WALKING TOURS. Due to the landscape and nature of the island, the trails are split into three categories: coastal, volcanic and forest hikes.

Transcription

1 WALKING TOURS Tenerife is part of the Macaronesia, one of the four richest biological areas of the world. Set in the Atlantic Ocean, just 300 Km off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife has benefited from isolation, which has enabled nature to evolve at a different pace to other parts of the world. Though what makes this island so unique is the existence of a vast array of contrasting landscapes spread across a surface of 2,034 Km², offering the opportunity to walk through lush laurel forests originating from the Tertiary Age, and set foot on a desert volcanic moonscape just an hour later. It is the variety of landscapes and the superb climate averaging 22 degrees centigrade annually that have attracted nature enthusiasts year round. However, most parts of the island are suitable to many types of travellers, providing an exciting and affordable day trip, away from the beaches and resorts. With over 50 endemic species, the island authorities, supported by the European Economic Community, are striving to achieve a balance between tourism and the conservation of the environment. Thanks to this ecological awareness and protection of the natural surroundings, nearly half of the island is covered by National Parks or Nature Reserves, which form some of the 43 protected areas in Tenerife. Tenerife is a well-known tourist destination in Europe, receiving millions of visitors every year who come to experience its countless attractions. Tenerife s varied landscape and spring temperature make it an ideal destination to go hiking, with over 1,500 kilometres of trails. WALKING TOUR ITINERARY Here we list the 15 different hikes or rambles to go on alternate days. We recommend following hikes to be serviced by a professional guide to get the most of each trail. Due to the landscape and nature of the island, the trails are split into three categories: coastal, volcanic and forest hikes.

2 Coastal hikes Tenerife, as an island, is surrounded by the sea and features a wide range of coastal trails with stimulating views of the ocean and other islands, offering an irresistible attraction to hikers and ramblers: stunning sunsets. These trails are ideal to enjoy the original, wild scenery of the island coastline. We propose 4 trails: Mailpais de Güímar Afur Taganana Las Aguas Rambla de Castro Puerto de la Cruz. Enclosed detailed information of each trail. Volcanic hikes You may not see a smoking volcanic cone ready to expel lava, since the last eruption in Tenerife took place in However, you will go through a true Mars-like environment, such as Teide National Park. Tenerife is a sort of Noe s Ark for volcanism. A corner of the planet gathering all the known manifestations of this phenomenon. We propose 7 trails: Roques de García Majua Sanatorio Chinyero from La Montañeta Parador Vilaflor Montaña Samara El Gaitero La Caldera Montaña Blanca Peak of Teide Enclosed detailed information of each trail. Forest hikes There are two types of rain: the rain with drops falling downwards (as usual in the rest of the planet) and the horizontal rain produced by condensation (a specific feature in the island). The northern face of the mountains (windward) blocks the passage of the rain-producing clouds, pushed by the trade winds (Alisios). The leaves of the trees soak up the water and the drops fall on the land, resulting in the vast, thick forests found in the upland areas in Tenerife. We propose 4 trails: Bailadero Las Vueltas Taganana Cruz del Carmen Punta del Hidalgo La Ensillada Tafada Chamorga La Ensillada Benijo Los Silos El Palmar. Enclosed detailed information of each trail.

3 COASTAL HIKES 1. MAL PAÍS DE GÜÍMAR - Name of the Trail: Malpaís de Güimar, tour of Pirámides de Güimar (step pyramids of Güimar) - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 6:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 2:00 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 3:30 hours - Distance: 4 mi 68 yd. - Duration of the tour of Pirámides de Güimar: approximately 01:30 hours - Viewpoints: lava formations, lizards and the murmur of the sea waves. The malpaís (badland) is a place to be discovered slowly. Engaging with its exotic, calm nature becomes a spontaneous process. To visit Malpaís de Güímar, get ready to enjoy a natural breathtaking sight. This small piece of land seems to have been pulled out from another world and inserted directly into this area. This is a volcanic rock landscape softened by the presence of the spurges and sweet spurges that have managed to grow in this isolated, inhospitable area. Among the uses for which this environment has been exploited (fishing and farming), sea salt is produced in small saltworks still operating in Punta del Pedrón.

