Las Cañadas, Alto Guajara, Parador

General data:

• Kilometers: 16.40 km
• Accumulated unevenness: 1600m
• Elevation gain: 800m
• Elevation loss: 800m
• Maximum altitude: 2,715m
• Minimum altitude: 2,135m
• Type: circular tour
• Difficulty: medium (for mountain runners)
• Starting point: Car parks in front of the Cable Car (located on the left after passing the Cable Car entrance)
• Coordinates: 28.253840877821762, -16.62426330362431
• Places we visit: Las Cañadas, Montaña Guajara, 7 Cañadas
• Temperatures: in winter they can drop below 5º at the starting point (and even below zero if it is at night). Sunny days we will have a lot of solar radiation in the central hours of the day.
• Water points: none.

Material:

• Footwear and clothing suitable for mountain running.
• Jacket, hat and gloves if it is cold.
• Cap and / or sunglasses if the weather is uncovered.
• 1.5 liters of water
• Some food
• Mobile

Description of the route:

Attractive route for training at altitude, we move between 2100-2700m. It combines variety: demanding climb, technical parts, other parts of easy running, and altitude.

We will go up to the “balcony of Teide” (Alto de Guajara), possibly the place with the best views and panoramic views of much of the Teide National Park and the southern part of the island. At the top, at 2715m, you will see the greatness of the place and how small we can be as an individual.

The first part runs through the lower part of Las Cañadas del Teide, specifically 5 flat kilometers and along a wide path (ideal for training at altitude and thus acclimatizing before starting the climb). From here we will have to do a climb of about 600m altitude. At the top you will enjoy great views and a 360 degree panorama. Then you go down the other slope towards El Parador, this descent is technical for the most part. Finally, there are 4 kilometers by trail to the starting area.

Curiosity:

The Guanche princess Guajara is part of the legends of Tenerife. Legend explain that Princess Guajara, upon losing her beloved Tinguaro in the Battle of Aguere, went to the mountain and after wandering for a long time she threw herself into the void from a mountain. That mountain is the one that today receives the name of Alto de Guajara.

Tour detail:

KM 0 – We start the journey leaving from the parking lot at this point, following Path No. 16, along a dirt track. To our right, Montaña Majúa. Behind us, the Teide Cable Car. We follow the dirt track, always keeping the Guajara Mountain on the horizon. You must follow the track and the indications of Path No. 16 until kilometer 4.5. This track is also known as “Pista Sanatorio”. These first 5 kilometers will help you acclimatize to the altitude.

KM 4.9 – We leave the 7 Cañadas Trail and take the “Path No. 5” on the right to go up to the Degollada de Guajara, through the Cañada de La Mareta. Start the climb to the Alto, try to keep a good rhythm, you can jog a little in some sections and the rest to walk.

KM 6.1 – The climb ends and we arrive at La Degollada, at the crossroads of trails we take the one on the right, GR-131. We continue for about 400m through a more or less flat area, they will be great for you to recover and catch your breath for the other section of ascent.

KM 6.5 – Crossing trails, we take Path No. 15 that goes up to Alto de Guajara. This will be the last uphill section, but the one with the highest altitude, which you will surely notice that it costs more to advance and the legs are looser.

KM 8 – There is a detour to the right and a sign with indications of “Alto Guajara (No exit)” The road is round trip here. We approach the highest point and return by this same path.

KM 8.2 – Alto de Guajara. Welcome to the “Balcón del Teide”, don’t be in a hurry and contemplate the landscape. Do not forget to take photos and then share them and show the beauty of the environment.

KM 8.4 – You return to the previous crossroads, now take the opposite path, the one on the right, with indications “Parador por degollada de Ucanca” (Path no. 31) From here there will be a technical descent to 2130m. Be careful in some steps, where you must walk so as not to fall.

In this area, if you have come in mid or late spring, and with some luck, you will see a kind of small shrub with a purple flower, it is the Violeta del Teide (endemic to the area). Normally the area will be fenced to protect her.

