My travelling companion didn’t want me to write about this hike (she wanted to keep it a secret) as it’s one of our favourites for three great reasons: 1. Location. 2. Variation. 3. Surprise Ending.
Before I start; if you follow my hikes you will know that this one can be started from Icod de los Vinos via Garachico and Los Silos to Buenavista del Norte and returning the to the start point by Titsa bus #363. There is a big ‘however’ and I’ll mention this at the end.
Start by taking the Titsa #325 from Santiago del Teide to San Juan del Reparo leaving the bus at the church and crossing the road to the PR TF 43 for the 2.7km descent on the ancient path which zig-zags down the protected La Culata Cliffs to Garachico. This path offers unparalleled views of Garachico and the Northwest coast.
The end of the path joins Calle el Volcán for a short distance and rejoins the path on the left descending to Calle Alcalde de Perlaza where we turn left. If you wish to visit Garachico you can continue the descent into town however, to complete the hike in the time allotted we will continue on this road until it joins the Transversal Guía de Isora which switch-backs up to San Pedro de Daute. There are alternate routes that avoid this road but it is really quiet and offers spectacular views.
From San Pedro de Daute continue the hike on the side of this road to Las Cruces where, just as we begin to climb, you will see Camino Viejo la Caleta Barranco Hondo on the right which we will remain on until the final stages before Los Silos where it becomes Camino de la Ladera. Again, the views from this minor and seldom used road are fabulous extending all the way to our eventual destination.
Cross the main TF 42 at the Los Silos roundabout and take the next road on the left (Calle Olivo) and walk 20m to the barranco where you will find a path on the right. Follow this for a short distance to Calle Dr. Jordán, turn left and then right onto Calle Canapé to where it changes to Camino Del Canape, it is now a straight forward walk past the football stadium to the coast at Puertito de los Silos, past the Piscina Los Silos, where we join the coastal path at the Charco de la Araña “Whale”.
Stay with this path keeping the coast on our right past all the beautiful inlets, natural pools and views to the Teno Mountains until we reach the lighthouse, Faro de Buenavista del Norte. From here it’s a straight forward walk into town following the Acceso Bermúdez road through the banana plantations, turning right onto Camino de la Montaña and into Buenavista del Norte.
Head for the church and square (Plaza de los Remedios) where you will find a selection of café/restaurants before heading to the bus station: Take Calle la Alhóndiga turn left onto Calle la Cancela for 200m and the bus station is on the left.
If you planning on returning to Santiago del Teide you are in for a treat (our surprise ending), this is where the Masca bus #355 leaves at various times but we try for the 15:45 bus to make onward connections. You can of course return to Icod from here as well but the Masca bus is something not to be missed.
For about €2.70 each (Tenmas card €1.90 each) you get to ride the Masca road with a professional driver at the wheel on a journey that you will never forget. If possible, try to get as close to the front of the bus as you can but don’t dare take the “Buelita’s” seat beside the driver; she has a lot of gossip to pass on and woe betide the driver who doesn’t remember every word to pass on to his partner, it’s a thing honest! Video or just relax and enjoy the 55 minute trip through the Teno Mountain Range. The bus terminates at the Iglesia de Santiago del Teide.
[author title=”Andy Chestnut” image=”https://tenerifeforum.site/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Andy-Chestnut-1.jpg”]Born in Malta and have been travelling all my life by land, sea, and air. Served in the RAF until retirement and now indulge in many hobbies.
I am married to my confidant, travelling companion and life long friend and have been for 36 years.
The secret to my success? Share everything![/author]