4 The next visit will lead us to the step pyramids of Güímar at Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park. This tour will let us learn the intriguing pyramid constructions and the rush boats that Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl used in his expeditions trying to prove the connections between far-off places such Egypt and South America. Pirámides de Güimar C/ CHACONA, S/N GÜIMAR Tel Fax http:// Pyramids de Güímar is an Ethnographic Park of great cultural value measuring some 64,000 square metres. The main attractions are the six step pyramids, oriented towards the sun during the summer and winter solstices. The Casa Chacona Museum and the Auditorium explore the research carried out in the pyramid complex. The visitor can also get to know the incredible expeditions of the Park's founder, the Norwegian anthropologist, Thor Heyerdahl, as well as observing replicas of the reed boats on which he crossed the oceans. There are also a number of open-air displays including the Canarian Botanical Route and a Cultural Tour, or you can visit the Poison Garden, a 1,500-square-metre garden holding over 70 species of toxic and even lethal plants where you can discover the secrets of the fascinating world of poisons and poisoners.

5 2. AFUR TAGANANA - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 6:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 3:30 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 4:00 hours - Distance: 5 mi 10 yd. First of all, have a look at the views of the impressive cliffs. Now you will be in excellent spirits to go for the hike. The hamlet of Afur lies on the edge of a rock and is comprised of cave dwellings and small thatchedroof stone houses. This is the starting point of the hike, crossing a ravine with flowing water all the year round. It is one of the most remote and beautiful corners in Tenerife. Then, the trail goes by the coastline and reaches the hamlet of Chorro, with traces of ancient civilisations, wineyards, presses and wine cellars for the production of the resuscitating local wine.

6 A bit later, in the village of Taganana, we will taste and experience this wine s unique flavour and colour. Among its few buildings, Taganana has a small church in honour of "Nuestra Señora de las Nieves." It is one of the oldest churches on the island and inside there is an authentic artistic treasure, a valuable triptych by the 16th century Flemish school. Surrounding the village, there is the natural beauty of the Anaga Massif with its leafy laurisilva forests, deserted beaches and spectacular rocks. Taganana Taganana is a picturesque village located in the Anaga Rural Park, in the district of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. To get to Taganana take the road to El Bailadero from San Andrés (a small fishing town seven kilometres from the capital). Taganana is hidden away in a small steep valley and like the rest of the villages in Anaga, preserves the traditions and architecture from the island's past. Another way to get there is via the Las Mercedes Mountains in La Laguna. Among its few buildings, Taganana has a small church in honour of "Nuestra Señora de las Nieves." It is one of the oldest churches on the island and inside there is an authentic artistic treasure, a valuable triptych by the 16th century Flemish school. Surrounding the village, there is the natural beauty of the Anaga Massif with its leafy laurisilva forests, deserted beaches and spectacular rocks. La Laguna San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a World Cultural and Heritage Site by Unesco, has maintained its highly valued historic centre in an exemplary state of conservation. As well as important monuments and historic buildings, there is an important centre of commercial activity, offering the chance to buy souvenirs to remember your visit to the island: fashion, Tenerife wines, Canarian craftwork and typical gastronomical products. The city has an important university tradition, thus providing the liveliness and relaxed atmosphere of its countless tascas.

