Erjos can be explored on hiking trails that vary in length and scenery. The PR-TF 52 runs through forest, across slopes and past agricultural terraces; the Charcas de Erjos add another landscape feature to the natural surroundings. When planning a stay, it is worth comparing the routes, trail types and themes side by side.
Compare two linear hiking trails
The officially certified PR-TF 52 Erjos–Las Portelas (Monte del Agua) is of moderate difficulty and 10.7 km long. From Erjos to Las Portelas, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The PR-TF 53 Los Silos–Cuevas Negras–Erjos is also officially certified and of moderate difficulty: from Erjos to Los Silos, it is 5.7 km and takes about three hours. So the shorter of the two routes has the longer stated duration. Both trails are linear and lead from Erjos to different endpoints rather than looping back.
The PR-TF 53 runs from Erjos via C/ Las Cruces, first along the edge of the streambed area and then beside the Barranco de El Salto towards Los Silos. On the PR-TF 52, wooded terrain alternates with the eastern slopes of the Valle de El Palmar and cultivated terraces. These descriptions offer specific points to consider when choosing between the routes: streambed area and ravine on one, forest, slopes and terraces on the other.
The PR-TF 52 runs through the Teno Rural Park; no permit is required. Check the trail classification and conditions before setting out. Also pay attention to official notices about temporary trail restrictions.
Charcas de Erjos and Monte del Agua
The Charcas de Erjos formed as rainwater collected in clay soil; their water levels fluctuate seasonally. A distinctive ecosystem with characteristic flora and fauna has developed in this natural area. Water-associated birds found there include grey herons, wagtails, including the Canary wagtail, common snipes and Eurasian coots. Their presence may vary depending on the season and rainfall.
Monte del Agua begins near the Charcas de Erjos. In the northwestern part of the island, it is home to Monteverde canario, vegetation typical of laurel forests. The proximity of this vegetation to the Charcas adds another dimension to the natural area: alongside the pools and their fluctuating water levels, the characteristic vegetation of Monte del Agua is another of its distinctive features.
Rural heritage on the SL-TF 151
The circular SL-TF 151 Ruigómez–Erjos–Ruigómez trail passes the ethnographic heritage of the rural settlements of Ruigómez and Erjos. Numerous hidden threshing floors lie along the way. They bear witness to the former importance of grain cultivation in this area. The circular route therefore has a different focus from the two linear PR-TF trails: here, rural history takes centre stage.
For orientation, the SL-TF 151 runs along Calle La Unión to Ermita de Erjos. The road also forms the boundary between the municipalities of Los Silos and El Tanque. When choosing between the trails, you can consider their themes as well as their length and stated duration: nature and vegetation at Monte del Agua, the landscape sections along the PR-TF routes, or the ethnographic heritage along the circular route.
Discover more destinations: San Bernardo
For the broader travel overview: Los Silos.
