Description
This loop trail climbs upwards bordering Montaña del Cerrillar amidst abundant bushes of Teide white broom or retama (Spartocytisus supranubius) that have taken root in the pumice.
At the top, the trail affords a spectacular panoramic view of the Teide National Park and the Llano de Maja plain. It is also a good vantage point to observe how the trade winds form a sea of clouds over the Orotava Valley.
You may also be able to see the island of La Palma and the astronomical and meteorological observatories of Izaña to the east.
The descent takes you down the side of the caldera next to the Arenas Negras volcanoes, cinder cones with sparse vegetation. We recommend that you proceed with caution along this stretch, as the slope has a gradient as steep as 60% in some parts.
The path leads to PNT 04 (Siete Cañadas), a trail that leads you back to where you started, the El Portillo Visitor Centre.
The most common flora on this route is Teide white broom or retama (Spartocytisus supranubius), Teide sticky broom or codeso (Adenocarpus viscosus), rosalillo de cumbre (Pterocephalus lasiospermus) and flixweed or hierba pajonera (Descurainia bourgaeana). As for fauna, you are likely to spot chiffchaffs, kestrels and Berthelot’s pipits in the flatter areas.
Tips
- Always stay on the marked trail and do not enter private property, hunting grounds, water galleries, wells or caves.
- Pay special attention when crossing or walking along trails used by bicycles, horses or motor vehicles and when walking in ravines with water courses.
- Avoid direct encounters with potentially dangerous animals, such as livestock, beehives, and dogs.
- Proceed with caution and watch for obstacles, loose rocks, uneven terrain or steep slopes to avoid accidents and falls.
- Check out our guide to hiking in Tenerife and, if necessary, contact the emergency services by calling 112.