7 3. LAS AGUAS RAMBLA DE CASTRO PUERTO DE LA CRUZ - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 4:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 30 minutes approximately - Hike duration: around 4:00 hours - Distance: 5 mi 10 yd. - Duration of the tour of the banana plantation: approximately 01:30 hours. Before going into the subject, we will do a tour of a banana plantation and packing processing plant in Puerto de La Cruz. Banana is more than a fruit in Tenerife and in the Canary Islands: many families have lived and currently live on bananas. We owe a great debt to it and this visit will let you learn how laborious producing bananas is. After the visit, we will head for the fishing village Las Aguas, in San Juan de La Rambla, the starting point of the hike, and then for the legendary highway Camino Real on the northern coastline. This area features black sand and stone coves on the one side, and palm and dragon trees on the other. The trail enters Paisaje Protegido de Ramblas de Castro, a protected landscape area due to its lush vegetation.

8 We will then come across the half-ruined water pumping station Casona de Castro. The building inspires both a ghostly and an inviting feeling: bare windows and faded, roofless walls. A peculiarly beautiful building, surrounded by stairs and mysterious nooks. Then we will head for our last stop, Puerto de La Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz Situated on the northern coast of the island, at the feet of El Teide, Puerto de la Cruz offers its visitors a cosmopolitan town which, after a century of tourism experience, today retains all the flavour of a conurbation open to the sea and to every cultural background. Declared of Tourist Interest in 1955, Puerto de la Cruz brings together in attractive harmony both the traditional architecture of the island and the modernity of first-class hotels. You can know the artificial lake Lago Martiánez, the square Plaza del Charco and the coloured boats in the fishing port await us. Bananas Traditional ingredient in the gastronomy of Tenerife The taste of Canarian bananas, the main crop in Tenerife and the rest of the Canaries, is unmistakable and of such high quality that it is unmatched. Here bananas are grown under the best weather and altitude conditions as well as in the island's ideal, volcanic soil. The result is a small, yellow fruit with small spots on its skin that is distinctive of its origin. The locals like to eat their bananas fresh although they are also used in dishes such as, "arroz a la cubana" (rice, sausages, egg and fried banana) and many others. Bananas are also used to make marmalade, jam and liqueurs. During your holidays you can visit banana plantations that have been around since the 15th and 16th centuries.

9 Turismo de Tenerife VOLCANIC HIKES 1. Roques de Garcia, night hike, stargazing - Departure time: 5:00 pm Return time: 0:00 am approximately Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 02:30 hours approximately Hike duration: around 3:00 hours Distance: 3 mi 18 yd. Stargazing time: approximately 01:30 hours This is a relatively-flat hike aimed at all hikers and it is especially advisable to those wishing to learn in depth about the most characteristic flora and fauna in Teide National Park. You will see shrikes (small birds well-known for their insect eating habits) and pimelias, a small, black pudgy beetle. This area has a great deal of pumice stones, frequently used to remove hard skin and calluses. In fact, pumice (the official name for the compressed volcanic ash) is the essence of this plain area, known as Cañada de los Guancheros. The predominant plant species are broom and broomrape, bushes with bright white and yellow semispherical-shaped flowers. These colours contrast with the coppery tonality of La Fortaleza, the

10 huge rock that survived the collapse of the former geologic structure Edificio Cañadas. These vivid colours combine with the green tones of the Canary Island pine trees and the cedar trees. The hike finishes with a stargazing activity with telescopes that will let you see beyond Orion's belt. Stargazing in Tenerife Tenerife is one of the best locations on the planet for stargazing due to its clear dark skies, low light pollution and a high altitude. Due to these exceptional conditions and to the activities available on the island for tourists to experience this resource, the Teide National Park was awarded in late 2013 the Starlight Tourist Destination and Starlight Reserve certificates by the Starlight Foundation.

11 2. Majua - Sanatorio, cable railway - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: around 6:00 pm - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 02:30 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 4:00 hours - Distance: 4 mi 60 yd. - Cable railway journey duration: around 01:30 hours Do not get us wrong. Sanatorio (Thanatos means death) is just the name of an area of the park and its name is related to lava and volcanism. The same applies to the sides of Teide (Faldas del Teide), the starting point of a seven-kilometre trail to Parador de Turismo. Broom and the endemic plants rosalillo de cumbre (Pterocephalus lasiospermus) and magarza (Argyranthemum frutescens) are some of the upland species that you will see during the hike. Beehives can be found next to the trail before the spring for the efficient bees to produce broom honey, another sweet attraction of this hike. To put an end to this activity, we will get on the cable railway of Teide to reach Rambleta, located at the base of the volcanic cone, at an altitude of 3,500 metres and offering breathtaking views. Teide National Park is a stunning volcanic setting offering a close-up view of Mount Teide and other fascinating volcanic formations.

