Current as of: April 24, 2024 - 03:58
Contrasts of Tenerife Walk Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Spain
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 13+
- Trip Code: W07TN
Trip Overview
On Tenerife it is forever springtime and the sunny climate, glorious flowers, balmy temperatures and majestic scenery make it a perfect antidote to a cold winter. A rugged and spectacular island, it has an incredible variety of landscapes to explore.
This self guided walking holiday takes you to the very heart of Tenerife to discover its traditional towns, wild hidden valleys, spectacular coastline and impressive volcanic landscapes. The walking is both spectacular and rewarding and with a car it is easy to discover what the island has to offer.
You begin in ‘Isla Baja’, where terraced fields and abundant wildflowers form a colourful blanket over deep valleys and plunging ravines, and traditional farms still produce goat’s cheese for which the area is renowned. The region’s authenticity is fiercely protected and the town of Garachico has won awards for its preservation. From here, head to the UNESCO recognised Teide National Park, with its lava fields, beautiful volcanic chaos and iconic Mount Teide scratching the sky at over 3700m above sea level.
We provide fully detailed route notes with a choice of easier or more challenging circular walks daily, so you can tailor your day’s walk to your current energy levels – but with all the walks highlighting the stunning landscapes of this remarkably diverse island.
At a Glance
- 7 nights twin centre accommodation in 4* hotels
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
- Car Hire essential (included when booking a flight-inclusive package)
- Transfers instead of car hire available, quote trip code W07TT – contact us for prices
Highlights
- Mount Teide and its UNESCO National Park
- Lunar landscapes, lava fields, dramatic volcanic mountains, rugged barrancos, far reaching ocean vistas
- Superb for ornithologists, botanists and geologists
- Choice of easier or more difficult circular walks daily - all within easy driving distance from the hotel
Is This Trip for You?
Walking Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 12km (7.5miles).
No. of days walking: 6
Terrain and route: This self-guided walking holiday follows mainly well marked paths and trails. You should be a sure footed walker. Some sections of the ridge walks require a head for heights.
This holiday is self-drive so all walking transfers are also self-guided with directions provided to the beginning of each walk and return to the hotels at the end of the walks. Some of the roads on Tenerife are windy with lots of hairpin bends. Car Hire is essential (included when booking a flight-inclusive package).
Adult min age: 13
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Garachico
- End City: Vilaflor
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Garachico
Arrive in the perfectly preserved coastal town of Garachico and your elegant hotel set in a beautiful 17th century mansion.
You stay at the Hotel Quinta Roja on a B&B basis
Teno Rural Park Walk
Start the day with a short drive through the banana plantations of La Isla Baja to Parque Rural de Teno. Then set off on foot from the village of El Palmar to the mountain ridge and the Mirador de Baracan. There are superb views of deep barrancos snaking down the cliffs to the coast and you can even see as far as La Gomera on a clear day. Continue past abandoned terraces, stone circles and traditional farmhouses.
Overnight at the Hotel Quinta Roja on a B&B basis
Arenas Negras Volcano Walk
Visit the Ecomuseo del Tanque to see how the islanders lived in times gone by, then follow the Canal de Vergara to La Corona Forestal, the green lungs of Tenerife and home to masses of birdlife, including the endemic pinzon azul (Canary blue chaffinch). The landscape changes to black sand and rocks as the Arenas Negras volcano looms into view through the trees. Return across the Chinyero lava field, with its contrasting rich green lichen.
Overnight at the Hotel Quinta Roja on a B&B basis
Monte del Agua Walk
From the tranquil village of Erjos, head to Monte del Agua, a treasure trove of richly diverse flora and birdlife. At Casas de La Cumbre, views over deep ravines spread out before you before you’re rewarded with the sight of snow capped Teide. The last descent takes you to the Charcas de Erjos ponds where local and migrant birds can be spotted.