KM 9.9 – Degollada de Ucanca, there is a crossroads of trails. Take the one on the right, indications “Parador Sendero nº 31”

KM 11.2 – The descent ends and we arrive at the Pista de 7 Cañadas, continue along the path in front towards the Parador (Cañada Blanca)

KM 12 – Parador Nacional, you must continue in the same direction, always with the Teide in front and the Parador on the right, you cross the parking area, on the street continue along the same for 100m. On the right you will see signs and the beginning of a trail. We take this Path No. 19 with indications “Teleférico (cable car)”. The next 4 kilometers will be on a flat path or with a slight ascent, without crossings or losses.

KM 16.1 – The path ends and you are on the Sanatorio Track, the track at the beginning, continue to the left and you will reach the starting point.

KM 16.4 – END

Environment:

Alto de Guajara or Guajara mountain is a mountain that with its 2715m of altitude is the highest peak of those that constitute the natural amphitheater of Las Cañadas del Teide.

Teide Violet (Viola cheiranthifolia) is a species of shrub belonging to the Violet family. It is endemic to the island of Tenerife and grows only in the Teide National Park, between 2,500 and 3,700m of altitude (specifically in the highlands of Guajara and the slopes of Teide). Its flowering occurs between mid and late spring. The Teide violet is the highest flowering plant in all of Spain, it can even be seen in the Teide crater itself.

Tajinaste del Teide. In the Canary Islands there is a great variety of tajinastes that are part of the genus Echium, it is a bush without branches with a shape similar to a spear that can reach 3 m in height. The red one is endemic and is only found in the Teide National Park, hence it is known as Teide red tajinaste. It blooms in spring (from May), at which time there is a contrast of colors between the dark tones of the lava and the red of the tajinaste in flower.

Parador of Las Cañadas del Teide. Hotel located in the national park, from where you can enjoy the magnificent views offered by such a peculiar landscape, the volcano, the Cahorra caldera and the Montaña Blanca. It belongs to “Paradores de Turismo”, a Spanish public hotel chain that manages numerous hotels distributed throughout Spain. The establishments are located in emblematic buildings or remarkable locations that have been selected for their historical, artistic or cultural interest.

http://parador-de-canadas-del-teide.la-orotava.hotel-tenerife.net/es/
https://www.parador.es/es/paradores/parador-de-las-canadas-del-teide

Recommendations:

Keep in mind that it is one of the coldest areas of the island.
In the Alto de Guajara there can be strong wind and lower the thermal sensation.
We can find the snowy or icy area.

How to get there?

• Private vehicle. Depending on where we are on the island, we can go up several roads.
• Public transport (check why there may be changes):
  • Line 348 from Puerto de la Cruz (with only one departure early in the morning) It stops at the base station of the cable car. The return is made at around 4:00 PM from the base station of the cable car, traveling the same path in the opposite direction. https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-348
  • Line 342 from Costa Adeje, in Playa de las Américas (with only one departure early in the morning) to go to the Cañadas del Teide, stops at the base station of the cable car. The return is made at around 3:30 PM from the cable car base station, traveling the same path in the opposite direction. https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-342

Los Silos – Erjos – Monte del Agua

General data:

• Kilometers: 15.80 Km
• Accumulated unevenness: 1.940m
• Elevation gain: 970m
• Elevation loss: 970m
• Maximum altitude: 1,035m
• Minimum altitude: 105m
• Type: circular tour
• Difficulty: medium (for mountain runners)
• Starting point: Plaza de La Cruz (center / historic center of Los Silos)
• Coordinates: 28.365448512700386, -16.817421961298844
• Places we visit: Los Silos, Cuevas Negras, Erjos, Monte del Agua, Las Moradas
• Temperatures: pleasant in winter (maybe some day very cold over 10º in the upper part). Maybe hot in the lower part on some specific days of the summer.
• Water points: possibility of buying in a bar / cafeteria or shop in Erjos (if they are open during their hours)

Material:

• Footwear and clothing suitable for mountain running.
• Jacket / Windbreaker if it is a bit cold or may rain.
• Cap and / or sunglasses if the weather is uncovered.
• 1.5 liters of water.
• Some food.
• Mobile.

