The Canary Island archipelago has a desert climate, especially noticeable on its western islands Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. When you get to the continent in miniature Gran Canaria, a bit more green can be found, and even a waterfall if you know where to look. El Charco Azul is a lesser traveled destination on the island, maybe because it flies under the radar – or perhaps because the road to the town of El Risco, GC-200 borderlines obscene. 
Sure it isn’t the worst that the island has to offer, but the narrow and precarious bends aren’t for the faint of heart. Upon reaching the village a well signed parking lot is located just on the side of the road, the spaces in town are reserved for locals only.
The first portion of this hike rambles through the sleepy hamlet, every couple of hundred feet there will be a sign pointing you in the right direction.
Really there is no way to get lost, the road meanders uphill and the only spurs are driveways.
From the town the trail veers off into the Barranco del Risco passing local farms along the way. Then you are truly and finally surrounded by nature, the mountains of Tirma.
For the most part the trail follows the creek, and crosses it a few times – always shallow enough on a December visit to avoid getting your feet wet.
To get to the falls the trail is approximately 1 mile out, so a two mile roundtrip trek gaining minimal elevation.
Depending on the water flow, little cascades dot the trail on the way to the main pool.
Translating to blue puddle, the small natural pool tends to change colors depending on the amount of sunlight hitting the land, and the presence of algae can turn the water more of a green shade.
People love to take a dip in the fresh water oasis, cool from the top of the mountain on a hot day, giving the perfect energy boost for your hike back. Spring yields the greatest flow of water, but at least a trickle can be seen year round.