In the north-west of Tenerife lies a volcanic landscape that is still remarkably young. In November 1909, Chinyero was the site of the most recent volcanic eruption on Tenerife. For ten days, lava flowed through the area, covering farmland and forests with volcanic material.
Today, several walking routes pass alongside the dark lava fields and through the surrounding Canary Island pine forest. A suitable route for recreational walkers is the PR-TF 43.1, which begins in San José de Los Llanos, in the municipality of El Tanque.
Volcanic formations
The route runs from the village to the junction with the circular trail around Chinyero. It is 4.3 kilometres long and takes approximately one and a half hours, according to the official information. The difficulty level is described as low, although the total ascent is more than 300 metres. No permit is required for this route.
It is important to note that this is a linear walk. Anyone who has not arranged transport from the endpoint will need to return along the same route. The total distance then becomes approximately 8.6 kilometres. Visitors who prefer a shorter walk can decide on a clear turning point in advance.
The route begins at the square in San José de Los Llanos and continues along Calle Brisas del Teide towards the pine forest. Along the way, walkers pass several volcanic formations, including Montaña de la Quebrada, Montaña del Banco and the Trevejos volcano. The path then continues towards the slopes of Pico de las Flores.
Canary Island pine
As the walk progresses, the influence of volcanic activity becomes increasingly visible. Black and reddish-brown rocks lie among young pine trees and shrubs. On clear days, Mount Teide and Pico Viejo can also be seen in the distance.
The Canary Island pine plays a special role in this landscape. The tree has thick bark that protects it against heat. Even after a forest fire, new shoots can grow directly from the trunk. As a result, pine forests often recover better than might be expected immediately after a fire or volcanic eruption.
A fragile landscape
For visitors aged fifty and over with a reasonable level of fitness, the route is manageable, but the uphill terrain should not be underestimated. Good walking shoes, sufficient water and possibly walking poles are recommended.
The area lies at an altitude of more than one thousand metres. Even in September, the weather can change quickly. It is therefore advisable to bring not only sun protection, but also a light jacket or raincoat.
Climbing the volcanic cones outside the marked paths is prohibited. Stones, plants and other natural materials must also not be removed. The young landscape is fragile, and footsteps can cause long-lasting damage.
Always check the official information about the condition of the route shortly before setting out.
Photo: AI ChatGPT
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