Description of the route:

Tour to know a piece of the Teno Rural Park, from the town of Los Silos two of the best trails start: Cuevas Negras and Las Moradas, which owe their name to the old hamlets in the middle of the municipality and which were inhabited decades ago.

You will go up the Cuevas Negras path in just over 5 kilometers, with more than 900m positive. Then there will be a few kilometers of running along the Monte del Agua track, to finish making a good descent to the starting point (descent through Las Moradas). A route of 15 kilometers perfect to train a demanding climb, to be able to recover from the climb, and then face a semi-long descent, where you will find technical and stony areas.

Ideal route to train uphill series (doing stretches at gentle rhythms to recover) or to perform one at a constant pace for 5kms.

Tour detail:

KM 0 – We begin in the Caso de Los Silos. The route consists of following the PR 53 trail to Erjos (kilometer 5). The first 1.4 kilometer runs on asphalt and then on a cement road, always ascending but smooth, it will help you warm up.

KM 0.1 – Cross the main road and continue on the street straight ahead.

KM 0.2 – Continue to the left along the street, towards “Cuevas Negras”. Add that the path to the right will be where we return back.

KM 0.7 – On your right you will see the old clothes washers.

KM 1.4 – We leave the concrete road to take the path that is in front (a little to the left). Now with effort, a hard uphill section begins.

KM 2 – In this area from here you will see on the left side (towards your back) the cliff that gives its name to Cuevas Negras. The erosion has left an impressive stamp and it is not surprising that some Guanches chose this place to live.

KM 2.5 – You pass by the abandoned houses of Cuevas Negras. At the crossroads, go straight ahead, towards “Erjos”

KM 5 – You arrive at the town of Erjos, continue 100m along the asphalt and then turn right along the alley, then right again (follow the PR signs) You can go left to see the center of this small town.

KM 5.2 – After leaving some houses, you come to a dirt road, you must continue to the right, indications “Las Portelas”, PR 52/54. From here we must follow the PR 52 Las Portelas, and then later go down the PR 54 Las Moradas. The path now goes up a bit to link up with the track of Montaña del Agua.

KM 5.7 – The climb ends, now to the right along the wide track, in the direction of “Las Portelas”. Now 3.7 kilometers on the dirt track to recover legs, you will run comfortably through this green and humid mountain.

KM 6.5 – You will see a small ledge on the right with a wooden floor, you can approach this viewpoint.

KM 9.3 – Leave the track and take the path on the right, PR 54 “Las Moradas”, this path is good for running.

KM 10.7 – Crossroads, continue to the left along the wide path (PR 54 “Las Moradas”)

KM 11.3 – Leave the wide road, and take the path on the right that is downhill (PR 54 “Las Moradas”). The first part is good for running, but then you will enter a more technical and stony area, ideal for training the skill of a good descent specialist. As you go down you go from a path covered with vegetation to an open one where you can enjoy the views of this place.

KM 13.7 – You pass through the Caserío de Las Moradas, now only a few abandoned houses remain, but they have their charm.

KM 15.4 – The trail ends and continues along the cement road towards Los Silos

KM 15.7 – END

Environment:

Teno Rural Park. Tenerife is home to one of its great natural treasures in the northwest. The Teno massif, one of the three oldest rock formations on the island, has forged vertigo ravines and deep laurel forests over millions of years that evoke prehistoric eras. Buenavista, Santiago del Teide, El Tanque and Los Silos make up this park.

Cuevas Negras farmhouse. In the past it served as a link between Los Silos and the south, later becoming a royal road to connect the town with Erjos. During the last century, about 60 people dedicated to agriculture, livestock and forestry activities came to reside. Today the farmhouse is being swallowed up by vegetation.

Caserío de Las Moradas. Old hamlet inhabited until the first half of the 20th century along with farms for agricultural and livestock exploitation. To this day, it is difficult to imagine someone living there, due to its complicated connection with the main populations.

Mount of Water. A wide monteverde forest with laurel and fayal-heather. It extends through the upper courses and headwaters of the Los Cochinos, Bucarón and Cuevas Negras ravines.

