Volcán Chinyero - a very tall mountain under a cloudy sky
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Volcán Chinyero

4.8
·87 reviews·El Tanque, Spain

Explore Tenerife's last volcanic eruption site, a surreal landscape of black sand dunes and lava fields. Hike around the Chinyero crater for an unforg...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Mild temperatures, blooming flowers

CrowdLow
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Volcán Chinyero - a very tall mountain under a cloudy sky

Volcán Chinyero

Best Time

Spring mornings

Mild temperatures, blooming flowers

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Tenerife's last volcanic eruption site, a surreal landscape of black sand dunes and lava fields. Hike around the Chinyero crater for an unforgettable natural adventure.

4.8
(87 reviews)

"Amazing walk from Montana Negra and ring around Chinyero. Couple completely different natural landscapes, peace and quiet."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential for navigating volcanic sand and rocky terrain. Protect your ankles and enjoy the hike more!

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There are no facilities on the trails. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinyero Volcano Crater

Chinyero Volcano Crater

Central Chinyero area

Walk the circular path around the last erupted volcano in Tenerife. Experience the stark beauty of black lava fields and volcanic sand.

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Montana Negra

Montana Negra

Adjacent to Chinyero

Explore the contrasting landscapes of pine forests meeting otherworldly lava fields. A truly unique natural spectacle.

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Volcanic Sand Dunes

Volcanic Sand Dunes

Chinyero lava fields

Trek through vast expanses of fine black volcanic sand, a surreal experience that feels like walking on another planet.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Trails

Volcán Chinyero is a protected natural area. Stick to marked paths to preserve the delicate volcanic landscape and ensure your safety. The fine volcanic sand can be tricky underfoot, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

Car Security Awareness

While the scenery is breathtaking, be mindful of car security. Some visitors have reported break-ins and theft when parking near the road. Avoid leaving any valuables visible in your vehicle. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light on lava fields
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¡Te cuento la ruta del 📍Volcán Chinyero en Tenerife! 🇮🇨 3hrs > 11Kms desde las Arenas:) #canarias #viajes #tenerife #travel #naturaleza #senderismo #ruta #vivir #viajar #disfrutar #atrévete
adrivleon
33 likes • 700 views

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential for navigating volcanic sand and rocky terrain. Protect your ankles and enjoy the hike more! InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There are no facilities on the trails. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. TikTok

Ruta n°3 en Tenerife: Circular del volcán Chinyero🌋🌋 #volcanes #chinyero #rutasdemontaña #actividadesalairelibre #montaña #outdoors #senderismo #parquenacionaldelteide #naturaleza #ocioactivo #islascanarias #tenerife #vlog #vlogdemontaña #vlogdeviajes
botasybarro
102 likes • 3.2K views
🏃‍♂️ Trail running en el Chinyero 🌋 “Arena negra, caminos volcánicos y el imponente Volcán Chinyero al fondo. Así se entrena en Tenerife. 💪🌋 ¿Quién más se apunta a correr en este paraíso natural?” 📍 Reserva Natural del Chinyero “El contraste entre el negro de la lava y el azul del cielo es simplemente brutal. Esto es correr en plena naturaleza.” #TrailRunning #TenerifeTrail #VolcánChinyero #Aren...
ismael.athlos
54 likes • 931 views

🚗 Secure Your Vehicle

Be cautious of car break-ins. Never leave valuables visible when parking. Reddit

🗺️ Stick to Marked Paths

Protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure your safety by following designated trails. Reddit

Volcán Chinyero 🌋 Otro sendero mágico de Tenerife. Río de lava, montañas volcánicas y la cereza del postre: el Teide nevado 😍 #chinyero #volcan #tenerife #teide #sendero #caminata #midiariodeviaje #miexperienciaviajando #myway #trave @yosoytenerife @aquicanarias
rosario_diaz_vazquez
41 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential for navigating volcanic sand and rocky terrain. Protect your ankles and enjoy the hike more! InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

There are no facilities on the trails. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. TikTok

🚗 Secure Your Vehicle

Be cautious of car break-ins. Never leave valuables visible when parking. Reddit

🗺️ Stick to Marked Paths

Protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure your safety by following designated trails. Reddit

📸 Capture the Contrast

The black lava against blue skies or a snow-capped Teide is stunning. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(87 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique and otherworldly landscapes of Volcán Chinyero, highlighting the stunning contrast between lava fields and pine forests. The hiking trails are praised for their beauty and relative ease, offering a magical experience for nature lovers. However, some visitors caution about car security in parking areas.

"Amazing walk from Montana Negra and ring around Chinyero. Couple completely different natural landscapes, peace and quiet. pine forest and lava fields are out of this world. Would love to come back"

Jerzy Wypych

"Beautifull place. Real nice se view. Absolutly amazing landscape. Must see everyone who likes nature. Magical place on Tenerife."

Laytek

"Very beautiful hiking area with many trails and very little elevation."

