate having the chance to try different styles and purchase their favorites at reasonable prices.

Value for Money

Priced at just under $13, this tour delivers good value, especially considering the guided experience, access to historic cellars, and tastings. It’s a compact but comprehensive peek into Canarian rum-making.

The Potential Drawbacks

While overall positive, some visitors feel the 45-minute duration is a bit short, especially if you’d like a more detailed or leisurely experience. A few reviews mention that the pace can be quick, with some feeling they didn’t have enough time to absorb all the information or explore the machinery closely.

Plus, the tour’s group size is limited to 30, which is good for intimacy but might feel crowded during peak times. Also, some reviewers noted minor communication challenges if guides speak limited German or other languages, but guides are generally praised for their English explanations.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go

• Location: The distillery is easily accessible in Arucas, with directions provided at the meetup point.
• Meeting Point: Destilerías Arehucas, Lugar Era de San Pedro, 2, 35400 Arucas, Las Palmas.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes, making it suitable for a quick cultural and tasting experience.
• Cost: $12.79 per person, which includes the guided tour and tastings.
• Booking: Most travelers book around 9 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation, but consider mobility if you have trouble walking through cellar areas.
• Weather: The tour is mostly indoors but check if a weather-dependent experience might be canceled or rescheduled.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for rum lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers wanting a taste of local craftsmanship. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a short, engaging activity that offers both education and tastings at a very reasonable price. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences will find this a worthwhile addition to their Gran Canaria itinerary.

However, if you prefer a more in-depth or leisurely tour, or are traveling with young children, you might find the 45-minute pace a bit brisk. Also, those with a keen interest in spirits production might wish for a longer or more detailed experience, but generally, this tour offers a solid overview suitable for most.

The Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery stands out as a fun, authentic, and cost-effective way to explore Canary Islands’ rum heritage. With knowledgeable guides, generous tastings, and a historic setting, it provides a well-rounded glimpse into the art of rum-making. The short duration makes it perfect for a quick cultural fix, especially fitting into a busy travel schedule.

In particular, rum enthusiasts and those interested in local traditions will appreciate the depth of insight and quality of the tasting experience. If you’re after a lively, informative, and memorable activity that balances learning with fun, this tour is a splendid choice.

For travelers seeking a taste of history and craftsmanship with a splash of flavor, the Arehucas Distillery tour delivers just that—and at a price that won’t break the bank.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, as it’s primarily a tasting and educational experience, but keep in mind the tasting might not appeal to very young children.

How long does the tour last? Expect around 45 minutes, which makes it a quick yet rundown.

Can I buy products at the end? Absolutely. The distillery shop offers a variety of Arehucas rum products at reasonable prices.

Is transportation included? No, but the distillery is near public transportation, and directions are straightforward.

Are the guides fluent in English? Based on reviews, guides like Sofia and Elena are highly praised for their clarity and English skills.

What is the price of the tour? It costs about $12.79 per person, including the tour and tastings.

How many people are in each group? Tours are limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable attire suitable for walking through cellar areas; no specific dress code.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is mainly indoors; however, check the cancellation policy if weather conditions are extreme.

In all, whether you’re a spirits connoisseur or just looking for an interesting cultural stop, the Arehucas Rum Distillery tour offers a flavorful peek into the Canary Islands’ brewing tradition—an experience worth adding to your Gran Canaria trip.