Teno – Nature, Hiking and Village Culture

Teno Alto is a traditional village within the Parque Rural de Teno. The park is a volcanic mountain massif with deep ravines, coastal cliffs, and laurel forests. In Teno Alto, traditional houses, the small square, and the chapel are scattered across a vast landscape of terraced fields and pastureland. The green pastures contrast with the varied landscapes of the surrounding area.

Rural Life and Local Cuisine

Goat farming and artisanal cheesemaking remain among the most important economic activities in Teno Alto. Quesería Naturteno is located in Matoso, El Drago, Teno Alto, and makes typical regional cheese, which it also sells. Before visiting, contact them directly for current production and sales arrangements, as well as opening hours.

Hiking Trails and How They Differ

The officially approved PR-TF 57 Callejón de Teno is a linear hiking trail of moderate difficulty, 4.1 kilometers long. It connects El Palmar with Los Bailaderos; no permit is required for this trail. The also officially approved PR-TF 58 Camino del Risco is a linear hiking trail of moderate difficulty. When combined with other trails, it can be hiked as a circular route; uphill, it ends at the Plaza in Teno Alto. Individual hikers do not need a permit for the PR-TF 58. For planning purposes, the information differs clearly: for the PR-TF 57, the length and both endpoints are specified, while for the PR-TF 58, the uphill endpoint at the Plaza and the option of creating a circular route by combining it with other trails are specified. You can reach Teno Alto on foot via the Camino del Risco from the center of Buenavista del Norte. Check official updates on current trail conditions before setting out.

Traces of Everyday Life and Tradition

The Teno Alto route leads to places where you can discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Parque Rural de Teno. The Casa-Cueva de “Los Melros” consists of natural caves or caves dug into the rock. In the past, Teno residents used them for shelter from bad weather and to rest. At La Era con Aventadero, grain was traditionally threshed, separating the kernels from the chaff. El Horno de Teja is one of the best-preserved brick kilns in the Teno massif. Together, these places reveal different aspects of life and work in the past: shelters, grain processing, and brickmaking.

The Baile de Piñata, celebrated in Teno Alto during Carnival, is also part of local cultural life. Couples dance in a circle while the women pull on the ribbons until the piñata opens. As the exact Carnival dates vary, it is worth checking event dates before your trip.

Explore by Bike, Too

You can go road cycling and mountain biking in the Parque Rural de Teno. The varied terrain and landscapes provide the setting, while steep climbs and changing trail conditions should also be taken into account. Check the relevant conditions before your ride. This way, you can consider hikes, bike rides, and cultural sites in Teno Alto as different focuses for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: El Rosario, Chamorga, Los Silos, Arico Viejo, Guía De Isora, Granadilla De Abona, El Pris, Adeje.

For the main travel overview: Tenerife.