Andre Kuhlemann

What People Like

Otherworldly volcanic landscapes
Stunning lava fields
Unique natural beauty

What People Dislike

Car security concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Tenerife South Airport (TFS), the most convenient way to reach Volcán Chinyero is by renting a car. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the TF-1 and TF-38 highways. Public transport is limited, so a car is highly recommended for flexibility. TikTok

Direct public transport to Volcán Chinyero is scarce. You might be able to take a bus towards Santiago del Teide and then arrange a taxi or a long walk to the volcano area, but this is not ideal for most visitors. Renting a car is the most practical option. Reddit

There are informal parking areas along the TF-38 road near the trailheads for Chinyero and Montana Negra. However, be aware of potential car break-ins and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Reddit

Yes, there are several hiking routes that can lead you to Volcán Chinyero, including longer trails from areas like Las Arenas. These can be multi-hour treks, offering a more immersive nature experience. TikTok

The TF-38 road leading to the Chinyero area is generally accessible year-round. However, it's always a good idea to check local road conditions, especially during winter months, in case of any unexpected weather-related closures. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Volcán Chinyero is a natural reserve and hiking area, so there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit. You can explore the trails freely. Instagram

Volcán Chinyero is an outdoor natural area and is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the landscape. Instagram

There is no admission fee for the hiking trails around Volcán Chinyero. It's a free natural attraction for visitors to enjoy. Instagram

While not mandatory, guided tours are available for Volcán Chinyero, offering insights into its geology and history. Many local tour operators in Tenerife provide these services. Instagram

The main restriction is to stay on marked paths to protect the fragile volcanic environment. Avoid disturbing the flora and fauna. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The most popular is the circular route around the Chinyero volcano itself, approximately 7km. Another great option is combining it with a hike to Montana Negra for diverse landscapes. InstagramReddit

The circular hike around Volcán Chinyero typically takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. TikTok

The terrain is mostly volcanic sand and rock. While there isn't significant elevation gain on the main circular route, the sand can be challenging. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. InstagramReddit

Expect dramatic black lava fields, vast expanses of fine volcanic sand, pine forests, and unique geological formations. On clear days, you can also see the majestic Teide volcano. Instagram+1

No, there are no facilities directly at Volcán Chinyero. It's a natural park, so come prepared with water, snacks, and anything else you might need. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for the volcanic landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but the stark contrast of black lava against a blue sky is also striking. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the lava fields. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant views of Teide. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare. Instagram

The rim of the Chinyero crater offers panoramic views. The transition zones between the pine forest and the lava fields provide interesting textural contrasts. Look for unique rock formations. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest rules for flying drones in protected natural areas in Tenerife before your visit. Always fly responsibly and respect the environment. Instagram

The stark black volcanic sand, the rugged texture of the lava flows, the vibrant green of the pine trees against the dark ground, and the distant silhouette of Mount Teide are all highly photogenic. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Volcán Chinyero offers a unique educational adventure for families. The dramatic volcanic landscape, with its black sand and lava rocks, sparks imagination and curiosity. The circular trail around the volcano is manageable for older children, providing a sense of accomplishment. Instagram

Key tips for families: Bring plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes, as the volcanic sand can be tricky. Discuss the importance of staying on marked paths to protect the environment. The stark, almost alien landscape can be a fantastic backdrop for memorable family photos. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers

For solo travelers, Volcán Chinyero provides a sense of peace and solitude amidst a dramatic natural setting. The well-defined trails make it easy to navigate independently, and the relatively short circular route allows for a fulfilling hike without a huge time commitment. Instagram

Solo traveler advice: While the area is generally safe, be aware of your surroundings and inform someone of your hiking plans. The car security concerns mentioned by some Reddit users are particularly relevant for solo visitors. Enjoy the opportunity for quiet contemplation and stunning photography. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Volcán Chinyero is a photographer's dream, offering incredible opportunities to capture unique volcanic landscapes. The contrast between the black lava, the vibrant green of the surrounding vegetation, and the often-blue sky creates striking visual compositions. Instagram

Photography tips: Aim for golden hour for the most dramatic light. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the lava fields and telephoto lenses for details or distant views of Teide. The textures of the volcanic sand and rock are also highly photogenic. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of Volcán Chinyero

Volcán Chinyero is a testament to Tenerife's volcanic activity, representing the island's most recent eruption in 1909. This event dramatically reshaped the landscape, creating the vast lava fields and the distinctive black sand dunes that visitors can explore today. The eruption was relatively short-lived but intense, spewing ash and lava that covered a significant area. Instagram

The geological formations here are a fascinating study for anyone interested in volcanology. You'll find various types of volcanic rock, from porous scoria to solidified lava flows. The fine volcanic sand, a result of the eruption's ash, creates a unique and somewhat challenging hiking surface. The contrast between the dark, barren volcanic terrain and the surrounding pine forests is striking and a key feature of the Chinyero landscape. Instagram

Exploring Chinyero offers a tangible connection to the powerful forces that shaped the Canary Islands. It’s a living geology lesson, providing a stark reminder of the island's dynamic volcanic nature. The area is a protected natural reserve, emphasizing the importance of preserving these unique geological features for future generations. Reddit

Hiking and Trail Experiences

The hiking experience at Volcán Chinyero is often described as otherworldly. The most popular route is the circular trail around the volcano, a roughly 7km loop that showcases the diverse volcanic terrain. This trail is manageable for most fitness levels, though the volcanic sand can make progress slower than on a typical path. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors combine the Chinyero hike with a visit to Montana Negra, offering a chance to experience different natural environments within a short distance. The trails are generally well-marked, but it's crucial to stay on them to protect the fragile ecosystem. The stark beauty of the black lava fields juxtaposed with the green pine forests is a recurring theme in visitor accounts. Instagram+1

For those seeking more adventure, trail running is also a popular activity here, as highlighted by some content creators. The varied terrain and stunning scenery make it an attractive spot for runners. Regardless of your activity, remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water, as there are no facilities along the routes. Instagram

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