Laundry in Los Silos. Laundry room with sinks in which the inhabitants of Los Silos washed their clothes using the water from the ravine.

Recommendations:

You must be attentive to the indications when you arrive in Erjos, since there are several streets and crossroads, so it is easy to go off the indicated route.
The upper part of the route runs through a cool and shady area, while the initial and final lower part are the areas where there may be more heat and humidity. Special care if the day is hot and sunny.

How to get there?

• Private vehicle.
• Public transport (ask why there may be changes): Line 363 from the Puerto de la Cruz station. https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-363

La Caldera – Crucita – Montaña Limón

General data:

• Kilometers: 18.00 Km
• Accumulated unevenness: 2400m
• Elevation gain: 1,200m
• Elevation loss: 1,200m
• Maximum altitude: 2,240m
• Minimum altitude: 1,190m
• Type: circular tour
• Difficulty: medium (for mountain runners)
• Starting point: La Orotava Recreational Area (La Caldera)
• Coordinates: 28.357562101, -16.50224444
• Places we visit: La Caldera, La Crucita, trail No. 17, Montaña Limón.
• Temperatures: in winter they can drop to 5º at the starting point, and it can go down as we go up. The upper area is open and sometimes there is a lot of wind, it is not dangerous but it will lower the thermal sensation a lot.
• Water points: one at km 0.9

Material:

• Footwear and clothing suitable for mountain running, jacket and gloves if it is cold.
• Cap and / or sunglasses if the weather is uncovered.
• 1.5 liters of water
• Some food
• Mobile

Description of the route:

Attractive route for a good mountain training, with a distance of 18 kilometers that combines variety: demanding ascent, technical parts, easy run and altitude.

The first part runs through the pine forest of La Orotava, but as you gain height the pines will be smaller and more spaced, the upper area will be clear where you can enjoy good views of the National Park and Teide itself, you can run and observe the surroundings.

After the first 800m, which you can use to warm up, you will have to face a long and demanding climb with 1100m positive in approximately 5 kilometers. Once done, and as a reward, you will have the most beautiful area of ​​this tour.

Tour detail:

KM 0 – We start at the Aŕea Recreativa de La Orotava car parks, we will follow the GR signs in the direction of La Esperanza (southeast orientation) along the wide path.

KM 0.8 – We must leave the track and take the path on the right that goes up. Right next to the wooden shed. Here you have a water point. During the next 3.5 kilometers you must follow the indications of “Camino Candelaria”. From here you have to train a good long incline climb.

KM 1.9 – You must be attentive as you come to a 4-way crossroads, but you must follow the one that continues to climb.

KM 4.5 – The path ends and you arrive at the main road, you must cross and in front (30 meters more to the left) continue along the wide track, only 80 meters, since you must be careful and take the path on the right . Trail number 17 that runs along the ascending slope on the right. You must follow the indications for trail 17 until km 8.4.

KM 5.8 – Congratulations, you have finished the climb. You reach a high point on the route, if you go a little closer to the left side, you will be able to see La Caldera de Pedro Gil and the entire southern part of the island. The steep ledge in front of you is Cho Marcial Peak.

KM 6.2 – You have started a descent along the path, a little further on, on the right hand side you can leave the path and approach what we have called “La Ventana del Teide (the Teide window)”. There is a small formation of stones that confirms a “window” and if you look through it you will see Mount Teide on the horizon. Although it has no economic value, you can consider it as a great prize after the effort of the climb.

KM 6.5 – After the small descent along the path, the path runs along a wide, almost flat path that continues to the right.

KM 7.3 – You must cross the road, and in front, follow the path that continues up the slope that ascends. At the top of the slope there is a great view of Teide in the background. You can run and look straight ahead at the same time.

KM 8.5 – Crossing paths, you must take the one that goes down, towards “Corral del Niño”, number 34.

KM 9.3 – Cross the track and follow the path opposite. 200m later you come out onto the track again, continue for 50m and on the right take path number 34.

KM 9.8 – You can leave trail 34, you will see that on the right hand side there is a marked path to reach the top of Montaña Limón. You can climb to the highest part that there is a good view and then return.

