Camino a Candelaria: Aguamansa–La Crucita Trail

PR-TF 35.4 is the uphill 4.52 km (2.81 mi) one-way section from Aguamansa to Mirador La Crucita, following the old Camino a Candelaria. It gains about 983 m (3,225 ft) with a little descent along the way; allow about 3 hours 10 minutes for the climb. This is a hard ascent, not a casual forest walk. Turning around at the viewpoint makes roughly 9 km total; local route estimates put the return outing around four hours or a bit more. The longer loop from La Caldera is a different walk.

The start is by the Cabildo facilities in Aguamansa. The first part climbs on forest tracks through pine, then narrows onto an old path cut into lava. Higher up, steep switchbacks climb a wooded ridge; washed-out parts have built steps and timber supports. The trail crosses the Barranco de la Arena, passes the Choza Pedro Gil waterhole, and keeps gaining height beside deep ravines. After the trees thin, a volcanic sand-and-rock traverse gives you a brief breather before the final steep climb.

The path finishes at the Cumbre Dorsal viewpoint above Güímar Valley. From Mirador La Crucita, look east to Arafo and the dark cone of Las Arenas, which last erupted in 1705; the Orotava side lies behind the ridge you climbed. The open pass and cloud-filled valley make the clearest signature view of this route. For a photo, keep some of the volcanic slope in the frame with the valley and cone so the ridge still feels high.

This is a point-to-point section, not a loop. Buses 345, 346 and 348 serve Aguamansa, but there is no bus service at La Crucita and parking there is very limited, so arrange a pickup or plan to retrace the route. Parking is available in the Aguamansa area. There are no shops or restaurants along the walk. Choza Pedro Gil is described as a waterhole, but its water is not confirmed potable. Pet access was not established, so check the route rules before bringing a dog.