12 Teide National Park The National Park, created in 1954 in recognition of its volcanic and biological singularity, is the largest and the oldest of the National Parks of the Canary Islands, covering an area of 18,990 hectares, and the fifth largest of the thirteen National Parks in the network. Apart from its Peripheral Protection Zone, this natural area is surrounded by the Corona Forestal Nature Park, the largest protected natural area of the Canary Islands with 46,612.9 hectares. In 1989, it was awarded a class A European Diploma by the Council of Europe. This European Diploma was extended in 1994 and in The Teide National Park Board and the Joint Canary Island National Parks Commission held several meeting in 2002 to have the Mt. Teide National Park declared a World Heritage Site. As a result of this initiative the Teide National Park was declared as World Heritage Site in summer 2007.

13 3. Chinyero from La Montañeta, theatrical hike in Garachico - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: around 6:00 pm - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 02:00 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 3:30 hours - Distance: 6 mi 90 yd. - Theatrical hike in Garachico. Duration: around 01:30 hours The volcanic eruption of Arenas Negras (Black Sands) destroyed an important part of Garachico in Although the village got to bloom again and managed to recover its original beauty, the traces of the flow of lava are still visible and can be seen during the hike. This activity starts in La Montañeta, crossing the most recent volcanic areas in the island. We will walk on the ashes of Arenas Negras, surrounded by pine trees. Then, we will reach another volcano: Chinyero. It is the last volcano that erupted in Tenerife, in 1909, and the first signs of life can be now seen, sprouting in the lava fields as a miracle of nature. It is a very easy walk, since the trail is flat with gentle descents. The activity ends up in Garachico, with a tour through the narrow streets of the town centre.

14 Garachico The sea is one of the most charming aspects of Garachico so it is no surprise that there are swimming pools, beaches and sheltered little bays which let the holidaymaker take a relaxing and refreshing dip. In contrast, the visitor can go up to the pine forest at La Montañeta, where the sand of the old volcanoes contrasts with the green of an immense pinewood, which encircles the shoulders of Mount Teide. Garachico has always taken care of its environment and protected the most diverse cultural manifestations. For all these reasons, the Spanish government awarded the town the Gold Medal of Fine Arts, which was presented in 1980 by His Majesty the King. Garachico is an obligatory port of call for all those who make beauty and peace a leitmotif in their lives.

15 4. Parador Vilaflor - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: around 6:00 pm - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 03:15 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 5:30 hours - Distance: 9 mi 50 yd. - Stargazing time: approximately 01:30 hours This trail follows the track Camino de Chasna, the most important route between the north and the south of the island when no roads or highways existed. The first users of this route were the ancient inhabitants of Tenerife. The trail is now part of the E7 European long-distance path, integrated into the GR-131 long distance hiking path of the Canary Islands. The trail starts in the area of Teide National Park, at the Parador. The activity is not very demanding and you can walk calmly while taking pictures of the rugged landscape. The hike ends up in Vilaflor, a village that holds a record: the highest village in Spain, at 1,400 metres above the sea level.

16 Vilaflor The entire municipality provides scenery ideal for trekking, climbing, mountain biking and paragliding. In addition, there are features of immense natural importance, such as Pino Gordo or Tres Pernadas. The village is also famous for its exquisite gastronomy and its wines. A place to experience calmness breathing the aroma of pine and almond trees.