KM 10.3 – Summit of Montaña Limón, from here the second part of the training begins, now it is a descent of a few kilometers, combined with other plains of forest track.

KM 11.8 – Cross with a track, continue along the track to the right. Approximately 2 kilometers down the track.

KM 14 – In a curve to the left, look to the right and you will see that there is a wide road, it is not very defined, but if you are attentive you will recognize it. Follow this path on the right that is downhill.

KM 14.9 – You arrive at a crossroads, you must locate the PR sign (white / yellow) that you will see in front and continue along the path. Continue the PR indications, the first km is downhill, then turn left and continue through a flatter area. In the case of going out onto the track, continue along it to the left.

KM 16.4 – You arrive at the track, turn right, 20m along the track, and take the PR trail on the left. Continue down the path for just over 1.5 and you will reach the starting point, take advantage of this section to improve the technical descent (it is good because it is not a very steep descent)

KM 18. – END

Environment:

Recreational area of ​​La Caldera. It is located in the highlands of La Orotava (at an altitude of 1,180 meters) after passing the Aguamansa neighborhood. It is one of the most complete recreational areas in the north of the island of Tenerife, with which throughout the year it has a large influx of visitors. It has several services, including parking, a bar-restaurant, a large playground, public toilets (without showers), grills, tables and a camping area. On the other hand, indicate that it is the starting point of many trails that are in its surroundings.

La Crucita viewpoint. It is located on the left bank of the main road that comes from La Esperanza and reaches Portillo (TF-24, at kilometer 30). It is located at almost 2,000 m of altitude and oriented to the southeast. Frequently traveled place on foot. Not surprisingly, it is part of the pilgrimage route to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, originating in the northern towns of the island. This path starts from Aguamansa, in the heart of the Orotava valley, and reaches its highest point here, in La Crucita, and then descends towards Arafo and Candelaria. The viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Güimar Valley and La Caldera de Pedro Gil. The Caldera is bounded on the right by an imposing ridge known as Pico de Cho Marcial, and on the left by the Ayosa mountain.

Recommendations:

A very popular place on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, although there are usually no parking problems.
Keep in mind that it is one of the coldest areas of the island.

How to get there?

• Private vehicle
• Public transport. From Puerto de la Cruz bus / bus station:
  • https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-345
  • https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-346
  • Another option is to take line 348 that goes to Teide, and stay at La Parada de Aguamansa, from there there are trails to go up to La Caldera. https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-348

Las Calderetas – Lagunetas – Gaitero

General data:

• Kilometers: 22.00 Km
• Accumulated unevenness: 2,200 accumulated meters
• Elevation gain: 1,100m
• Elevation loss: 1,100m
• Maximum altitude: 980m
• Minimum altitude: 1740m
• Type: circular tour
• Difficulty: medium (for mountain runners)
• Starting point: Las Calderetas Recreational Area
• Coordinates: 28.446973, -16.411849
• Places we visit: Las Calderetas, Monte de La Esperanza, Las Lagunetas, Boca del Valle, Lomo Custodio, Mirador de Lomo Custodio, Gaitero, GR, La Vica
• Temperatures: in winter they can drop below 5º (especially in Lomo Custodio), average temperature in summer.
• Water points: at km 16.6km

Material:

• Footwear and clothing suitable for mountain running.
• Jacket and gloves if it is cold.
• 1.5 liters of water
• Some food
• Mobile

Route description:

Tour of the central area of ​​the island of Tenerife, within the Protected Landscape of Las Lagunetas. An eminently wooded landscape in which gentle slopes and deep ravines predominate. The vegetation is largely made up of Canarian pine forest, mixed with monteverde (laurisilva and fayal-brezal) and some endemic flowers, such as geranium.

The route begins in the lower part, specifically in the Recreational Area of ​​Las Calderetas, the first kilometers run through monteverde combined with pine forest, and little by little we enter places with only pine trees.

In the highest part we will pass through the southern slope of the island where we can enjoy the views towards the Güimar valley (pass by the Boca del Valle track) The prize of this route is in the upper part, when we reach the natural viewpoint from Lomo Custodio (at about 1680m altitude) From here, and if the sky is clear, we can see a large part of the island. To the left we can see the Anaga ridge and the metropolitan area, to the right the Güimar Valley and in the highest part we can see the Teide peak.

