Hiking in Tenerife

A private transfer from Tenerife South (Sur) Airport of around 30min leads to Vilaflor. This is the highest village of Tenerife, located at 1414m above sea-level, on the southern side of the Teide National Park. It's a quaint mountain village surrounded by Canarian pine forests. Legend says that the current name of the town comes from a Spanish Captain who said "Vi la flor" ("I saw the flower") when he came to conquer the town and saw a beautiful "guanche" native girl. A free afternoon to wander around the town

You travel further north in the morning to start a walk through a volcanic lunar landscape with strange rock formations. Walking along part of the Camino de Chasna, a five-century-old trade trail, discover the dreamlike rock formations called "fairy chimneys". The walk ends in the centre of the village of Vilaflor.

Ascent: 475m Descent: 675m

The day starts with a morning transfer to the Cañadas del Teide. This is an 18km/11 mile wide old crater left after the first volcano eruptions on Tenerife; the ones that originated the upheaval of the island from the sea. At the edge, an impressive peak attracts your attention: El Teide (3718m). It is the highest mountain of Spain and your goal today. Enjoy the cable car ride up to 3200m and walk to the vista point of Pico Viejo and back. There is the possibility to add another 1.5 km/1 mile to summit Pico Teide. This does however require a permit from the national park that you could obtain yourself (allow plenty of time to request this). It gives stunning views of the island and, on clear days, some of the other Canary Islands. Finally, walk 5km / 3 miles, after your cable car ride back down, to the iconic Parador de la Cañadas del Teide where you'll spend 2 nights. (5km/3mi, 1.5 hrs; 20m ascent, 250m descent)

If you still want to explore further, a good option for the afternoon is the loop walk to the interesting formations of the “Roques de Garcia” in the surroundings of the Parador. (1.5h; Ascent 250m and descent for the loop walk).

A challenging, but also very rewarding ascent to Montaña Guajara (2730m), the second highest peak on Tenerife. At the summit, breath in the fresh air and enjoy the superb views across the huge Cañadas del Teide Crater, towards Teide and across the southern part of the island. After a rewarding walk head back to the Parador where you can relax and enjoy what it has to offer. Ascent: 500m and descent.

Begin your day with a taxi ride to the trailhead for this 6-hour hike. The picturesque route takes you from the rugged landscapes near the Chinyero Volcano down to historic Garachico, one of Tenerife's treasures. Follow the scenic Camino de El Lance and hike through striking volcanic lava fields and serene ancient pine forests. You will follow the PR-TF-43 trail, marked with yellow and white signs. If you’d like to ease the descent of nearly 1,500 metres, consider asking your taxi driver to drop you off at La Ermita de San Francisco de Asís in La Montañeta. Starting at this point, 8.5 km into the trail, trims about 600 metres from the total descent. Arrive on foot at your accommodation in Garachico for the next two nights. It was the capital of Tenerife before it was damaged by a lava stream in the important eruption of Volcán Trevejo in 1706. Don't miss swimming at the natural pools near the harbour!

Ascent: 1600m descent, 600m ascent.

After a short transfer to the village of El Palmar, in the barren western part of the island, you enter an area of open woodlands and farmed areas, ascending to a viewpoint higher up and from there, along steep 'barrancos' to the tiny village of Teno Alto. Traversing a high plateau with bizarre vegetation of giant euphorbia plants, get to Punta Teno and enjoy the lovely views that on clear days show all the way to La Gomera. You'll be picked up at El Palmar for the ride back to Garachico.

Alternative route: for very windy or warm days we suggest doing a circular hike from Las Portelas, which is better protected and has more shade but equally good views.

Standard routes: 8 - 11 -15 km / 5 - 7 - 9,5 miles, approx 3.5 / 4.5 / 5.5 hrs walking, 400 / 500 m ascent and descent.

Alternative routes: 7 - 10 km / 4,5 - 6 miles, approx 4 hrs walking, 525 / 650 m ascent and descent.

During your last day you will explore the rain forest ecosystem in Tenerife, the laurisilva woods in Anaga Rural Park. Located above the cliffs of the North-Eastern corner of the island, it shows a completely different landscape of lush green vegetation, deep ravines and steep cliffs. A taxi will pick you up after breakfast and take you to Cruz del Carmen or Chamorga as you have a choice of two walks today. There is a shorter and steeper route or a longer but more gentle one. In the late afternoon the taxi will pick you up again and drive you to the hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna. There will be enough time to explore this beautiful historical town founded more than 500 years ago and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its multicultural roots and influences and its authenticity. Its lively centre is fun to visit, with many shops and restaurants.

Short route: 9 km / 5,5 miles, approx 4-4.5 hrs walking, 650 m ascent and descent.

Long route: 11.5 km / 7 miles, approx 4.5 hrs walking, 400 m ascent and descent.

Our hiking trip comes to an end today after breakfast. A transfer to Tenerife South Airport is included.