Maria Jimenez: Hotels, Hiking and Local History

Maria Jimenez combines the landscape of the Barranco del Bufadero with hiking trails towards Casas de La Cumbre or Taganana, and a local history reflected in its name and historic buildings.

Landscape and Name

Maria Jimenez lies along the banks of the Barranco del Bufadero. The ravine runs for 7,642 metres through the valley of the same name and empties into the neighbourhood. When the sea was rough, water would burst through an opening at the mouth, forming impressive fountains and producing a loud roar. The name Bufadero refers to this natural phenomenon. Maria Jimenez was also formerly known as El Bufadero.

The Macizo de Anaga Biosphere Reserve, which includes Maria Jimenez, is part of the area's broader landscape. UNESCO recognised the reserve in 2015. Thus, descriptions of the area encompass both the banks of the Barranco and the wider protected area, which are not the same geographical level.

Hiking and Getting Around

Hiking trails from Maria Jimenez lead towards Casas de La Cumbre or Taganana. One named route with specific details is the PR-TF 3 Casas de La Cumbre–Valle Brosque–Casa Forestal: it is 7.2 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of five hours. The Valle Grande–Revolcaderos–Cumbre María Jiménez route is one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's traditional paths and hiking trails.

For the outward journey on the PR-TF 3, take line 076 to Casas de la Cumbre; for the return journey, the connection runs from Casa Forestal to the Intercambiador La Laguna. The hiking trails towards Taganana or Casas de La Cumbre are separate directional references. To reach the Valle Brosque section, drive along the Carretera TF-11, take the turn-off at kilometre 2, then continue along Calle María Jiménez and Calle Viña La Cueva to the end of the road in the hamlet of El Pelotón. Check road and trail conditions before setting out.

Lines 916 and 945 also pass through Maria Jimenez. Line 916 runs from the Intercambiador via Valleseco and Bufadero to Maria Jimenez, then continues to Los Valles. Line 945 runs from the Intercambiador via Valleseco and Maria Jimenez to San Andrés and Igueste de San Andrés. As line numbers and routes may change, check the latest information from TITSA before travelling.

Local History and Buildings

The name Maria Jimenez became established through a resident named María Jiménez Ravelo. Towards the end of the 19th century, she ran a popular inn in the area. The place name is therefore linked to a specific person and her establishment, whereas the former name El Bufadero refers to the natural phenomenon at the mouth of the Barranco.

The Batería del Bufadero is a now heavily dilapidated military fortification dating from the late 19th century. It is part of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's protected military architecture. The protection of these monuments recognises their importance to the city's history, as well as their technical and architectural quality. The former Balneario de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is located on the Autovía de San Andrés at the level of Maria Jimenez and holds significant historical, social and symbolic value for the city.

Traditional festivals are also part of the area's cultural identity. The 2026 festival programme included galas, open-air dances, sporting events, cultural performances and religious celebrations in honour of San Juan Bautista. The 2026 festival programme ran from 6 to 24 June; specific events vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Benijo, Cueva Bermeja, Barranco Hondo, Igueste De San Andrés, San Andres, Taganana, El Draguito, Santa María Del Mar.

For the broader travel overview: Santa Cruz De Tenerife.