Las Cañadas del Teide is a vast volcanic depression formed from an ancient caldera, with a circumference of about 45 kilometres. In Teide National Park, the rugged escarpment of Las Cañadas and the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano shape the landscape. The basin consists of two semicircular calderas separated by the rocky Roques de García. If you are considering a stay, you can choose based on your interests: volcanic formations, hiking trails and cultural and historical sites each offer a different focus.
Volcanic formations and viewpoints
Llano de Ucanca is the largest cañada in the national park. From there, you can see Teide, Pico Viejo and the Roques de García. The basalt rock La Catedral is also part of this landscape: it rises almost vertically, 144 metres above the plain. Another viewpoint is the crater of Pico Viejo. From the viewpoint there, you can see into the crater, which is about 800 metres wide and around 200 metres deep.
At the Narices del Teide viewpoint, you can look out over the slope of Pico Viejo and the 1798 eruption, the last volcanic eruption within Teide National Park. Zapatilla de la Reina presents a different geological formation: the viewpoint looks towards a distinctive rock formation shaped by erosion. The landscape brings together different evidence of volcanic origins and later shaping.
Hiking trails and different perspectives
The hiking trail network in Teide National Park comprises 37 trails with a total length of more than 155 kilometres. Individual trail descriptions show just how varied their highlights can be. The Montaña Blanca–La Rambleta trail passes through the landscape among young black lava flows and volcanic accretion balls, known as “Los Huevos del Teide”. Along the Telesforo Bravo trail, endemic Teide-Borriza plants grow around the fumaroles, associated with their moisture and warmth.
The accessible section of the Roques de García trail runs for a little over 200 metres to a spot overlooking Roque Cinchado, the Roques de García rock formation, Teide and the wall of the Las Cañadas basin. At the highest point of the Arenas Negras trail, by contrast, a panoramic view opens up over Teide National Park and Llano de Maja. The trails to Mirador de La Fortaleza and Mirador de Pico Viejo are freely accessible; from there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the north and south sides of Tenerife, respectively. Check operating conditions and access rules before your visit.
Siete Cañadas runs along the foot of the eastern wall of the Las Cañadas caldera and is part of the pre-Hispanic Camino de Chasna. There are bus stops at El Portillo and the Parador Nacional, so you can connect to the trail by bus at either end. Check the current timetables before travelling.
History, nature and astronomical research
Las Cañadas preserves evidence of the Guanches’ summer grazing and obsidian extraction, including the remains of Guanche huts. The Guanches called Teide “Echeyde” and revered it as a sacred mountain. The Juan Évora Ethnographic Museum showcases the traditional way of life of shepherds in Las Cañadas. Another historical trace can be found on the summit of Alto de Guajara: the remains of the hut used by French astronomer Jean Mascart during his stay to study Halley’s Comet when it passed close to Earth in 1910 have been preserved there.
The plant life is also tied to specific altitudes and habitats. The endemic Teide violet grows in stony areas of plains above 2,500 metres; the blue and red tajinaste are confined to the summit regions. The Observatorio del Teide offers another way to explore research. It is primarily dedicated to solar research and houses European solar telescopes such as the 1.5-metre GREGOR. Individuals and groups can take part in a guided tour with advance reservation; check the visitor conditions before your trip.
Visitor centres and getting there
The Cañada Blanca Visitor Centre presents the development of ways of life in Las Cañadas from prehistoric times to the modern era. The exhibition includes a viewing terrace and a landscape model. At the El Portillo Visitor Centre, the museum explores the geological, botanical, zoological and archaeological features of the national park. The Botanical Garden next to the centre contains more than 75 percent of the national park’s species.
The Teide Cable Car has a lower station and an upper station at La Rambleta, at an altitude of 3,555 metres. Check operating conditions before your trip. Bus services to Teide National Park run from Puerto de la Cruz on route 348 and from Costa Adeje on route 342; routes and timetables may change. When choosing accommodation, it is worth first deciding which of these landscape, hiking or cultural themes you want to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Fasnia, Granadilla De Abona, Tegueste, Las Cruces, Los Silos, Ravelo, Tacoronte, Arico Viejo.
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