Tired Legs, Happy Hearts: Conquering Mount Guajara in Tenerife
Our second day in Tenerife began with a challenging night for my hiking buddy, battling the high temperatures in the hotel room and a lack of proper sleep. Undeterred, we decided to shift our plans from climbing Mount Teide to climbing the (almost) equally captivating Mount Guajara, setting the stage for an adventurous day.
Roques de Garcia and the Drive to Adventure
Setting out at 10:30 after a restless night, we embarked on a scenic drive towards Roques de Garcia and Mount Guajara. The landscape unfolded with Mount Teide dominating the horizon at every turn. The road was bustling with tourists and cars, all eager to pause and marvel at the stunning landscapes that surrounded us – from the imposing Mount Teide to the fascinating Roques de Garcia and the captivating volcanic terrain. In the area there was even a cable car bringing visitors to Mount Teide’s summit, which made it even more difficult for us to find a parking spot. Amidst the huge crowd and lack of free parking spaces, our determination led us to a slightly distant parking spot from the trailhead we were headed towards, but at least we were ready to start the adventure.
A picturesque flat stretch towards Guajara
The Trailhead: Hiking the Road Less Walked
Opting for a less-traveled path, we hiked towards Mount Guajara, discovering a diverse terrain of rocky pathways and breathtaking rock volcanic formations. The initial 2.5 km of the hike were on a flat terrain and offered a picturesque view of Teide behind us, bathed in a warm glow that captured its grandeur. Though, our gaze shifted to the imposing Mount Guajara standing before us. Its silhouettes from the beginning of the hike suggested a steep and challenging ascent. Eager for the adventure, we pressed on further, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within the rocky slopes of Mount Guajara.
Zigzagging Through Unique Rock Formations
As the trail unfolded, we zigzagged around stunning rock formations, each with its unique shape. The pathway, initially wide and flat, hinted at the challenges awaiting us as we approached closer and closer to Mount Guajara. Opting for the counterclockwise direction on this loop trail, we selected a path that offered a more gradual ascent behind the mountain. In contrast to the clockwise direction, which presented challenging and steep rocky climbs, our choice promised a slightly gentler and more manageable journey up the trail. Despite the difficulty of climbing, the view of Teide and the rocky terrain ahead provided an unparalleled reward. Clouds and fog added a touch of magic to the landscape as we pressed on towards the summit.
A Huge Reward Awaiting
Dressing and Undressing
Changing our outlook multiple times became a ritual during the hike. The temperature, hovering around 14°C at that attitude, fluctuated between the warmth of the sun and a cool breeze. Despite the multiple stops we did to put a new layer of clothes or remove some, we emerhed from the first section of the trial, where a breathtaking panorama unfolded before us. With Mount Teide standing majestically and the valley below stretching out in a captivating expanse, the landscape views rewarded us for the efforts and fueled our enthusiasm for the hike ahead.
The Clouds Behind Guajara
Continuing on a flat stretch running across the steep slope of the mountain, we witnessed a mesmerizing formation of clouds emerged from the backside of Guajara. Yet, as if performing a magical trick, they dissipated upon reaching the peak point of Guajara top. As we strolled along this stretch, our eyes traced the contours of other mountains in the distance, leading our gaze toward the direction of the Lunar landscapes—a tantalizing hike on our wish list for this one-week stay on Tenerife. The allure of the Lunar landscape tempted us to continue our hike in that direction, but with a sense of anticipation and a desire for proper exploration, we wisely chose to save this adventure for another day during our vacation on Tenerife.
Determination at its Peak: Conquering the Summit
The turning point and the end of this stretch arrived when we faced the daunting challenge of ascending to the summit of Guajara. A steep and seemingly endless stretch lay ahead, testing our resiliance. Despite the clock ticking towards 3 pm and our stomachs rumbling with hunger, our determination persisted to enjoy a well-deserved meal at the pinnacle of Guajara.
The Final Stretch to the Summit
The trail led us onto a challenging rocky pathway, where we were accompanied by fog and clouds, constantly forming and dissipating under the influence of the winds. Amidst this atmospheric changes, the summit of Guajara stood in sight, appearing deceptively close yet teasingly distant. However, fueled by determination, we had no option but to conquer the remaining few hundred meters, propelling ourselves upward to Mount Guajara.
