Arico Viejo is the historic centre of the municipality of Arico and preserves traditional Canarian architecture. Its well-preserved rural surroundings also shape the character of the place. Together, local history, culture and hiking provide a clear focus for planning a trip, with paths that reflect different historical and landscape connections.
Town Centre and Culture
The Centro Tiempo Libre (Antiguo Cine), located at c/ La Degollada 6, is a cultural centre with an auditorium, cinema, multipurpose hall and theatre. If you are planning a specific cultural visit, check the current events programme in advance. This will let you plan your visit around actual event dates.
Events in honour of Nuestro Señor de La Cruz resumed in 2024. Dates and programmes vary from year to year, so check the latest event information before your trip. One dish also has a specific local connection: Pescado salado con castañas—salted fish with chestnuts—is considered a dish from Arico el Viejo. It adds a culinary reference to the cultural and architectural themes.
Another specific feature of the town is the Fuente de Los Chorros. It is made of volcanic tuff, or locally sourced Chasnera stone. Alongside the traditional architecture, the building materials used are another visible point of interest when exploring the town.
Hiking Routes and Historic Connections
The Antorcha Solidaria route passes through Arico Viejo. In 2023, the municipality documented that the section between Arico Viejo and Arico Nuevo can be walked. This information applies to the specified section. If you are interested in this route, you can include it in your plans as a connection between the two places mentioned.
The PR-TF-86 offers a different route perspective: the route from Arico el Viejo to Villa de Arico shares its path with the old Camino Real del Sur. The Camino Vera de los Cangueros runs beside the church square and follows the traces of the old Camino Real. It passes old paved paths, channels and cave houses. Both routes have a historic connection, but the details differ: the shared route is specified for the PR-TF-86, while the description of the Camino Vera includes additional path and building features.
Nearby, the PR-TF 86.1 Ortiz–La Puente runs through Corona Forestal Nature Park and is rated as an easy route. A variant allows visitors to explore the entire La Puente climbing area. The PR-TF 86.3 La Sabinita–Tamadaya hiking trail is also rated as easy. Conditions on this trail may change, so check them shortly before setting out.
For climbing enthusiasts, the Barranco Polegre, near Arico Viejo, has several climbing routes on unusual rock. Check technical details locally before climbing. These climbing routes are a separate aspect of the surrounding area, distinct from the hiking trails described and their individual features.
Choosing Arico Viejo as a Destination
If you are looking for accommodation, you can assess Arico Viejo in light of your own travel interests: are you more interested in the historic centre, architecture and culture, or in paths and landscapes? The route information offers a range of points to consider rather than suggesting one set itinerary. If you have specific hikes in mind, it is a good idea to check the conditions for each route in advance; for a cultural visit, up-to-date event dates can help with planning.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: El Bailadero, La Guancha, Los Silos, Aldea Blanca, La Matanza De Acentejo, Ravelo, La Victoria De Acentejo, Arafo.
Go to the main travel overview: Tenerife.
