LA OROTAVA HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Descending from 3,550 m into the 800‑m crater of Pico Viejo — a high‑altitude volcanic descent above the Canary Islands
A high‑difficulty, guided descent from 3,550 metres through lava fields and ash to the vast 800‑metre crater of Pico Viejo in Teide National Park; this guide condenses the route, logistics, and what to expect.
Descending from 3,550 m into the 800‑m crater of Pico Viejo — a high‑altitude volcanic descent above the Canary Islands.
At the rim of Teide National Park you begin a sustained descent from roughly 3,550 metres, trading summit air for fields of basalt, fresh coladas and volcanic ash as the trail unwinds toward Pico Viejo’s enormous 800‑metre crater. The panorama here is sharp and wide — on clear days the silhouettes of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro puncture the horizon — while the terrain below demands steady footing and respect for altitude and volcanic geology.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pico Viejo’s 800‑metre mouth
The objective is the majestic crater of Pico Viejo — an expansive, nearly 800‑metre‑wide hollow that anchors the route and frames the volcanic landscape you traverse.
A long descent from high altitude
The outing is a sustained downhill walk from approximately 3,550 metres; the route threads across lava flows, basalt slabs and ash fields and requires strong legs and sure footing.
Island views from above
From the high points along the descent you can pick out La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro on the horizon, giving a rare, multi‑island perspective of the Canaries.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a guided, high‑effort hike that feels like a deliberate unwinding from alpine exposure into raw volcanic terrain — a downward march across basalt and ash toward a dramatic, bowl‑shaped crater. The landscape shifts from open high plateau to crater rim; vistas expand and the geological textures of the Canary Islands come into sharp focus.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip is listed with a high difficulty rating and durations in source materials vary (listings include about 5–7 hours overall).
The meeting location is within Parque Nacional del Teide.
The outing is classified as high difficulty; prospective participants should confirm specific gear requirements with the operator prior to departure.
The route lies inside Teide National Park on Tenerife and traverses volcanic landscapes and crater terrain.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is there an age limit for this trip?
Yes — the outing is intended for participants older than 16 years.
How long does the hike take?
Published durations vary; source listings indicate roughly between 5 and 7 hours for the full outing.
Where do we meet the guide?
The meeting point is within Parque Nacional del Teide.
What is the difficulty level?
The trip is rated as high difficulty and involves sustained descent on volcanic terrain.
What terrain and sights should I expect?
You’ll traverse lava flows, basalt and volcanic ash and finish at the massive ~800‑metre crater of Pico Viejo, with views that can include La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
Who runs this excursion?
The operator listed for the outing is Natura Xtreme Tenerife.