The way back is made mostly by the GR-131 trail in the direction of La Esperanza.

Tour detail:

KM 0 – We start at the Las Calderetas Recreational Area, we must follow the PR TF 25 in the direction of Las Lagunetas (it runs to the right of the recreational area). During the first 2.5 kilometers we will follow the directions of the PR and cross several forest tracks.

KM 2.8 – After crossing the Pino Carretón track we will see that the PR has two branches, we must continue to the right (towards Las Lagunetas)

KM 3 – There is another branch of the path, we continue to the right (indications to AR Hoya Abade y Los Nateros)

KM 4.1 – We arrive at a crossroads of tracks and trails, we must follow the path on the left (indications Las Lagunetas and AR Las Raíces)

KM 4.8 – Crossing of trails, we continue straight ahead (indications Las Lagunetas and AR Las Raíces)

KM 5.8 – We must be attentive, when the path crosses a wide forest track (Boca del Valle track) we leave the path and continue to the right along the track.

KM 6.1 – Crossing of tracks, we continue along the track on the right, where we are (Boca del Valle)

KM 9.5 – We must be careful, after making a section down the track we have a curve to the right, just before this curve, to the right we will see a small stone wall and a path that ascends. We must follow the path to go up to the Lomo Custodio area. Before taking the uphill path, to the left there is a small path (not very clear) we can approach 30m where there is a large formation of stones.

KM 10.4 – The trail ends and we come out onto a wide path, we continue along this path to the left, it has no exit, but it is to get closer to the natural viewpoint.

KM 10.5 – Natural Viewpoint of Lomo Custodio. We can rest, take photos and enjoy the views. Then we must return the way we have come and follow the wide path.

KM 12.2 – We arrive at Gaitero, in front we will see the watchtower, we continue to the left (on the asphalt)

KM 12.5 – We cross the main road and continue along the wide path on the right, a little further on we will go down the slope of the firewall.

KM 12.8 – We continue to the right along the GR-131 path (towards La Esperanza). We must follow the GR until kilometer 21.5. You have to be careful because part of the GR runs along forest tracks and is also combined with a PR in other sections.

KM 16.5 – The GR leaves a path to a wide track, now we continue along a stretch of forest track following the GR indications (Punta la Pista track)

KM 16.6 – We will see that there is a small rest house, on the right there is a water point.

KM 18.9 – We must be attentive, since we leave the track to take the path on the left (the GR is now combined with a PR, white-red-yellow mark)

KM 19.5 – We come out onto a forest track (Pista Las Aguilillas) we must follow the GR indications, which is to continue along the track to the right.

KM 21.5 – We will cross a PR, leave the track and follow the PR to the left, downhill (it is the path we did at the beginning)

KM 22.0 – We have reached the starting point.

Environment:

Protected Landscape of Las Lagunetas: A mountainous and wooded area of ​​great value, with a large extension (3,800 hectares), it shares space with several municipalities: Candelaria, El Rosario, Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Matanza, Santa Úrsula and La Victoria. It oscillates between the heights 790m and 1,890m of altitude.

Las Calderetas Recreational Area: Recreational area of ​​four thousand meters of surface located at about 1,000 meters of altitude, ideal for nature lovers. The place has bbq’s, tables, playground.

Lomo Custodio viewpoint: Natural viewpoint located at 1680m of altitude.

Recommendations:

Quite cold area in winter, especially above 1400 meters of altitude, gloves and a jacket are recommended if the day is covered and it is cold.
You can park in the departure area.

How to get there?

• Private vehicle: Taking the El Sauzal highway exit, then the service road towards “Bodegas Monje”, once the sloping road begins, we should not deviate and we will arrive at El Ravelo. From here a paved road starts, the Lomo Piedras street that goes up towards the mountain and that leads to Las Calderetas.
• Public transport: Line 054. From the La Laguna bus / bus station (La Laguna Interchange). https://www.titsa.com/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-054. We stay at the stop in the “Lomo Las Piedras” area, then we must walk up Lomo Piedras street (1.5 kilometers ). NOTE: you can take line 54 from the bus / guaguas station in Tacoronte.