17 5. Montaña Samara, tour of the Astrophysics Institute of the Canary Islands - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: around 6:00 pm - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 02:30 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 3:00 hours - Distance: 3 mi 18 yd. - Duration of tour of Astrophysics Institute of the Canary Islands: approximately 01:30 hours At the forefront, the panoramic view from the peaks of Montaña Samara provides a stunning picture of Teide and Pico Viego, as well as of other interesting volcanic cones. The hike follows a pathway of volcanic slag and lapilli (from Strombolian eruptions) surrounded by broom bushes and dispersed pine trees. The area is generally flat but with small steep tracks. This area is home to an endemic black lizard species (Gallotia galloti), as well as to kestrels, the autochthonous mosquito-eating bird (Phylloscopus canariensis), thyme whitethroat birds and Berthelot s pipits. After the hike, we will go for a guided tour in the facilities of the Observatory of Izaña. Based on the weather conditions, we will be able to use the solar telescopes (95% possibility).

18 6. El Gaitero La Caldera - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: around 6:00 pm - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 02:00 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 5:00 hours - Distance: 6 mi 35 yd. The hike covers a part of the GR-131 long-distance hiking path (integrated into the E7 European long-distance path). The trail follows an old forest path leading to the higher area of La Orotava (Aguamansa). This location hosted the first hydroelectric station in the Canary Islands, supplying power to La Orotava with the water volume that flowed from here. The trail continues to an ancient volcanic crater that has been turned into a recreational area: La Caldera. At weekends, this spot becomes the meeting point of many inhabitants from Tenerife, coming to enjoy the country and to have a barbecue with the family and friends. This is a low-intensity hike, ideal to calmly observe the landscape and the botanical richness of this environment. This activity is suitable for children.

19 Turismo de Tenerife 7. Montaña Blanca Peak of Teide - - Departure time: 3:00 pm Return time: around 2:00 pm (the following day) Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 02:00 hours approximately Hike duration: around 4:00 hours to the refuge. 2:00 hours to the peak of Teide. Descent back 4:00 hours Distance: 9 mi 16 yd. This is the most popular trail in Teide National Park, leading to the peak of the volcano, at an altitude of 3,718 metres. The hike starts at three o'clock in the afternoon and finishes at noon the day after. The starting point is Montaña Blanca, a mountain fully made of pumice stone. This mountain features some brown freckles, comprised of round rocks of a couple of tons that were expelled by the eruptions as if by a big cannon. The islanders, simple, straightforward people, call them the balls of Teide.

20 During the ascent, some tracks reach a 60%-slope gradient. As elevation increases, the hike becomes tiring, even for those fairly trained. If you are not fit or suffer from any heart condition, you should not try it. As you ascend, you will realise that vegetation disappears and the weather conditions become more extreme. However, some heroic species can still be found, such as the violet of Teide, an apparently delicate bush with an extraordinary endurance. The participants will stay overnight in the Altavista refuge. We will get up early to complete the last stretch to the peak and to celebrate the culmination of the ascent as the sun rises. Do not forget to bring your camera or mobile phone fully charged.

21 FOREST HIKES 1. Bailadero Vueltas de Taganana - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: around 6:00 pm - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 3:00 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 4:00 hours - Distance: 3 mi 12 yd. - Duration of tour of the wine cellar: approximately 01:30 hours Is Prehistory gone forever? We have some evidence to say no. The laurel forests (laurisilva) are from the Tertiary Period (65 million years) and here they are today. These prehistoric forests can be found in different parts of Tenerife, such as in Anaga Rural Park, one of the places crossed by this trail. Laurisilva forests feature a fascinating environment. The twisted trunks of trees, the XXL-sized fern species and the constant mist make visitors experience an enchanted forest adventure. The trail also follows an ancient highway formed on a track created by the ancient inhabitants of Tenerife. This path was used to carry pigs, goats, fish and all kind of provisions from Taganana to La Laguna when this city was the capital of Tenerife. Taganana is a village comprised of small white houses located on the mountains and inhabited by good-natured people. Farmers that meet up by the roads and paths to chat and talk about life. The hike finishes with a guided tour of a wine cellar where visitors will taste the local wine.

