El Amparo: Culture, Traditions and Trails

El Amparo brings together architectural history, local customs and trails to offer specific starting points for planning your trip. When looking for a hotel, you can consider whether architecture, festivals or hiking trails should shape your stay. The following sections introduce named places, historical references and specific routes.

Hermitage and traditional architecture

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Amparo is located in Barrio del Amparo. It was built in 1598 at the instigation of Pedro Méndez, known as Pedro de la Cruz. The architectural complex, including the former hermit's house, has been recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). The protected heritage therefore encompasses more than the history of the church building itself.

Along the Camino de El Amparo are buildings that exemplify traditional architecture from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Casa Campino is also a landmark of architectural history: in 2004, it was listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Monumento” category. It is located on the old path that led to the hermitage. The hermitage, the buildings along the Camino and Casa Campino thus offer different ways to explore the area's architectural history.

Festivals and local customs

During the Romería del Poleo, participants climb the mountain to gather poleo for the festival of the Virgin. They dance and sing with the leaves they have collected; the streets of Barrio del Amparo are also decorated during the festivities. Poleo also adorns the entrance of Iglesia Nuestra Señora de El Amparo. The romería features traditional music by the Orquesta del Poleo, played to the rhythm of the Tajaraste. Gathering, music and decoration are closely connected parts of the celebration.

Los Hachitos de San Juan offers a different spectacle: in El Amparo, flower-covered hachitos, ribbons, seeds and banners are carried up the mountain, where people dance around a bonfire. The Comedias del Amparo are also among the local traditions of Icod de los Vinos. If you would like to plan your stay around a performance, check the event dates in advance.

Gofio and a family business

The Molino de Gofio El Amparo adds the artisanal production of gofio to the area's cultural offerings. The family business was founded in Icod de los Vinos in the 1920s. Its hand-made varieties include gofio made from millo, a blend of five cereal grains and wheat. The different grains provide specific examples of the varieties on offer; the selection available may vary.

Routes and directions

The Bajada del Poleo starts in Arenas Negras, follows the Pista de La Montañeta to the Casa Forestal de Icod (El Lagar), and then takes the “El Lance” trail to Plaza de El Amparo. In addition, numerous trails lead from El Amparo to the summits. Check trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Another connection is described for road travel: a road leads from El Amparo through La Vega to La Montañeta. The route and the road layout offer different points of reference for planning; choose your focus depending on whether you are more interested in a specifically described sequence of trails, the other routes to the summits or the road connection.

Discover more destinations: Santa Barbara, Cueva Del Viento, La Florida, Vega Alta

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