The majority of the La Fuente De Chafariz route is a gentle climb, but there is a short scramble up to the Fuente itself over loose shale at the head of the valley. As a gentle amble the walk is about 2 – 3 hours.
Directions
Heading North on the LZ1 just before Arrieta, take the left for Tabayesco on to the LZ207. Just as you enter the village take the right fork opposite the bus stop. Continue on this road Calle Chafariz, even as it narrows and turns into a dirt track. Park here on the side of the track making sure not to be in anyone’s way.
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The Walk
We start on the dirt track just outside the village, the valley stretches ahead west, with the LZ207 above and to the left.
There are many small farms along the track growing a variety of produce depending on the season. As I made the trek in the middle of July, the grapes were just coming into their own.
There are many examples of wild Flora and Fauna to be seen along this trail, look out for Juniper, Fennel, Fig Trees, various small Geckos, Hoopoes, Kestrels, Kites, Partridge and Rabbits.
The track soon turns into a hiking trail and we start to climb to the head of the valley, eventually the same height as the LZ207 which we cross to reach the water pipe. Here the path follows the pipe until we reach a final short scramble up to La Fuente De Charfatiz itself.
Depending on the time of year and rainfall the Fuente can be full to over flowing. On this trip however it was mostly empty with only a trickle making its way in.
Above the Fuente there are a couple of water galleries driven into the mountainside. Although some of the gates have been removed (or fallen off), do not be tempted to enter any confined space.
La Fuente De Chafariz – History
To read more on the history of water on Lanzarote you can checkout the following sites:
- La historia del agua en Lanzarote
- La Cultura Del Agua
- El Acueducto De Nazaret
- The Waters of Haria (La Fuente de Chafariz)
These sites are obviously in Spanish, so if it helps I have made an attempt to summarise the salient historical events in the History section.