Every hike we’ve done on Tenerife has brought delight and surprises, and this one was no exception. This hike showcased fields of wildflowers, dramatic peaks and also the well-preserved remains of farming and living of the indigenous inhabitants of the island. The landscape of Tenerife climbs rapidly from the coast, and just getting to hikes is guaranteed to include super steep roads the like of which we have never experienced in the US. This hike is on the south side of the island near the lovely town of Arona.
The flowering plants were everywhere on this hike, and industrious bees were pollinating away.
We passed a couple threshing circles, both located on ridges where wind would be likely flow to take the chaff away. The terrain is laced with terracing. Lower down, we cross the gorge a second time (the Barranco del Rey) and find extensive remains of inhabitation and farming. This part of the Barranco is said to have served the last indigenous people, the Guanches, as a retreat. There is enough water in the gorge. And there are many wild herbs and fruits. At the edges of the Barranco in the basalt walls there are many caves. Further down in the Barranco is a small spring (Fuente de las Pilas), which is indicated with signs. The landscape is impressive and stimulates the imagination of the past! Thanks to https://siebeninseln.de/en/tenerife/roque-imoque-2/ for the information on the indigenous people.
Great hike today! Total distance was about 6 1/4 miles and we climbed about 1,800 feet. The trail back from the Barranco is on trails and dirt roads, with water transport pipes always close at hand.
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