Route Summary
This is a moderate walk both in distance and overall ascent that provides satisfyingly different perspectives on the amazingly diverse scenery this area of the island has to offer. A very good introduction to walking in the Tamaimo area of the Santiago del Teide municipality.
Duration: 3 hours
Route Overview
Duration: 3 hours.
Transport/Parking: Titsa 325 or 461/462 from Puerto Santiago/Los Gigantes. Easy parking by the large trees, just off the main road near the entrance to El Retamar.
Length: 6.080 km / 3.80 mi
Height Gain: 334 meter
Height Loss: 334 meter
Max Height: 886 meter
Min Height: 702meter
Surface: Rough.
Child Friendly: Yes. But only if children are used to hikes of this distance and overall ascent on rough surfaces.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Dog Friendly: Yes. On lead in built-up areas and by roads.
Refreshments: Cafes/bars in Tamaimo or Santiago del Teide.
Description
The villages of El Retamar and El Molleda are just a stone’s throw away from each other in the very scenic valley descending from Santiago del Teide to the sea-front at Puerto Santiago. However, this relatively moderate walk purposively takes a very roundabout route between the two to maximise the variety and impact of the many stunning views that are available. The initial vista, between rocky hillsides, over fertile farmed plots and terraces down to a shimmering blue sea is very satisfying. After the short climb to the Degollada del Roque, a saddle between peaks on the southern edge of the Teno Mountain range, the views move up a gear. Here, your immediate outlook is dominated by spectacular images of the distinctive Risco Blanco rock formation and the wondrous Barranco Mancha de los Díaz as it dives towards the ocean below, framing the island of La Gomera. Looking inland, the landscape is just as impressive as your eyes are drawn towards the towering peak of Montaña Cruz de Gala. Moving on from here, the middle section of the walk, traversing on a fairly level path across the hillside, offers great views of the valley below, the villages of El Molledo and Las Manchas, Montañas La Hoya and Bilma and, above all, Pico Teide and Pico Viejo. After visiting little El Molledo, the walk takes an interesting route back to El Retamar, almost skirting the entrance to the El Bicho tunnels.
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 