Ruigomez offers more than one type of route: alongside a 6.2-kilometre linear hiking trail of moderate difficulty, there is a circular route that begins and ends in Ruigómez. Other trails explore themes such as water-related features, Monteverde and the area’s agricultural past. For planning, it is worth considering route type, landscape and historical sites separately.
Hiking trails by route type
The officially approved SL-TF 151.2 linear hiking trail is 6.2 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty. It runs from RuigĂłmez through El Tanque and El Tanque Bajo to the Mirador de La Atalaya. From RuigĂłmez, the trail also leads into the Chinyero Special Nature Reserve and reaches Casa Canales. Details about the route type, length and endpoint give you concrete points of reference for comparing this hike with other trails.
The officially approved SL-TF 151 Ruigómez–Erjos–Ruigómez circular trail follows a different route: it begins and ends in Ruigómez. Unlike the linear route, it returns to its starting point. When choosing between the two trails, you can first decide which route type better suits your plans. Check the official trail status before setting out.
Water landscapes and rural heritage
The SL-TF 151.1 Ruigómez–San José de Los Llanos is known as the Water Route. Its name refers to the numerous water-related features along the trail. The landscape offers a different perspective at Barranco del Guirre: the section of the SL-TF 151.1 there passes through well-preserved fayal-brezal Monteverde woodland. Together, the described trails offer a chance to see both water-related features and a characteristic stand of Monteverde woodland.
The SL-TF 151 Ruigómez–Erjos–Ruigómez circular trail offers an introduction to the ethnographic heritage of the hamlets of Ruigómez and Erjos. The numerous threshing floors along the route reflect the former importance of grain cultivation in this area. This connection between the trail and the agricultural past gives the circular route a different focus from the route profiles of the SL-TF 151.2 and SL-TF 151.1.
The SL-TF 151.2 also passes sites of agro-cultural heritage. The trail leads to the Eras del Volcán in Barrio Nuevo, which are considered significant agro-cultural heritage sites in the municipality of El Tanque. It also reaches Casa Canales: the former tenant farmer’s house retains its threshing floor, was built on lava flows and has an elaborate system for collecting and storing rainwater. These details show how closely the historic buildings are linked to agricultural use.
Festivals as a reason to visit
The festivities in honour of San Isidro in RuigĂłmez take place on the third weekend in May; dates for future editions may change. The DĂa de Canarias is also celebrated in the hamlet of RuigĂłmez on 30 May. If you would like to plan your stay around either festival, check the current programme for that year’s edition.
For the broader travel overview: El Tanque.
