Route Summary
A varied and strenuous hike to Las Manchas and back on old stony “caminos” taking in rural terraces, pine trees and lava fields. Great views to Teide and of the southern Teno Mountains. The last 2 kilometres involve an impressive traverse of La Hoya, above the El Bicho tunnels.
Duration: 4 hours
Route Overview
Duration: 4 hours
Transport/Parking: Titsa 461/462 from Santiago del Teide. Easy parking in Arguayo beneath the start/end point at the church.
Length: 7.590 km / 4.74 mi
Height Gain: 525 meter
Height Loss: 525 meter
Max Height: 1180 meter
Min Height: 862 meter
Surface: Rough.
Child Friendly: Only if children are used to strenuous uphill walking on rough surfaces.
Difficulty: Medium to hard
Dog Friendly: Yes.
Refreshments: We suggest the El Unico Bar in Arguayo, near to the end of the walk.
Description
Although not hugely difficult, this is a strenuous hike involving 525 metres of overall ascent. The first part of the walk from Arguayo largely takes an alternative, less used route in the direction of Santiago del Teide. This narrow path rises up past numerous abandoned terraces and open pines eventually reaching the main “camino” and an area of mature pine forest with great views of Pico del Teide and Pico Viejo. We then cross over a watershed and the views change to a marvellous prospect of the southern Teno Mountains and Santiago del Teide nestling at the opening to the Valle de Arriba under the Puerto de Erjos. Passing a lonely Ermita (shrine), perched high above Las Manchas, we descend to the little hamlet before tackling the return to Arguayo, climbing over the side of the La Hoya mountain mass, passing high above the El Bicho tunnel openings on the TF-1, where the views are consistently spectacular as we skirt around the hillside.
Links:
Photos from walk
Download Route Guide (PDF with illustrated Waypoints)
Download GPX file (GPS Exchange Format)
Access Walk on Viewranger
Access Walk on Wikiloc
Walk Tenerife Sur: Under 10 km 