Chinyero Special Nature Reserve
Explore Tenerife's youngest volcanic terrain, a mystical landscape of black lava fields and resilient Canarian pine forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Chinyero Special Nature Reserve
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Tenerife's youngest volcanic terrain, a mystical landscape of black lava fields and resilient Canarian pine forests.
"Feeling like you're on another planet amidst the 'youngest' ground of Tenerife."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear hiking boots for the volcanic terrain. Sticks are essential for older hikers.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. The heat can be intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chinyero Lava Fields
Walk across the 'youngest' ground of Tenerife, feeling like you're on another planet. The blackened lava flows are truly unique.
Canarian Pine Forest
Explore the beautiful and unusual forest surrounding the volcanic areas. The contrast between the pines and lava is striking.
Chinyero Circular Trail
An exhausting but rewarding hike offering stunning panoramic views of the entire volcanic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Volcanic Terrain
Water and Weather Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear hiking boots for the volcanic terrain. Sticks are essential for older hikers.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. The heat can be intense.
🌋 El Teide y El Chinyero 🌋 - Tenerife, Islas Canarias
Immersed in nature ♥️ Tenerife, Canary Islands 🇪🇸
🗺️ Follow the Trail Markings
Yellow and red markings are clear. Crosses indicate wrong turns.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared for variations.
🔥 Hiking near to volcano, Tenerife, Spain
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear hiking boots for the volcanic terrain. Sticks are essential for older hikers.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. The heat can be intense.
🗺️ Follow the Trail Markings
Yellow and red markings are clear. Crosses indicate wrong turns.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared for variations.
📸 Capture the Otherworldly Views
The landscape is mystical and unique. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique, otherworldly landscape of Chinyero, comparing it to walking on another planet. The well-marked trails and stunning views of lava fields and pine forests are major highlights. Some note that the trails can be challenging and the summer heat requires ample hydration.
"Absolutely amazing hiking experience. We decided to come here after our canyoning tour was cancelled due to inclement weather, and the weather turned out to be perfect for this mystical landscape! We took the 460 bus from Costa Adeje station to Puerto de Erjos and joined the route TF 51. Then, the route becomes TF 43.2. We decided to take the long route around Chinyero Circular which was exhausting but 100% worth it - this had the most stunning views of the whole trip! Then, we took the TF 43.3 to Santiago del Teide, where we finished and stopped for food. We ate at a quaint restaurant called Restaurante Santiago del Teide. We took the 460 back to Costa Adeje to wrap things up. Would wholly recommend this area to anyone wanting to see the gorgeous pine forests of Tenerife!
If you stick to the official routes, it is extremely easy to not get lost as the yellow and red markings are everywhere. There are even crosses to show that you're going the wrong way. I included a picture of the symbol!"
Elise Hadfield-Jones
"I don't have enough words to tell you how beautiful this place is!
I live on the island for over 4 years, but still, every time I go back for a hike around Chinyero, I'm amazed and mesmerized by the landscape!
The energy of the place is overwhelming in a positive way. Actually is the "youngest" ground of Tenerife, as here took place the last eruption in 1909.
Is an easy circular hiking trail which takes you through the Canarian Pines forest and the lava field, where you will have the feeling of being on an another planet. During the summer could be pretty hot, so be sure to have plenty of water with you. You'll need about 3 - 3 and 1/2.
Enjoy it!"
Cristian Daniel Prioroc
"Love walking in these high wild mountains. I’m getting a bit old for it now (70) so sticks are essential and don’t believe the trails that are rated easy unless you are a seasoned hiker. Go prepared for the weather to change dramatically."
Fiz Newington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the 460 bus from Costa Adeje station towards Puerto de Erjos. From there, you can join hiking routes like TF 51 and TF 43.2. The journey can take around 3.5 hours by car from major towns like Belgrade or Novi Sad, suggesting a similar travel time via public transport.
Yes, driving is an option. Many visitors park near the Ecomuse and start their hike from there.
You can access trails from various points, including Puerto de Erjos or by parking near the Ecomuse. The Chinyero Circular route is a popular option.
While not explicitly mentioned, the well-marked trails make self-guided hikes very feasible. Some canyoning tours might be cancelled due to weather, leading visitors to Chinyero.
Yes, the 460 bus route is a viable option for reaching the area from coastal towns like Costa Adeje.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the nature reserve itself is generally free. There are no mentions of admission fees for accessing the hiking trails.
As a nature reserve, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times mentioned, suggesting it's open for exploration whenever it's safe to hike.
No entrance fees are typically associated with hiking the trails within Chinyero Special Nature Reserve.
While the reserve is open, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the landscape. Be mindful of weather conditions.
The main advice is to stick to marked trails and be prepared for the environment. Respecting nature is key.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trails range from easy to moderately challenging. The Chinyero Circular route is described as exhausting but worth it. Some trails rated 'easy' might still require seasoned hiker experience.
The Chinyero Circular trail is estimated to take about 3 to 3.5 hours to complete.
Yes, the trails are generally well-marked with yellow and red markings, and crosses indicate wrong directions.
Expect to see unique lava fields from the 1909 eruption and beautiful Canarian pine forests. The landscape is often described as otherworldly.
While trails are marked, it's always advisable to inform someone of your plans. The terrain can be challenging, and weather can change.
📸 📸 Photography
The stark contrast between the black lava fields and the green Canarian pines offers incredible photographic potential. Capture the unique textures of the volcanic rock and the vastness of the landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the lava fields. Golden hour is particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the terrain.
The Chinyero Circular trail offers panoramic views that are ideal for capturing the entire volcanic zone. Look for elevated spots along the path.
While the focus is on the landscape, keep an eye out for local flora and fauna. The pine forests might offer opportunities to spot birds or small creatures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key advice for families: Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Consider a shorter, out-and-back hike rather than the full circular route if you have younger children. The visual contrast between the black lava and green pines is captivating for all ages.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Tips for solo visitors: Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry sufficient water and a fully charged phone. The reserve's mystical atmosphere is perfect for a peaceful solo adventure, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the lava fields. Don't forget to experiment with different angles to highlight the unique textures of the volcanic terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volcanic History of Chinyero
Walking through Chinyero feels like stepping onto a different planet. The 'youngest' ground of Tenerife offers a raw and dramatic scenery, characterized by vast expanses of solidified lava and sparse vegetation that has begun to reclaim the land. This geological marvel provides a fascinating backdrop for hiking and contemplation.
Understanding the volcanic origins of Chinyero enhances the visitor experience. It's not just a beautiful landscape; it's a living geological museum that tells the story of Tenerife's fiery past. The reserve is a crucial area for appreciating the island's dynamic natural heritage.
Hiking Trails and Navigation
Navigation is generally straightforward thanks to clear trail markings. Hikers will find yellow and red markings along the paths, with crosses serving as indicators for incorrect routes. This system makes it relatively easy to stay on track, even for those less experienced with hiking.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, shorter routes are available, such as those starting from the Ecomuse. However, it's important to note that even trails rated as 'easy' can be challenging due to the uneven volcanic terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended, and trekking poles can be beneficial, especially for older hikers.
Flora and Fauna
The reserve's ecosystem is a testament to nature's ability to regenerate. While the lava fields appear barren, closer inspection reveals small plants and mosses that have begun to colonize the hardened rock. The pine forests provide habitat for various bird species and other small wildlife, adding to the reserve's biodiversity.
Visitors are encouraged to observe the flora and fauna respectfully. The unique environment of Chinyero supports a delicate balance, and understanding its ecological significance adds another layer to the appreciation of this natural wonder.
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