PR-TF 35 La Caldera: A Circular Forest Walk through Mamio
The PR-TF 35 La Caldera–Mamio–La Caldera trail explores the wooded slopes above La Orotava, combining forest tracks, traditional paths and cultivated countryside near Aguamansa. With shaded walking, occasional views towards Teide and a convenient circular itinerary, it offers a rewarding introduction to Tenerife’s northern mountain forests.
In this guide
Where is La Caldera, and what kind of walk is this?
La Caldera recreation area lies near Aguamansa, uphill from La Orotava on Tenerife’s northern side. It is a starting point for walks through the Corona Forestal Natural Park, the extensive forest belt surrounding the island’s central highlands. Here, mountain woodland meets the upper edge of the valley’s inhabited and cultivated landscape.
The walk usually meant by “La Caldera TF 35” is the PR-TF 35 La Caldera–Mamio–La Caldera circular trail. La Caldera is the departure point; Mamio is part of the countryside visited along the circuit. This is a forest-and-country walk, with changing vegetation and paths, rather than a climb to a summit.
Its appeal lies in variety within a manageable outing. Broad woodland tracks give way to more intimate footpaths, while openings reveal the scale of the surrounding mountains. Allow a half-day including transport and stops, leaving time afterwards for Aguamansa or a visit to La Orotava’s historic centre.
The PR-TF 35 circular route from La Caldera
The municipal hiking guide lists the circuit as 5.7 kilometres, taking approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Treat that as a walking estimate: photography, lunch and a slower pace on uneven ground can extend the outing.
Starting at La Caldera’s parking area, the described itinerary follows the broad Pista de Mamio towards Casa del Agua. This opening stretch provides an easy rhythm and time to enjoy the woodland before the route changes character. Some of the track is shared with other recreational routes, so remain aware of cyclists and horses.
At Casa del Agua, the circuit turns left towards Mamio, descending into a landscape of cultivated plots and rural properties. It subsequently climbs beside Barranco de Los Llanos towards the main-road area. After passing the Aguamansa environmental centre, it returns through the forest to La Caldera.
Carry an offline map and check the route at junctions, particularly where several trail numbers share the same track. A sign pointing towards a familiar destination does not necessarily identify your return leg. Around farms, keep to the marked passage and respect gates, crops and private entrances.
Forest scenery, mountain slopes and views of Teide
The woodland is the main attraction throughout the walk. Pine trunks, leafy undergrowth and patches of moss create a different atmosphere from Tenerife’s coastal paths. Changes in shade and vegetation make even the quieter stretches interesting, especially when sunlight filters through the canopy.
Openings can provide views towards Teide and across the Orotava Valley, although visibility depends on cloud and haze. Enjoy these as part of the circuit rather than expecting an uninterrupted panorama. Low cloud can hide the distant landscape while giving the forest itself a softer, more enclosed character.
The rural stretch contributes something equally worthwhile: a view of how cultivation and settlement fit against the mountain forest. Look beyond the distant scenery to the smaller details along the path, from stonework to the contrast between worked land and woodland. This changing setting makes the circuit more varied than a simple forest-track return walk.
Connecting trails: Ruta del Agua and Pinolere
La Caldera is a trail junction, and walks carrying similar names can differ substantially. The complete route number matters when choosing a map or downloading a track. A circuit incorporating additional branches should not be planned using the basic PR-TF 35 distance and duration.
PR-TF 35.2 Ruta del Agua
The Ruta del Agua branches from the Mamio track and connects with Casa del Agua. It is a separate itinerary with its own climbing and walking time. If including it, calculate the full outing from La Caldera, including the approach and return, rather than treating the branch’s published distance as the total.
Paths towards Pinolere and the GR-131
PR-TF 35.1 and PR-TF 35.3 connect with Pinolere, taking the walk beyond the basic Mamio circuit. These require a deliberate return-transport or return-walk plan. The GR-131 also passes through La Caldera, with a mountain route continuing towards El Portillo. For a first visit focused on woodland scenery, the main circular trail keeps the day straightforward.
Difficulty, footwear and the best conditions
The circuit is generally presented as a low-difficulty hike, but it includes climbing and uneven footpaths alongside the easier tracks. It suits walkers comfortable spending several hours outdoors. Families with children accustomed to hiking may enjoy it; the complete circuit should not be treated as a pushchair or wheelchair route.
Wear shoes with dependable grip. Stones, roots and loose forest litter require attention, and damp shaded stretches can be slippery. Take particular care descending: a comfortable pace on the broad track may need to slow considerably on the narrower paths.
Bring drinking water, food, a charged phone and a light waterproof or warm layer. Conditions around Aguamansa can feel markedly cooler than at the coast. Choose settled weather, allow enough daylight and avoid walking beneath trees during strong winds.
Before setting out, check Tenerife ON for current trail incidents and restrictions. Official tourism pages have displayed inconsistent access information, so do not use a general route description as confirmation that every section is open. Follow current notices and signs on the ground.
Getting to La Caldera: parking and public transport
By car, approach from La Orotava along the TF-21 towards Aguamansa, then follow the signed access to La Caldera recreation area. The circular walk starts and finishes at its parking area. Use designated spaces and keep access clear for other visitors and emergency vehicles.
TITSA bus 345 connects Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Aguamansa, with selected journeys serving La Caldera. Check the timetable notes carefully: not every departure reaches the recreation area, and some services have seasonal variations. Confirm the return journey before beginning your walk.
An unhurried morning circuit followed by lunch and a stop in La Orotava makes a balanced day. Keep the main walk as your fixed plan, adding a branch only when its distance, conditions and transport fit comfortably. La Caldera rewards a steady pace, with time to appreciate both the forest and the countryside around Mamio.