Punta del Hidalgo Trail, Tenerife: A Comprehensive Guide

Tucked within the captivating Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife Canary Islands, lies a trail that historically bridged the mountains with the coast of Tenerife. This trail, resonating with unmatched scenic beauty and rich history, offers a journey of both nature and heritage.

Key Takeaways

• Located in Anaga Rural Park.
• Historically used for fishing and trade.
• Landscapes: Laurel forests, agriculture, scrubland.
• Notable: Chinamada’s cave-houses.
• Trail: 9.7 km, 3.5 hours, medium difficulty.
• Essentials: Sturdy shoes, partner, phone.
• Transport: Start at Cruz del Carmen; bus options: Titsa 73 & 105.
• Landmarks: Cruz del Carmen, Chinamada, Dos Hermanos.
• Facilities: Information centers, lookout points.

The Journey and Its Significance Tracing through the terrains of Tenerife, the trail captures three unique landscapes:

1. Cruz del Carmen to Las Carboneras: Experience the dense laurisilva or laurel forests.
2. Las Carboneras to Chinamada: Traverse the mid-slopes dedicated majorly to agriculture.
3. Chinamada to Punta del Hidalgo: Explore the scrubland of the lower areas.

Historically, this trail was the lifeline for many. It was the route taken by mountain dwellers descending to the coast for fishing. Similarly, villagers from Anaga would ascend to Cruz del Carmen before moving towards Santa Cruz or La Laguna, marketing their products or purchasing essentials.

Nature’s Canvas Along the Trail The trail boasts diverse vegetation:

• Cruz del Carmen: Laurisilva or laurel forests.
• Mid-Slopes near Casas del Rio: Fir and heath forests interspersed with cultivated lands.
• Chinamada: Transitional thermophile vegetation.
• Final Section Ravine: Tabaibal cardonal forest, tabaiba shrubs, and Canary Island spurge.
• La Fajana Beach: Unique halophyte coastal belt species.

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Heritage Highlights The trail, also referred to as the “rural highway”, was instrumental for residents in Anaga’s ancient times. For instance, the Chinamada settlement, famed for its cave-houses, exemplifies resourcefulness, with residents digging homes out of volcanic tuff, preserving fertile lands for cultivation.

Trail Facts:

• Signature: PR TF 10
• Length: 9.7 kilometres
• Elevation: Ascent: 916 metres | Descent: 916 metres
• Altitudes: Max: 924 metres | Min: 8 metres
• Surface: Hiking path, trail, highway
• Difficulty: Medium
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Type: Linear
• Best Time: Year-round, but always consider weather and conservation restrictions.

Essential Equipment:

• Sturdy footwear and warm clothing.
• Cap/hat and/or rain wear.
• Always hike with a partner and keep a mobile phone.
• Adequate hydration and snacks.

Transport:

• Start: Cruz del Carmen
• End: Plaza de Sebastián Ramos, Punta del Hidalgo
• Available Options: Car, taxi, bus
• Public Transport: Titsa Bus | Lines: 73 & 105

Experience: Landmarks and History

1. Cruz del Carmen Google Maps

   • A historically significant crossroads, now characterized by a parking lot and other facilities. The Cruz del Carmen hermitage stands as a testament to community effort from the 19th century. Additionally, you can enjoy a panoramic view of La Laguna’s meadows.

2. Las Carboneras Google Maps

   • An integral junction where paths converged. The cross here honors the numerous travelers over the ages. Following this, the trail presents a short but steep challenge.

3. Chinamada Google Maps

   • An impressive showcase of troglodyte structures and cave-houses. These houses were carved out of volcanic tuff to conserve arable land. The Aguaide lookout offers a spectacular perspective of the Punta del Hidalgo and the Anaga coastline. The unique flora here includes the Canarian pine and the Cistus chinamadensis, a rockrose species endemic to the park.

4. Dos Hermanos Google Maps

   • An iconic outcrop representing a Guanche legend of tragic love. The story speaks of two siblings whose forbidden love led them to climb the rock, and subsequently leap to their demise.

5. La Fajana Well Google Maps

   • An ingenious structure that once served as a significant water source for Punta del Hidalgo’s farmlands. The well is an underground tunnel designed to source fresh water, keeping saline ocean water at bay.

6. La Punta Look-out Point Google Maps

   • The trail culminates here, providing awe-inspiring views of the Anaga massif and the coastline. Nearby stands a monument dedicated to Sebastián Ramos, celebrating Punta del Hidalgo’s folklore heritage. The adjacent natural pools offer a refreshing dip, surrounded by diverse marine species.

Facilities for Public Use:

1. Cruz del Carmen Visitor Information Centre
2. Cruz del Carmen Look-out Point
3. Aguaide Look-out Point, Chinamada
4. Punta del Hidalgo Tourist Information Office

Embark on this immersive journey to delve deep into Tenerife’s nature and rich history. Make sure to have a reliable internet connection to access the Google Maps links on-the-go. Safe travels!

FAQs

• Where is the Punta del Hidalgo Trail located?
  • Within the Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife.
• What historical significance does the trail have?
  • It was used by mountain dwellers for fishing and trade, acting as a “rural highway”.
• What are the main landscapes of the trail?
  • The trail covers dense laurel forests, agricultural mid-slopes, and scrubland.
• What makes Chinamada notable?
  • Chinamada is famed for its unique cave-houses carved out of volcanic tuff.
• How long is the trail and what’s its difficulty?
  • The trail is 9.7 km long, takes about 3.5 hours, and has a medium difficulty level.
• What are the essential items to bring?
  • Sturdy footwear, warm clothing, a mobile phone, and adequate hydration.
• How can one access the trail?
  • The trail starts at Cruz del Carmen and ends at Punta del Hidalgo, with transportation options including car, taxi, and the Titsa Bus lines 73 & 105.
• Are there any notable landmarks along the trail?
  • Yes, including Cruz del Carmen, Chinamada, and the Dos Hermanos rock formation.
• Where can visitors find information or facilities?
  • There are information centers at Cruz del Carmen and Punta del Hidalgo, along with several lookout points.
• Is it recommended to hike the trail year-round?
  • Yes, but always consider weather and conservation restrictions before embarking.