Trekking in Tenerife: South to North

A pre-arranged taxi transfer of 30 mins will take you to your first accommodation in Vilaflor. This is the highest village of Tenerife, located at 1414 m above sea-level, on the Southern side of the Teide National Park. A quaint mountain village surrounded by Canarian pine forests. Legend says that the current name of the town comes from a Spanish Captain who remarked “Vi la flor” (“I saw the flower“) when he came to conquer the town and saw a beautiful “guanche” native girl. Enjoy a free afternoon to wonder around the town and then relax at your comfortable Hotel in Vilaflor with its spa and outdoor pool.

Overnight: Vilaflor.

Distance: 14.5 km | Ascent: 475 m | Descent: 675 m | 5 hrs approx.

You travel further north in the morning to start a nice walk through a volcanic lunar landscape with strange rock formations. Walking along part of the Camino de Chasna, a five century- old trade trail, you will encounter the dreamlike rock formations known as “fairy chimneys”. Your walk ends back in the centre of Vilaflor village.

Overnight: Vilaflor.

Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 120 m | Descent: 350 m | 2½ hrs approx.

Moving location, the day starts with a morning transfer to the Cañadas del Teide. This is a spectacular 18 km wide crater which was created by the very first volcanic eruptions on Tenerife; the ones that originated the formation of the island. The impressive peak of El Teide dominates the scene. At 3,718 m it is the highest peak in all of Spain. A ticket is included for the cable car, which takes you up to a height of 3,200 m. From there you walk to the Vista Point of Pico Viejo. If you want to see stunning views overlooking the island and – on clear days – some of the other Canary Islands, you can ask for a special permit (via website of the National Park) to extend the walk by another 1.5 km to the summit of Teide.

After descending again with the cable car, a further 5 km walk through this beautiful and surreal landscape takes you to your accommodation at the iconic Parador de la Cañadas. A good option for the afternoon is exploring the surroundings of the Parador, taking an additional loop walk around the twisted lava pinnacles known as the Roques de Garcia.

Overnight: Parador Las Cañadas del Teide.

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today’s hike is a challenging but very rewarding ascent to Montaña Guajara (2730m), the second highest peak on Tenerife. At the summit, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the superb views across the huge Cañadas del Teide crater and the southern part of the island. After a good hike back to the Parador you can relax and enjoy its swimming pool, sauna and private gardens.

Overnight: Parador Las Cañadas del Teide.

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 965 m | Descent: 965 m | 6 hrs approx.

Today’s route is a beautiful hike through the Aguamansa woods. This is a mountainous route through old Canarian Pine woods and barrancos (ravines) with lush vegetation. At the end of the walk your driver will drive you to your next charming hotel in the old town of Garachico. This quaint and beautiful historical town was the capital of Tenerife before its was damaged by a lava stream during the eruption of Volcán Trevejo in 1706. Don´t miss swimming at the natural swimming pools near the harbour!

Overnight: Garachico

Various walking options today.

Standard routes: 8 / 11 / 15 km, | 400 / 500 m ascent and descent | 3½ / 4½ / 5½ hrs approx.

Alternative routes:  7 / 10 km | 525 / 650 m ascent and descent | 4 hrs approx.

A short transfer this morning takes you to the village of El Palmar, in the wild and unspoilt western part of the island. You enter an area of open woodlands and farmed areas, ascending to a vista point higher up and then hiking along steep barrancos to the tiny village of Teno Alto. Traversing a high plateau with bizarre vegetation of giant euphorbia plants, you eventually reach Punta Teno, Tenerife’s westernmost point. On a clear day you will enjoy wonderful views of the nearby island of La Gomera.

Alternative route: for very windy or hot days we suggest doing a circular hike from Las Portelas. This route is better protected from the elements, offering more shade and equally stunning views.

Overnight: Garachico.

Short route: 9 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 650 m | 4 – 4½ hrs approx.

Long route: 11.5 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m | 4½ hrs approx.

For your final hiking day you will explore the rain forest ecosystem of northern Tenerife, the laurisilva woods of the Anaga Nature Park. Located above the cliffs in the North-Eastern corner of the island, here you will find a completely different landscape of lush green vegetation, deep ravines and steep cliffs. You have a choice of two walks today, a shorter and steeper route or a longer but gentler one. In the afternoon, the taxi will pick you up and drive you to your final 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 Centre due to its multicultural roots and authenticity. The lively town centre has many shops and restaurants.

Overnight: San Cristobal de la Laguna.

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