Vilaflor – La Florida – Paisaje Lunar

General data:

• Kilometers: 22.4 Km
• Accumulated unevenness: 2,200m
• Elevation gain: 1,100m
• Elevation loss: 1,100m
• Maximum altitude: 1,960m
• Minimum altitude: 1,335m
• Type: circular tour
• Difficulty: medium (for mountain runners)
• Starting point: Vilaflor Church Square, San Pedro Apóstol (old town)
• Coordinates: 28.16003699791096, -16.637030884560005
• Places we visit: Vilaflor, Madre Agua, La Florida, Los Escurriales, Lunar Landscape, Pino Gordo.
• Temperatures: in winter they can drop to 5º in the highest part. In summer or hot days it can reach more than 30º degrees (in central hours)
• Water points: none

Material:

• Footwear and clothing suitable for mountain running.
• Jacket / Windbreaker, hat and gloves if it is a bit cold or it can rain.
• Cap and / or sunglasses if the weather is uncovered.
• 1.5 liter of water
• Some food
• Mobile

Description of the route:

Spectacular route to discover curiosities of Tenerife. We start from the case of Vilaflor to go to the Paisaje Lunar (Lunar Landscape) and end up knowing the largest pines in the Canary Islands.

We leave the center of the town of Vilaflor to go up the GR 131 trail, then a loop of just over 6 kilometers is made to go down first, flatten out and go back up (we walk the path to La Cruz de Tea and then go up the path coming from Las Vegas) Then the route goes to the Lunar Landscape area, to continue climbing a little more to the highest point (1,960m). We will go down a section along the GR and then we will cross the Madre del Agua track towards the main road with the mission of knowing the largest pines in the Canary Islands.

A route for training with altitude, varied terrain and combining several ups and downs throughout the tour.

Tour detail:

KM 0 – We start from the center of the town of Vilaflor, from the Church. We go around it and go down to the right, through the Los Cipreses park. We will go to the Plaza Obispo Pérez Cáceres, we cross and we go to the left. We will see indications and information panel for the GR-131 trail in this area. We must follow the GR-131.

KM 0.4 – Turn left. Follow signs GR.

KM 0.5 – We leave the street and take the path to the right.

KM 0.7 – When you are at the bottom of the ravine, continue for about 30m and then we take the path on the right (follow the indications of the GR). Now there are 2.2 kilometers uphill, the first part is steeper and then more bearable.

KM 2.8 – We cross the Madre del Agua track.

KM 2.9 – 100m after leaving the track, you arrive at a trail junction, you must follow the one on the right, we leave the GR and take the PR 72 Los Escurriales (indicate that the other path is where you will come down further)

KM 2.9 to 4.9  – Now two kilometers through an area with small ups and downs, it will be a bearable section where you can regain strength. This section is always by footpath, where you will cross several forest tracks, but you must always follow the indications of PR 72 Los Escurriales. On the way you will see the ruins of the house of the Llanitos.

KM 4.9 – Crossing trails. At this point we take the path on the right (PR 83 Cruz de Tea). You will make a loop of just over 6 kilometers to return again to this point.

KM 5.3 – You go out to the Madre del Agua track. Take PR 83 Cruz de Tea. You will see that just to the left is PR 83.1 Las Vegas, indicate that this is where you will return. Now almost two kilometers of descent with some technical parts. To fly!

KM 7 – Crossroads, continue down the PR 83 Cruz de Tea. In this area you will have good views of the south of Tenerife.

KM 7.2 – Crossing of trails. We take the path on the left, PR 83.2 Las Vegas (Los Escurriales)

KM 7.2 to 8.9 – Section of small ups and downs with other flat areas. Always follow PR 83.2.

KM 8.9 – Crossing of trails. Now take the path on the left that goes up, PR 83.1 Los Escurriales (La Florida)

KM 9.9 – Keep going up the PR 83.1.

