Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2 & 3
18.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Few places can match the natural beauty of the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife which has become a mecca for enthusiastic walkers. An island of contrasts, within this week long trip, you can take in the volcanic moonscapes of the Teide National Park, explore the high cliffs ridges and deep valleys of the coastal mountain ranges, relax on beautiful volcanic sand beaches and sample the best of Canarian cuisine.
The island boasts the highest mountain in Spain, Teide, at 3718m. Due to its southern latitude its slopes can be walked for most of the year. The coastal ranges of Anaga and Teno rise abruptly from the sea; Teno hosts the giant and dramatic sea cliffs of Los Gigantes (610m) whilst Anaga has steep mountain ridges offering magnificent views across the ever present Atlantic Ocean. Midway between the two is the Orotava Valley with its pine clad slopes. All of this is well away from the crowded tourist hotspots. As you will find, the island is full of secret locations and lesser explored walking trails.
Our self guided walks cover the four main walking areas of Anaga, Teno, Orotava Valley and Mount Teide National Park. We provide exclusive route notes for the walks, which range from 6-11 miles and a climb from 200 - 1000m and are all from 4-6 hours in length. The notes give all grades of walks and also include details of public transport which might be needed (payable locally) or car accessibility. A 7-day bus pass can be purchased for 50 Euros and gives unlimited travel on buses around the island.
Our base is a superb hotel and apartments in Puerto De La Cruz, the Hotel Tigaiga, where you will be on a half board basis, with breakfast and a delicious evening meal included. Puerto De La Cruz is a small town centrally placed at the foot of the Orotava Valley within easy reach of the other three walking areas. It is on the North Coast and has very much retained its Spanish atmosphere.
Extend your stay in Mount Teide National Park.
By staying at the Parador hotel in the Mount Teide National Park it enables you to have greater access to the walks in this area, three of which start and finish at the hotel. The walking here with its moonscapes and old lava flows is very different to those on the rest of the island, all the while under Mount Teide itself.
Please enquire at time of booking for details and pricing for this extension.
N.B. in order to climb Mount Teide, a permit must be obtained. The permits are free, but places are limited so we suggest you do this as soon as possible, and might be wise to check availability before booking the extension.
Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only as you are staying at one location and there are more options available in our route notes.
Transfer from Tenerife South airport to Puerto de la Cruz (included if flight booked through us, optional extra if own flights). Alternatively hire a car and self-drive.
You stay at Hotel Tigaiga.
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Aircon
Your accommodation for the whole holiday is the Hotel Tigaiga, located in extensive subtropical gardens in the tranquil Taoro Park, just above the main town of Puerto de la Cruz yet only 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre. Owned by the Talg family since it opened in 1959, Tigaiga is now managed by the third generation.
Rooms are very comfortable, with a view of Taoro Park, or for a supplement you can opt for a garden view room, Teide side.
Breakfast is an extensive buffet offering both hot and cold options and dinner is 5 courses and waiter served. The heated pool and terrace have spectacular views over Puerto and the ocean.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Room upgrades: Teide side room. Offers view of beautiful Tigaiga gardens and Mount Teide.
There is alternative accommodation at the sister property the Tigaiga Suites, which is offered when the main hotel is full. These are three star apartments, with their own pool and the half board meals are provided at the main hotel.
This walk is one to undertake after your arrival, as it will give you a feel of the town and take you past some key locations which you will need to know. If you were to do this as a non-stop march it would take about 2 hours - but there are so many opportunities to stop and relax, shop, take refreshment or sunbathe, that you will want to take your time. No public transport is required, but be warned - this is not a flat town, so what could be a better way of preparing for the hills?
This linear route can be walked as either an ascent or descent of El Teide, depending on time, your breathing and your knees! The walk up gets increasingly hard, with the last 90 minutes from the refuge hut to the cable car station being very strenuous indeed. However, the reward of the views at the top, followed by a swift return to the bus stop by cable car makes it a genuine mountain challenge - well worth achieving. Total ascents of over 1000m and a maximum elevation of 11,670 ft make this walk the most challenging and arguably rewarding, in the programme. For today walk, a public bus required to start and from end ( payable locally, not included). A 7-day bus pass can be purchased for 50 Euros and gives unlimited travel on buses around the island.
On your recommended rest day, there are plenty of things to see and do in Puerto del la Cruz. Visit the historic botanical gardens, built and opened in the late 18th century, take a dolphin / whale watching excursion from Los Gigantes (Nov to Feb is best time to spot whales), or perhaps a more gentle walk to Bollullo Beach from Puerto del la Cruz (6.5KM/4MI/2.5HRS return).
Today's recommendation is a circular walk around the upper slopes of the Orotava valley in the Corona Forestal - popular and easy walking country. Cool and calm in hot weather, and with easy gradients, these slopes are ideal for a less challenging route. Public bus is required between Puerto del la Cruz and La Caldera (payable locally, not included and a journey of approx. 1 ¼ hrs each way).
This is an old mountain trail, leading to a remote hamlet and quaint museum of the Guanches. From the panoramic viewpoint of Pico del Ingles, an ancient mule track leads down a scenic ridge, through laurel woods, past rocky outcrops, to a hillside of cacti and agaves. The remote farmsteads below, with rooms and stables cut into the rock, are still only accessible by mule. Crossing two passes, a descent is made to Catalanes, a small village with a museum exhibiting remains of the 'Guanches' - aboriginal people who lived here before Europeans first arrived. After a short ascent along a road, the path climbs steeply to the ridge, giving views of the north coast. It is possible to take refreshments here and wait for an earlier bus or return to Pico del Ingles mirador and catch a later bus beyond there. For today walk, a public bus required to start and from end (payable locally, not included).
A long walk almost entirely downhill through the dispersed settlements, gardens and intensive farming of the eastern side of the Valley of Orotava. Most of the route is on ancient lanes, many now tarmacked but still largely traffic-free. The route ends with a coastal stroll back to your hotel in Puerto de la Cruz. Never very wild, this is a great walk to consider if weather prevents doing anything in the interior of the island. For today walk, a public bus required to start (payable locally, not included).
Transfer Puerto de Cruz to Tenerife South airport (included if flights are booked through us, optional extra if own flights). Alternatively return hire car to airport.
OR: Optional extension to Canadas del Tiede.
Why not extend you stay on Tenerife with 3 nights at the Parador Canadas del Tiede. n.b. in order to climb Mount Teide, a permit must be obtained. The permits are free, but places are limited so we suggest you do this as soon as possible, and might be wise to check availability before booking the extension.
You stay at Parador de Las Cañadas del Tiede.
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Set high in the Teide National Park, this charming Parador is located at the centre of the island. There are views to Mount Teide as well as the volcanic scenery of Las Cañadas. This scenery of lava flows, Mars-like scenes and mountains means that the Parador offers the types of walking not available in other areas of the island. Meals are taken in the restaurant which also has views of Mount Teide. Breakfast is a buffet while dinner is served at your table and will include Canarian specialities. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. All rooms feature television, telephone, safe, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$702.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2 & 3
18.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
