Internationale groepsreis Secrets of Tenerife Walk

The boutique Hotel San Roque, a former Canadian Mansion is located in the heart of pretty Garanchio, a beautifully preserved traditional town rebuilt after a volcanic eruption destroyed it in 1706. (Staying at San Roque Hotel)

Today's walk takes us to the Chinyero Reserve to view the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the coal black Chinyero volcano and the spectacular El Volcan Negro. We cross lava flows where the first lichens bring colour to the rocks and volcanic ash fields are framed by fragrant Canary mints shrubs, native Canary pine trees and azure blue skies. Some birds like the endemic Canary blue chaffinch or the grey spotted woodpecker frequent this area. Passing through the Arenas Negras (black sands), the air is fresh with scents of pine resin and giant flows of solid lava offer perfect views of Mount Teide.

Tenerife's dramatic landscape includes soaring volcanic cliffs and snow-capped Mount Teide, which at 7,500m high from its base on the ocean floor, makes it the third largest volcano in the world. Starting at the El Portillo visitors centre where we can learn all about this volcanic landscape, today's walk takes us through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Teide National Park. A mecca for geologists, look out for lava flows in vividly contrasting colours, pumice and obsidian. We drive back through the magnificent landscapes of the Teide caldera as we return back to the hotel. 

Spectacular views today of the Atlantic Ocean, La Gomera, El Palmar Valley, the Los Carrizales Ravine and the crowning glory of Mount Teide. The Teno Rural Park is rich in natural heritage and preserved in time with abandoned terraces, stone circles, traditional farmhouses and cheese factories. We follow shady forest paths to the hamlet of Teno Alto with its tiny church and where we lunch on regional specialities in a local restaurant. We descend on the Callejon de Teno trail down through the fertile El Palmar Valley, passing in front of a unique volcanic cone, through terraces of golden barley and past remote farmsteads. 

In the morning perhaps explore the lava rock pools and narrow streets of Garachico, with its 16th century churches and their beautiful vaulted ceilings. Lunch in the pretty square (payable locally) then back to the hotel to laze by the pool, you are on holiday after all! 

We start our route at the Cruz del Carmen visitors' centre and follow the cool shady paths through the magical sub-tropical laurisilva which colonises the northern part of Tenerife, where the trees tower at up to 1,000m high. Our day also includes a trip to Laguna market to choose our picnic lunch from the local produce available. This is a fabulous day for endemic flora and fauna, with stunning views of Mount Teide and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Today will take us through the Teno Rural Park, along old shepherds' routes and up through rolling hills to the Cumbre de Bolico Ridge, with dramatic, deep ravines and where we'll be rewarded with lovely clear views out across the Atlantic towards La Gomera. Look out for the migratory birds in the ponds of Charcas de Erjos and enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views of the ocean and snow-capped Mount Teide, then descend passing abandoned farmsteads to the pretty village of Masca. There's time for a refreshing drink in the palm-shaded square before heading back to the hotel.

Leave Garachico