Pros & cons
PROS
- Low‑effort loop with frequent Teide views when skies are clear
- Walk beside 1909 lava flows with the Chinyero cone in constant view
CONS
- Limited roadside parking at the TF‑38 pull‑out
- Sharp, abrasive lava can be tough on footwear and ankles
Small dirt pull‑out on TF‑38 near km 15 marks the start; spaces are few. If full, park at Mirador de los Poleos and walk a short extra approach.
Stay on signed trails inside the Special Nature Reserve. Expect uneven, sharp lava and loose cinder; sturdy shoes (and poles if you like) recommended. Sun can be intense on open lava while wind and cloud‑drip make forest sections cool and damp. Waymarks are clear, but some posts reference distances from other PR‑TF 43 segments—watch the loop junctions.
Overview
This mellow loop circles Montaña Chinyero—the youngest volcano on Tenerife—through the Chinyero Special Nature Reserve, just outside but often paired with Teide days. Expect a 4.1‑mile total loop (about 6.6 km) that most hikers cruise in 2–3 hours. Elevation gain sits roughly in the 150–230 m range depending on the variant, and the overall feel is easy if you’re used to uneven ground.
On‑Trail Experience
You’ll start among Canary pine, then break onto dark “malpaís” lava and soft cinder (picón). The red‑black cinder cone of Chinyero stays in view while rugged flows from the 1909 eruption frame the path—look for places where the lava froze mid‑advance. Underfoot alternates between firm dirt, loose cinder, and short rough patches of sharp basalt. On clear days, views toward Teide pop between pine corridors.
History & Geology
Chinyero’s last eruption kicked off on November 18, 1909 and ran about 10 days, laying down the fresh flows you’re walking beside. The reserve protects young lava fields, cinder cones, and pioneer flora—part of why staying on signed paths matters.
Logistics
Access is off the TF‑38 (Boca Tauce–Chío road). Parking is limited at a small dirt pull‑out near km 15; arrive early. If spaces are full, park at Mirador de los Poleos and add roughly 1.5 km of pleasant approach. Wayfinding is straightforward: follow white‑yellow PR markings on PR‑TF 43 around the cone. Note some posts reference distances from the network’s main start elsewhere—stick with the circular signs. No permit is required for this loop.
Variants & Connections
You can also reach the loop via signed feeders: PR‑TF 43.1 from San José de los Llanos, 43.2 from Los Partidos/Pino Loro, or 43.3 from Santiago del Teide. Want more? Extend toward Arenas Negras for a longer day.
Best Time to Hike
Year‑round works. Black lava means strong sun; pine forest brings cool, damp shade when trade‑wind clouds drift through (that “horizontal rain” effect). In summer, start early; in winter, clear air makes for big views. Carry water, sun protection, and a wind layer.
Should You Hike It?
If you want big Canary‑Islands contrast—inky lava seas, bright cinder, pockets of pine, and Teide views—for little effort, this circuit delivers. The only real downsides are limited parking and abrasive lava underfoot. As a warm‑up or a half‑day paired with Teide viewpoints, it’s a winner.
Near Montaña Chinyero Circuit
All places →All trails →
Mount Teide (Pico del Teide)Spain’s highest volcano via cable car, permits, and big‑sky viewsTrailhead · Parking
Pico del Teide (summit)Permit-only path to Spain’s highest, sulfur-scented craterScenic Viewpoint
Los Roques de GarciaIconic rock spires and an easy loop with big Teide viewsTrailhead · Parking
Cráter del Pico ViejoA vast, multicolored crater with island-to-island viewsScenic ViewpointSendero 10 Telesforo BravoShort, steep climb through a lava canal to Spain’s highest pointChallenging · 0.8 mi · 2 hr
Roques de GarcíaShort loop of surreal lava, spires, and big Teide views.Moderate · 2.2 mi · 2 hr
Sendero 7 Montaña Blanca – TeideTeide’s classic grind: pumice tracks, lava balls, and big‑altitude viewsChallenging · 5.2 mi · 5 hr
Montaña de GuajaraVolcanic loop to the caldera’s high point with grandstand Teide viewsChallenging · 6.9 mi · 4.5 hr
