Description
This route of approximately two and a half hours takes walkers on a delightful journey through Monte del Agua, in Teno Rural Park. The route combines, among many other things, panoramic views of Mount Teide, a plunge into the rich laurel forest vegetation and the unique charm of the ponds known as Charcas of Erjos, all of which adds up to a complete and memorable experience of Tenerife’s nature and history.
It starts in the village of Erjos, where you will enjoy your first views of the landscape before heading into the park’s natural surroundings.
The trail heads south along the PR-TF 51 San José de los Llanos – Punta de Teno trail, in the direction of San José de los Llanos. This takes you to the famous Charcas de Erjos, an example of open-pit quarries mined in the 1970s and 1980s to supply earth and aggregates to the plantations in the south and north of the island.
The path continues until it reaches a narrow pass that reveals two aspects: to the south, the surrounding pine forest and the spectacular landscape of Santiago del Teide with its contrasts of volcanoes and lava flows crowned by the peak of Mount Teide; and to the north, the moisture brought in on the trade winds helping to regenerate former farmland, today a mixture of crops, succession plants and fayal-brezal (Morella-Erica heath).
From here, take the tarmac road to the right in the direction of Cruz de Gala, then go through a gate and turn right onto the Bolico track, via Fuente de Los Loros.
In this area you will enter the dense laurel forest that characterises Monte del Agua. After a short winding descent, you will come out onto the firebreak at the Erjos summit, with views not only of the natural amphitheatre of the Erjos ponds but also of the volcanic field and Mount Teide in the background.
To continue from this point, look out for a small path that turns sharply almost 180º to the left a few metres further down. This path takes you back into Monte del Agua and descends to join the PR-TF 52 Erjos – Las Portelas trail, which takes you back to the centre of Erjos along the Monte del Agua track. This last stretch coincides with the self-guided trail, giving you the opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness of the surroundings.
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.
Guides
No data available