Overnight at the Hotel Quinta Roja on a B&B basis
Teide National Park – Samara and Black Caves
Today you set out on your discovery of the Teide National Park – comprising of several volcanoes including mighty Mount Teide. Climb to the summit of Samara for an outstanding panorama over the volcanic chaos of Montana Reventada, the archaeological Guanche remains of Cuevas Negras and Pico Viejo, Tenerife’s second highest volcano. It’s a short onward drive to your hotel in the village of Vilaflor – the highest village on Tenerife and famous for its almendrados or almond biscuits!
Overnight at the Hotel Spa VillAlba on a half board basis
The Moon Landscape
An exhilarating walk today follows the Camino Real de Chasna – an ancient shepherds’ path connecting the north with the south of the island. Pass through protected pine forest to Los Escurriales, or the Moon Landscape, a fragile geological formation carved over centuries by wind and water erosion.
Overnight at the Hotel Spa VillAlba on a half board basis
The Best Mirador of Teide
Savour the best vistas of Mount Teide’s caldera and its ochre coloured palette of lava flows along the Siete Canadas trail to the summit of Mount Guajara. With views as far as Gran Canaria and La Palma on a clear day, it’s a fantastic ending to a week’s walking. The easier option today takes you to Teide’s caldera and the Roques de Garcia (3.5KM/2MI/2HR)
Overnight at the Hotel Spa VillAlba on a half board basis
Leave Vilaflor
Make your way back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Accommodation
Hotels
Your accommodation is special on this trip. Your first 4 nights are at the Hotel Quinta Roja, a beautifully restored 17th century nobleman’s mansion, superbly located next to the main square in the traditional old port town of Garachico. Next stop is the Hotel Spa VillAlba, sitting on the edge of the sleepy village of Vilaflor – the highest in Tenerife – and a short drive from the UNESCO recognised Teide National Park.
Single supplement from CAD 809
Food & Drink
Canarian dishes tend to be simple and elegant, owing much to sun-ripened tropical fruits such as paw-paw, prickly pear and bananas, local vegetables such as sweetcorn and potatoes and fresh fish such as moray and snapper.
Specialities include conejo al salmorejo (slow cooked rabbit with garlic, paprika and chili); rancho canario (a chickpea meaty soup), ropa vieja (chicken, pork and or beef stew); chocos (cuttlefish); and crema de puerros y bubangos (cream of leek and prawn stew). The most popular fish are members of the sea bass family – cherne, cabrilla or merluza are common, and you may find grilled swordfish (espada a la plancha), as well as calamares (squid), gambas (prawns) and pulpo (octopus).
Weather & Seasonality
In Tenerife the weather is superb year-round. The sun shines here for more days of the year than most other places in the world. The weather does depend on the time of year and also the parts of the island that you visit. The south is always the warmest and sunniest with the least cloud, the west also enjoys its fair share of great weather too. The north is also very warm, although there can be more rain and cloud her compared with the rest of the island. Also, the closer you climb towards the Mount Teide National Park, Tenerife’s volcanic region and location of Spain’s highest peak El Teide, the more changeable the weather becomes. The weather cools as the altitude rises and at certain times of the year there is some snowfall here while the coast remains sunny.
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
If you wish to upgrade the standard car hire please enquire at time of booking.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Garachico
Location end: Vilaflor
Transfer Details
Air prices include our standard flights:
British Airways Heathrow to Tenerife South Reina Sofia 08:40/13:05 and car hire (Cicar). Drive to hotel, 1 hr 10 mins. Return: Drive to airport, 35 mins then British Airways Tenerife South Reina Sofia to Heathrow 13:55/18:25.
Car Hire is essential (included when booking a flight-inclusive package). Directions to each hotel and to/from the walks will be provided.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Walking boots
Day pack
Water bottle / hydration pack
Waterproof jacket
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Reading List
Tenerife Marco Polo Pocket Guide
The Real Tenerife: The Insiders’ Guide
Lonely Planet Pocket Tenerife
Practical Information
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You will need money for lunches (or picnic provisions) and the evening meals that are not included. There is a good choice of restaurants in Garachico or you can decide to eat in the hotel’s room service menu. Lunches will cost between €5-15 and dinners between €20-50 per person, excluding any drinks.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.