MTB Route in the northern face of Tenerife

Cycle along wide tracks to Valle de La Orotava

This long route which goes from La Esperanza to Santiago del Teide crosses the northern face of Tenerife. Right from the start, the bike goes along pleasant wide well-surfaced tracks among Canarian pines which seem to lighten the effort needed for the climb along the backbone which shapes the core of the island. This is the peak of the route at 1,728 metres, a good build up to the fast descent leading to Valle de la Orotava and the recreational area of La Caldera, an ideal spot for topping up on energy.

View the Chinyero volcano and finish in Santiago del Teide

This is a route to be enjoyed, to cycle for kilometres because the Teide seems to revolve around you as you discover its impressive northern face. With fresh air on your face, we reach the town of San José de los Llanos, in El Tanque, the perfect spot for eating, regaining strength to face the final stretch which comes bearing gifts: the chance to see the lava flows of the Chinyero volcano, fruit of the last volcanic eruption in Tenerife, more than a century ago. But the route ends among beautiful almond trees which lead to Santiago del Teide.

An alternative tour of the island

This route can be combined with that which crosses the southern face. To do so you have to cover a stretch of the Canal de Vergara path, passing through the recreational area of Chio and then climbing the road leading to the viewpoint at Boca Tauce. From here take the Madre del Auga track, en Vilaflor to the Río ravine and continue along the Arico-La Esperanza road in the opposite direction. This is a difficult way to complete this tour of the island, with 182 kilometres and an accumulated incline of 4,630 metres- a hard cycle.