KM 10 – Casa La Florida. You are in an agricultural area, you will see several plots with vineyards.

KM 10.9 – You arrive at the Madre del Agua track, continue straight ahead along the path.

KM 11.3 – Crossing of trails. You are at the point where you started the loop, now take the path on the right towards Los Escurriales (Lunar Landscape) This section is signposted with three paths: PR 72 and PR 83 and PR 83.1 to the Lunar Landscape viewpoint.

KM 13.2 – You arrive at the Lunar Landscape viewpoint, enjoy the surroundings. You can take a small path with no exit that you will see on the left, so you can see better “The Lunar Landscape”, return by the same path and follow the PR in an upward direction (PR 72)

KM 13.9 – Highest point (1960m) You will have seen some pines with a black trunk, from the fire that existed a few years ago (the Canarian pine is quite resistant to fire and is capable of sprouting again). Now you come to a crossroads, You must start down the path on the left (section marked as PR 72 and GR-131).

KM 14.9 – You pass through an area of ​​light color, it is similar to the lunar landscape that you have seen previously from the viewpoint.

KM 15.8 – Crossroads, continue straight down the path.

KM 16.8 – Crossing paths, keep going down the path.

KM 16.9 – You arrive at the Madre del Agua track, a point that you have passed on the way up. Now we continue along the track, to the right. Indicate that you can return by the GR-131, but we continue along the track to do a good stretch of running and also to pass and see the largest pine trees in the Canary Islands. Take the opportunity to do 3.5 kilometers on a good running track.

KM 20.3 – On the left you will see a parking area, and further on, to the right of the road, a path that will take you to Pino de las dos Pernadas. Then go back to the parking area, and go down behind towards the Pino Gordo.

KM 20.4 – You arrive at the main road, you must follow it carefully downwards, you can even in some places shorten the slope and thus do less on the road (the road goes through several S)

KM 2.5 – Pino Gordo (means fat pine). Continue down the left of the pine, it seems that there is no path. First it is a part of a dirt path and then you come out onto a street, continue to the right. Enjoy these two large specimens of Canarian pine over 300 years old.

KM 21.9 – You go back to the main road, do not cross but follow the street on the left, going down towards the center of town.

KM 22.4 – END (Vilaflor town center)

Environment:

Vilaflor: Formerly known by the name of Chasna. Nestled in the highest part of the Island and surrounded by pine forests, a step away from Teide. Its houses and cobbled streets are beautiful. It is located at an altitude of 1400m.

Pino Gordo: It is a spectacular Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) that has a total height of 45.12 meters, and that makes it the second tallest tree in Spain, within the ranking of autochthonous species. The measurements that it presents and that attract a lot of attention is that of the circumference at chest height, which is 9.36 meters and has a maximum width of 3.16 meters and a minimum of 3.10 meters.

Pino de las Dos Pernadas (pinus canariensis): Right in front of the Pino Gordo, we find the tallest native tree in our country, which with its 56.03 meters leads the ranking of its specialty. The circumference at chest height is somewhat smaller than that of the Pino Gordo and has a total of 8.30 meters with a maximum height of 2.78 meters and a minimum of 2.68.

Paisaje Lunar (lunar landscape): It is a set of delicate conical towers, curious and of light sand of the Escurriales also popularly known as the Paisaje Lunar. For thousands of years, erosion has chiseled them on a slope of thousands of sloping layers of fine beige volcanic ash. The so-called “Paisaje Lunar” is actually called Los Escurriales landscape, it is a PROTECTED NATURAL LANDSCAPE inserted in turn within the Natural Park of the Corona Forestal de Tenerife; It is strictly FORBIDDEN to travel outside the officially marked trails. It is a very fragile landscape and sensitive to erosion caused by the transit of people.

Recommendations:

Sunscreen if there is sun (we are at a high altitude and there is more solar radiation).
We have a large parking lot near the starting point, near the church (coordinates: 28.160262672872037, -16.636975237459975)

How to get there?

• Private vehicle.
• Public transport (ask why there may be changes): Line 482 from Los Cristianos: https://titsa.com/index.php/tus-guaguas/lineas-y-horarios/linea-482