A Huge Reward Awaiting
Reaching the pinnacle of Mount Guajara proved to be a triumph with breathtaking rewards. The panoramic view unfolded before us, with Mount Teide and its surrounding rocky mountains and volcanic landscapes in all their majestic glory. We shared the summit with only a handful of fellow hikers. We discovered a couple of rocks, serving as improvised tables and chairs. Here, against the backdrop of Teide, we indulged in the best lunch sandwiches, relishing not only the flavors but also the unmatched views towards La Gomera and La Palma. Despite the excitement of conquering this peak, we decided not to linger too long, mindful of the brisk winds, so we descended back to the trail, continuing our journey along the circular hiking path.
Descending Challenges
Our descent began with a seemingly safe flat stretch, yet the presence of rocks introduced a need for extra caution in our footsteps as not to slip and avoid any painful falls. As we progressed, we took a moment to shed again some clothing layers.
A stargazing alternative and Magical Rocks
Between Magical Rocks and Teide Views
Soon after the pathway transformed into a steep and rocky descent, unveiling a magical passage between two rocks that created a space for hikers. Negotiating this challenging section required increased concentration, with the road closely hugging a large rock on one side. Despite the difficulty, the captivating views of Teide ahead of us and the surrounding landscape provided a picturesque distraction, making the tough descent a natural spectacle.
We Chose Wisely
Reflecting on our journey, we realized the significance of choosing the correct direction for this circular hike. While going down was not without its challenges, the anticlockwise direction path proved to be a the wise decision, particularly considering the steep and potentially treacherous conditions we observed if one would take the clockwise direction.
A Stargazer’s Alternative
As we descended, we met fellow hikers making their way upward despite the late afternoon hours, prompting the curiosity in us about their late hike. Remembering that stargazing trips on Mount Teide were a popular touristic activity, we thought that these hikers might have chosen the economical option of climbing Guajara instead. The contrast in difficulty between ascending Guajara and Teide’s demanding trails or the cable car expense likely influenced their decision.
Flat Ground, Happy Legs
Nearing the visitor center, the path mercifully leveled out, bringing relief to our tired legs and toes. The satisfaction of overcoming the steep descent resonated as the terrain became flat, marking the end of our downward journey. The proximity to the visitor center marked a significant milestone, concluding this exhilarating chapter of the circular hike. As we retraced our steps towards the visitor center, all our efforts were compensated by the enchanting hues of the sunset on the mountains. Teide once again captivated us, making the final stretch, though challenging, a visually rewarding one.
The Unforeseen Challenge of the Final Stretch
Expecting the last stretch to be the most straightforward and easy as it was on a flat terrain, it unfolded as an unexpected challenge. Fatigue had set in, intensifying the difficulty of walking, and the yearning for the comfort of our and stretching our legs on the bed, made this section seem endless. Though, we had no other option, but to press on.
Tired and Content
Returning to our hotel, tired but content, we indulged in a delicious meal, savoring the flavors of Tenerife. The day ended on our balcony, watching the sunset hues, reflecting on the adventures, and planning the next excursion. As we drove to our hotel, surprising views awaited us. Passing a road that offered a breathtaking view of La Gomera and La Palma, we were treated to a spectacle of colors so vivid it felt truly magical. Tourists with their cars were stopping almost anywhere on the road to admire the views. The outline of the mountains on La Gomera island in the distance was crisply defined, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun behind them—shades of orange, yellow, red, and a tapestry of purple and pink that painted the sky.
Upon reaching our hotel, exhaustion lingered, and our hunger was intense and palpable. Venturing to the hotel restaurant, we indulged in a feast of delicious food—a perfect reward for a day of exploration. We spent the rest of the day on our hotel balcony overlooking the hotel pool, we savored the night, relishing the tranquility. With smiles on our faces, tired but content, we were already envisioning the adventures that awaited us in our upcoming trips across Tenerife.
Start
Visitor Center near Mount Guajara
End
Visitor Center near Mount Guajara
Duration
6 hours
Length
19 km
Difficulty
Challenging
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