Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria and have even a passing interest in spirits, this guided tour of the Arehucas Rum Distillery offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars. At just under $13 per person, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to combine history, craftsmanship, and some delicious tastings into one compact 45-minute experience. For those who love learning about local traditions and tasting authentic products, this tour hits the right notes.

What we love about this experience is how knowledgeable guides manage to make the intricate process of rum-making both understandable and engaging — even for those new to spirits. Plus, the opportunity to taste different types of rum and purchase original products directly from the distillery adds tangible value. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that some reviews mention the tour can feel a bit rushed or crowded, which might take away from the immersive feeling you’d hope for.

This tour is best suited for spirits enthusiasts, history buffs, or curious travelers eager to learn the story behind Canarian rum and enjoy some genuine flavors in a relaxed environment.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Walk through one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars with a guided explanation of the entire production process.
• Tasting & Shopping: End with a generous tasting of several rums and an opportunity to buy products directly from the distillery.
• Historical Setting: Visit a cellar housing over 4,300 American oak casks, and learn about the long-standing tradition of rum making in the Canary Islands.
• Convenient & Value-Driven: The 45-minute tour costs just around $13, offers good value, and is accessible with mobile tickets.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Usually small to medium groups, but some reviews note that larger groups can make hearing the guide difficult.
• Reservations & Timing: Most travelers book about a week in advance, and the activity is weather-dependent, with free cancellation available.

Let’s break down what you can expect from this tour and why it might be a memorable part of your trip to Gran Canaria.

The Starting Point: Arehucas Rum Distillery in Arucas

Your journey begins directly at the Destilerías Arehucas in the picturesque town of Arucas. The distillery’s address is Lugar Era de San Pedro, which is easy to reach via public transportation or taxi. The meeting point is straightforward, and since the tour is guided, you’ll find it simple to locate and join. The activity ends back at the starting point, so you won’t need to worry about complicated logistics afterward.

The 45-Minute Itinerary in Five Key Stages

This tour is quite compact, but it packs a lot of information into its short duration. The five stages cover:

1. Introduction to Arehucas

The guide kicks off with the history of the distillery, providing context on how it’s become a key player in Canarian spirits. It’s an opportunity to understand the roots of rum production in the region, which dates back many decades.

2. Visiting the Rum Ageing Cellar

One of the most visually stunning parts is walking through the rum ageing cellar, home to over 4,300 American oak casks. These barrels are what give the rum its distinctive flavor and character, and being in such an environment provides a sense of connection to the craft.

3. Exploring the Production Process

Next, we move into the production areas — the fermentation rooms, distillation chambers, and the mill. Here, the guide explains how raw ingredients are transformed into the final product, making the process accessible even to those without prior knowledge. Some reviews mention that the pace can be brisk, but the explanation is generally clear.

4. Bottling Plant

The tour continues with a visit to the bottling plant, which showcases how the spirits are packaged before reaching consumers. Seeing the machinery in action adds a practical touch to understanding the scale and precision involved.

5. Tasting & Shopping

Finally, the visit concludes with a rum tasting session, offering a chance to sample a variety of products. Several reviewers highlight how generous the tastings are, with some mentioning tasting multiple types and enjoying the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the distillery.

Tasting & Product Range

The tasting component is a highlight, as it allows you to savor different types of rum and liqueurs, often at no extra cost. Several reviews praise the quality and variety of the spirits, with some calling it “phenomenal.” If you’re a rum lover, this is definitely a part of the experience that delivers on its promise.

The shop at the end offers opportunities to buy original Arehucas products at reasonable prices, which is great if you want to bring home a local souvenir or gift.

Guides and Reviews

Guides are typically described as knowledgeable and friendly, with some reviews mentioning excellent explanations and clarity. One reviewer said, “Sofia, an encanto de persona que explicaba muy bien,” highlighting the personable nature of the guiding staff.

However, a few reviews mention that larger groups or busy days can impact the experience, making it harder to hear or follow along. This suggests that booking in advance, and possibly opting for smaller groups, can enhance your visit.

Practical Details: Price, Booking, and Duration

At around $12.79 per person, this tour offers very good value compared to other activities on the island. It’s a short, 45-minute experience, so it fits easily into a day filled with sightseeing or beach time.

Most travelers book about 9 days in advance—implying good availability if you plan ahead. The tour is conducted with a mobile ticket, so no fuss with paper forms, and the activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations.

This experience is ideal for rum aficionados or curious travelers looking for an authentic, educational activity. History buffs will enjoy learning about the long tradition of rum-making in the Canary Islands, and those who appreciate good value will find the tasting and shopping opportunities worthwhile. It’s also suitable for families or groups wanting a short, engaging activity that offers a taste of local craftsmanship.

If you’re after a slow, in-depth tour with lots of time to look around, this might feel a bit rushed. But if you’re content with a quick overview backed by knowledgeable guides and a tasty finale, this trip will satisfy.

When considering the modest price and the depth of experience, this tour offers genuine value. You get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars, a clear explanation of the production process, and a generous tasting — all with the chance to purchase your favorite bottles. The setting is charming, especially the rum cellar with its aging barrels, giving you a tangible sense of tradition.

This tour is best for rum lovers, those interested in local industries, or travelers who enjoy short, guided experiences that combine education with a tasty reward. It’s a solid choice if you want to add a cultural and sensory dimension to your Gran Canaria visit without spending too much time or money.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, covering five key stages of rum production.

Where does the tour start?
It begins directly at the Destilerías Arehucas in Arucas, at Lugar Era de San Pedro, 2.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the experience focuses on rum production, so it’s mainly aimed at adults.

Can I buy products at the end of the tour?
Yes, you can purchase Arehucas rum and liqueurs directly from the distillery shop.

How much does it cost?
The tour is priced at about $12.79 per person, offering excellent value for the amount of insight and tasting included.

Should I book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 9 days ahead, and booking ensures you secure a spot, especially during busy periods.

What about group size?
Up to 30 travelers can join, but some reviews note that larger groups may hinder hearing or viewing.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, as it’s an outdoor tour through the facilities; poor weather might cause cancellations with free rescheduling or refunds.

How can I cancel if needed?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

To sum it up, the Ron Arehucas Distillery tour offers a well-rounded, engaging look at Canarian rum. It balances history, craftsmanship, and tastings at a price that makes it accessible for most travelers. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or simply curious about local traditions, this tour provides an authentic slice of Gran Canaria’s cultural landscape.