22 2. Cruz del Carmen Punta del Hidalgo - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 6:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 2:30 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 4:00 hours - Distance: 6 mi 30 yd. - Duration of the tour of the wine and honey museum: approximately 1:30 hours This is the first officially approved trail in Tenerife: PR-TF 10 according to the technical nomenclature. This trail offers a great deal of historic and botanical peculiarities about Tenerife. Cruz del Carmen was always a crossroads connecting the villages of Anaga and La Laguna. The pathway starts among thick laurisilva forests and goes down to the coastline, with a drop of 1,000 metres. The trail gets narrower at some points, making hikers walk in a line. Since the path is surrounded by fields, coming across goat herds is not uncommon. Hikers will sight very deep, green ravines before reaching the hamlet of Chinamada. Some dwellings have been directly excavated in the mountain as if they had been swallowed by the earth. Some houses just show the façade, while the rest of the rooms is kept in the inside of the rock, in cool and quiet atmosphere.

23 The hike finishes at the pools of Punta del Hidalgo, formed by one of the last eruptions that took place in Anaga Rural Park. There is no excuse to not have a swim. These natural pools are the perfect place to relax your body after such an intense physical effort. After the swim, we will visit and taste the products of Casa de la Miel y el Vino (The House of Honey and Wine).

24 3. La Ensillada Tafada Chamorga - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 6:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 3:00 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 4:00 hours - Distance: 5 mi 10 yd. Elder trees, wild asparagus and wild oleander are some of the exotic (and endangered) plant species that can be found along this trail. However, none of them compares to the so-called pijarales, a fern species that reaches two metres of height, one of the attractions of the landscape. You will feel like a Lilliputian when passing by. The entire hike takes place within the special natural reserve Reserva Especial Integral del Pijaral. The narrowness, the big vertical drops and the steep slopes are some of the reasons of its isolation. Scientists are still looking for new plant and animal species within this natural laboratory. Besides the laurisilva forests, visitors will also enjoy the views of the hamlet of Las Palmas and the stopover in the village of Chamorga, with its picturesque, typical architecture.

25 4. La Ensillada Benijo - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 6:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 3:00 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 3:30 hours - Distance: 4 mi 60 yd. The zigzag trail enters the natural reserve Reserva Integral Especial del Pijaral but it is a bit shorter than hike no. 3 (Ensillada-Tafada-Chamorga). The hike starts among the laurisilva forests of Anaga, with fern species and moss and lichen growing on twisted trunks. During the gentle descent, hikers will admire the views of the mountains and the sea. We will then reach Benijo, a beach where visitors take hundreds of pictures every day. It has everything to take pictures: dark rocks emerging from the water just a few metres from the shore, black sand, foaming waves and beautiful sunsets. A good swim in the sea will put an end to this hike.

26 5. Los Silos El Palmar - Departure time: 8:00 am - Return time: 6:00 pm approximately - Bus journey duration (outward and return journey): 1:30 hours approximately - Hike duration: around 4:30 hours - Distance: 3 mi 12 yd. - Duration of the tour of the centre Centro Los Pedregales: around 30 minutes Pedro de Talavera was one of the conquerors in Tenerife in the 15th century. An unoccupied farmhouse with a sign with his name reminds visitors and inhabitants that he was the owner of this area. His assets included a large number of livestock and vast lands for the production of cereals. An ascent from Los Silos leads to this spot after crossing the village of El Palmar, sunken among the peaks of mountains. The landscape combines agricultural sceneries and a mix of endemic plants such as Canary Islands spurges (Euphorbia canariensis), sweet spurges (Euphorbia balsamifera) and fayal-brezal formations (combination of Myrica faya and Erica arborea). The views to the whole area of Isla Baja are worth the effort, making it a great hike. Finally, the participants will reach the visitors centre Los Pedregales to watch a video on Teno Rural Park.