SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Across Fresh Lava and Endemic Greens: Hiking the Chinyero Reserve
A guided, 5‑hour circular hike through the recent volcanic terrain between Chinyero and Arenas Negras, offering lava-field geology, endemic vegetation and panoramic views of El Teide and Pico Viejo.
Across Fresh Lava and Endemic Greens: Hiking the Chinyero Reserve.
Embark on a guided, 5‑hour walking exploration of the Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero, a compact volcanic preserve southwest of Tenerife that exposes some of the island’s most recent eruptive landscapes. The trail is an easy circular route between the volcanoes Chinyero and Arenas Negras, crossing lava flows from the 1909 eruption and passing viewpoints that reveal El Teide and Pico Viejo; along the way you’ll encounter the chromatic contrasts of basaltic ground and pockets of endemic vegetation across different bioclimatic levels.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Recent volcanism laid bare
The route traverses the lava fields produced by Tenerife’s most recent volcanic activity, offering a clear, geological portrait of the island’s eruptive processes and the stark textures of fresh basalt.
A compact circular walk between Chinyero and Arenas Negras
This easy, circular trail runs between the volcanoes Chinyero and Arenas Negras, covering roughly 7.5 km and providing a concentrated experience of Tenerife’s volcanic topography in a single outing.
Panoramas and endemic vegetation
The route includes viewpoints that, on clear days, frame El Teide and Pico Viejo, and reveals pockets of endemic flora occupying distinct bioclimatic levels amid the lava fields.
What the day feels like
How the day feels
The outing moves at an easy pace along a 7.5 km circular trail that highlights recent lava flows and volcanic landforms. Led by an accredited mountain guide, the hike focuses on natural-interpretation of the Chinyero reserve and its bioclimatic contrasts, with regular stops at viewpoints to appreciate El Teide and Pico Viejo and to examine pockets of endemic vegetation.
THE LANDSCAPE
Recent volcanism laid bare
The route traverses the lava fields produced by Tenerife’s most recent volcanic activity, offering a clear, geological portrait of the island’s eruptive processes and the stark textures of fresh basalt.
THE ROUTE
A compact circular walk between Chinyero and Arenas Negras
This easy, circular trail runs between the volcanoes Chinyero and Arenas Negras, covering roughly 7.5 km and providing a concentrated experience of Tenerife’s volcanic topography in a single outing.
THE VIEWS
Panoramas and endemic vegetation
The route includes viewpoints that, on clear days, frame El Teide and Pico Viejo, and reveals pockets of endemic flora occupying distinct bioclimatic levels amid the lava fields.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunscreen, comfortable clothing, closed sport shoes, a warm layer for variable mountain weather, and a small daypack for personal items; hiking poles are provided if needed and water is supplied on the tour.
Use a small backpack to keep belongings secure and expect contrasts in temperature given Tenerife’s climatic variation; protective sun gear and a light insulating layer are recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the activity?
The total activity duration is 5 hours, with the estimated hiking time about 3 hours.
What is the trail distance and difficulty?
The circular trail covers roughly 7.5 km, rated as easy, with approximately 175 m of ascent and 175 m of descent; maximum altitude reaches about 1,533 m and minimum around 1,400 m.
What is included in the tour?
Included: an accredited Spanish-speaking mountain guide; luxury 100% electric transfer (Mercedes EQV); required permits; pickup and drop-off from north and south Tenerife accommodations or Puerto de Santa Cruz; water; hiking poles if needed; and accident, rescue and civil liability insurance.
What is not included?
Not included: food and drinks, paid-entry museum tickets or attractions, and anything not expressly listed as included.
When is the hike available?
The activity is available Monday through Saturday.
Are children allowed?
Children under 6 years are not recommended to participate in this activity.