Barranco Hondo is one of the largest troglodyte settlements on the island of Gran Canaria. Traces of human presence can be seen from the head of the ravine in the Montaña de Los Moriscos and along its entire course. Cave dwellings, waterholes, cave-sheds and artificially carved terraces for the cultivation of cereals, vegetables and some fruit trees, make up the dominant landscape. Barranco Hondo was, until the middle of the 20th century, one of the most important inhabited troglodyte settlements in the highlands of the island. Today, very few people live there.

Since pre-Hispanic times, this development and extension of the troglodyte settlements can be explained for several reasons. In the first place, it is due to the remote and fortified nature of Barranco Hondo itself, with its steep sides of volcanic tuff, where it was relatively easy to excavate caves. Another reason was that this ravine was extremely rich in water resources and, therefore, also had a dense cover of vegetation. In fact, this area is located on the edge of the subtropical forest in the north of Gran Canaria. In addition, its inhabitants were able to use the fertile soil and the resources offered by the nearby Pinar de Tamadaba.

The important rupestrian sites of Risco Caído and Cuevas de La Paja are clear proof that these troglodyte settlements were inhabited by the ancient Canarians. They are enclaves which, together with the settlement of Barranco Hondo de Abajo, are included in the scope of the Cultural Landscape, which has been nominated due to its exceptional characteristics and values. These exceptional characteristics are also to be found on the sides of the Barranco Hondo ravine itself.