Chinyero: A Circular Hike Through Tenerife’s Youngest Volcanic Landscape

Where is Chinyero, and why is it important?

Chinyero stands northwest of Pico Viejo on Tenerife’s western volcanic ridge. Its cone reaches approximately 1,560 metres above sea level, within the Chinyero Special Nature Reserve. This protected landscape extends across parts of Santiago del Teide, El Tanque and Garachico; it is a separate protected area from Teide National Park.

The eruption began on 18 November 1909 and continued for around ten days. It remains Tenerife’s most recent eruption. The walk reveals its legacy through dark lava fields, loose volcanic material and the striking boundaries between exposed rock and established woodland.

The wider reserve also contains landscapes associated with the 1706 eruption that affected Garachico. These are different volcanic events: Chinyero’s 1909 eruption should not be confused with the eruption responsible for damaging Garachico’s historic harbour.

The Chinyero circular hike

The signed Circular Chinyero is approximately 5.7 kilometres around the volcano. This figure describes the circuit itself, so add the distance from your parking place or village starting point. Allow roughly two to three hours for an unhurried circuit, with extra time for photographs and the approach.

The route alternates between woodland paths and open volcanic ground. Pine needles soften some stretches, while others cross gravel and irregular rock. Clear weather can reveal Teide and Pico Viejo beyond the nearer volcanic hills, although trees and the changing orientation of the path mean that views vary throughout the walk.

Follow the yellow-and-white PR trail markings and signs for Circular Chinyero. At junctions, distinguish the circuit from branches towards Arenas Negras, Garachico and other destinations. Save an offline map showing both the loop and your access path, and note where you join it.

This is a walk around the volcanic cone. Remain on the authorised paths rather than following tracks up its slopes or across undisturbed lava.

Alternative starting points and longer walks

Several approaches connect with the circuit. Choose according to your available time, fitness and transport arrangements, rather than assuming every route called “Chinyero” covers the same distance.

Arenas Negras

Arenas Negras suits walkers wanting more forest scenery and a longer outing. Tenerife’s tourism website describes a roughly 12-kilometre circuit from the recreation area, with approximately 430 metres of ascent. Other variants differ, so use the map for your chosen itinerary. Treat this as a substantial half-day walk rather than applying the shorter loop’s timing.

Village approaches

PR-TF 43.1 from San José de los Llanos runs approximately 4.3 kilometres to the circuit, while PR-TF 43.2 from Pino Loro, via Los Partidos de Franquis, covers approximately 4.7 kilometres. These are one-way approach distances: returning along the same path and completing the loop increases the total considerably.

PR-TF 43.3 from Santiago del Teide is a longer approach of approximately 7.4 kilometres, with around 540 metres of ascent before reaching the circuit connection. The full PR-TF 43 from Garachico is more demanding still, listed at 17.7 kilometres with substantial climbing. These options require a separate day plan and a clear return arrangement.

How difficult is the Chinyero hike?

The short circuit is a reasonable choice for walkers accustomed to uneven countryside paths. Its main challenges are rough footing, loose gravel and exposed stretches. It usually involves less sustained climbing than the village approaches, but distance alone does not describe the effort.

Wear hiking shoes with dependable grip. Lava can be sharp, and gravel can move underfoot. The route is unsuitable for ordinary pushchairs or wheelchairs. Families with children who already enjoy walking may find the shorter itinerary manageable, provided they allow breaks and avoid hot conditions.

Getting to Chinyero and finding parking

For the shorter outing, an approach leaves the TF-38 near kilometre 14.9. The official tourism description identifies an approximately 400-metre access path to PR-TF 43. The TF-38 runs between Chío and Boca de Tauce, making this approach convenient when travelling from western or southern Tenerife.

Check your trailhead beforehand and park only where stopping is permitted and the vehicle fits safely clear of traffic. Roadside space is limited; avoid blocking tracks or treating a forest entrance as permission to drive farther.

Arenas Negras has a different approach through the northern forest area. Check current vehicle access and track conditions before choosing it. For public transport, consult TITSA for connections to your chosen village. A village bus stop does not provide direct access to the short TF-38 circuit.

Weather, equipment and protected-area rules

Conditions at this altitude can be much cooler and windier than on the coast. Choose a mild day with good visibility; summer heat makes exposed lava stretches uncomfortable, while winter weather may bring cold, rain or slippery ground.

Carry drinking water for the entire outing, food, sun protection and a warm or windproof layer. Do not rely on water points along the route. Download your map beforehand and leave enough daylight for the return.

Check the route information and current alerts on Tenerife ON before travelling, particularly during fire-risk periods or after severe weather. Official tourism listings describe the established approaches as not requiring authorisation, but temporary restrictions can override normal access. Stay on marked paths, leave rocks and plants in place, and take all rubbish away. Call 112 in an emergency.

Planning a rewarding visit

For a first visit, choose the short circuit and leave a half-day available for driving, walking and stops. It offers a varied introduction to Chinyero without committing to a long approach. Afterwards, a meal in Santiago del Teide or Chío fits naturally into the return journey.

Choose Arenas Negras when you want a longer forest walk, or a village approach when the journey through the surrounding countryside is part of the attraction. Whichever option you select, calculate the complete distance back to your starting point before setting out.