Salto del Pastor

The Shepherd's Leap is one of the most surprising and unique traditions of the Canary Islands' cultural heritage. It began as a practical solution for shepherding in the rugged volcanic terrain and steep ravines of the archipelago. Canarian shepherds, faced with impossible landscapes, developed a technique for moving around using a long wooden pole—called a "staff," "garrote," or "lance"—that allowed them to walk, climb, or even "jump" with agility and safety through areas where it would be almost impossible to advance otherwise.

This pole, which can measure more than three meters, is precisely driven into the ground or a rock. Using body language and technique, the shepherd slides, propels himself, or descends at full speed, controlling the movement with spectacular skill. The most impressive thing is that, although visually it seems like a risky sport, everything is done with a deep-rooted logic of safety, passed down from generation to generation.

Today, the Shepherd's Jump has been kept alive thanks to cultural and sports associations that not only practice it for exhibition or training, but also teach it as a living heritage. Seeing it in action is a spectacle that blends balance, respect for nature, and a deep knowledge of the terrain. It's common to find exhibitions at local festivals or trails where practitioners demonstrate this technique, always proud to represent a unique and very Canarian tradition.

If you have the opportunity to see a demonstration or speak with someone who practices it, don't hesitate: it's a different and authentic way to understand how Canarian culture adapts to its land, without losing an ounce of creativity or identity.