Do I need a car for these hikes from La Paredita?

No. All three trails described start within 200 metres of the houses. The Lomo Molino viewpoint is literally next door.

How difficult are the routes?

Lomo Molino is a flat family stroll. La Vica is easy-moderate, 4 km loop. The descent to Garachico is moderate by total descent (~700 m), but it's all downhill — best to come back by taxi or bus.

When is the best season to walk in El Tanque?

October to May. In summer it's hot from 11 am and the north has the 'donkey belly' (low cloud) — actually it helps for walking, though you'll lose the Teide view on some days.

Is there water and toilets on the trails?

No. Bring water and use the facilities in the El Tanque commercial area (200 m away) or at La Paredita before setting off.

Hiking in El Tanque from La Paredita

Three trails starting three minutes from the front door — no car needed, no crowds, just the trail to yourself.

El Tanque isn’t a destination, it’s a starting point. La Paredita sits precisely there — at the edge of the village, looking south to Mount Teide and north to the Atlantic, with three trails that begin without needing the car.

This guide is what we write to people who ask, before they come, “can we walk from the house?”. Yes.

Route 1 — Lomo Molino viewpoint (15 minutes, easy)

The easiest. 100 metres from Casa Güimar’s door and you’re at one of the least-known viewpoints of the north: Lomo Molino. Stone bench, clean view of Teide, almost always empty.

It’s the trail we recommend to guests on arrival day, when you haven’t unpacked yet and your body needs to understand where it is.

Take a coffee in a flask. Light is best at 6:30 pm in autumn-winter and 8:30 pm in spring-summer.

Route 2 — La Vica trail (1.5 hours, loop)

Starts from El Tanque neighbourhood and drops through old wheat threshing fields. The area was called “the wheat land” during the 18th century — the toponym isn’t metaphorical, it was the granary of the region. Dry-stone walls and half-ruined threshing circles still remain.

Distance: 4 km loop
Elevation: 180 m total gain
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Start: El Tanque main square, 5 min walk from La Paredita

The path crosses Canarian pine forest and ends at a restored washhouse with a spring. In spring, the ground is covered in wallflowers and Canarian daisies — better to stop than to walk fast.

Route 3 — Descent to Garachico (half day, one-way)

The most complete route and the one that best defines this corner of Tenerife. You start in the village at 760 m altitude and descend to the sea at Garachico, crossing vineyards, ancient lava and the old town the volcano destroyed in 1706.

Distance: 9 km
Elevation: −700 m (all downhill)
Difficulty: Moderate by length, not technique
End: Garachico main square, next to the San Miguel Castle

We recommend returning by taxi (~20 € to La Paredita) or on TITSA bus 363. If you walk back, add 3 hours and a lot of uphill: better to book a second night and enjoy Garachico.

On the way out of El Tanque, you’ll pass the Millennial Dragon Tree of Garachico (not to be confused with Icod’s, which is far more visited). Ours is mostly alone. For many guests it’s the photo they take home.

What we always bring

Water: 1 litre per person in winter, 1.5 in summer
Some fruit or nuts
A long-sleeve shirt (the northern cloud changes temperature)
Phone with the route downloaded on Maps.me or OruxMaps

That’s all. El Tanque isn’t an area where you need technical kit — you need time.

After walking

200 metres from the houses, Pizzería La Albahaca (Fri-Sun). It’s our closing recommendation. Wood-fired pizza, sourdough, short list of Canarian beers. If you’ve come up from Garachico, it’s the best decision of the day.

If this guide is useful, share the link with whoever you’re coming with. And if you want to come and do all three routes, book one of the houses directly with us — no Booking, no Airbnb, no commissions.