This is an alternative and little-known, guided hike, and one of the most scenic places in the Teide National Park, where you can admire one of nature’s gifts: The Ancient Cedar Tree. On a walk of a little under two kilometres (there and back), you will cross an incredible, Martian-like landscape, full of endemic species that will delight every adult and child. The starting point is easily reached by car, at just 5 km from the Cable Car, and the striking scenery is sure to captivate you.
Highlights...
- Enjoy spectacular scenery in the Teide National Park
- Experience an active tourism adventure on a hiking trail to the Ancient Cedar Tree
- A guided adventure for the whole family
- This route is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and children under 5.
What's included...
- Spanish and English-speaking guide
- Route from the Mines of San José to the Ancient Canary Islands Cedar Tree
What's not included...
- Food or drinks
- Transport
- Guide in other language than those listed
Information
- When making your reservation you will be able to select the time of the activity.
- People with reduced mobility and children under 5 years of age are not allowed to participate in this activity.
- Pets are not allowed.
- It is necessary to produce the booking confirmation, either printed or displayed on a mobile device.
You need to come prepared for the possibility of extreme heat or extreme cold, depending on the time of year when you undertake this hike to the Ancient Cedar Tree.
Our recommendations:
- Wear warm clothing and proper footwear.
- Protect yourself from sunstroke.
- Due to the elevated luminosity, wear sunglasses.
- Take plenty of water on hikes.
The national park is a fragile and protected environment. Therefore we must follow a series of basic rules of civic behaviour and respect of the natural environment, such as not littering or taking rocks, plants or animals. Please remember that it is prohibited to make fire, make loud noises, stray from the signposted paths, feed the animals, or to camp.
- Reservations may be cancelled or the date of the activity may be changed free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the activity. After this period, 100% of the amount will be charged.
- Date changes are valid for 1 year provided that the vouchers have not been redeemed. Up to 3 date changes are permitted.
- Check our Terms and conditions for detailed information on other reasons for cancellation.
- In case of tickets which include a discount for children, a supporting document is required to prove entitlement to discount.
Book your hike to an ancient cedar tree
- Guided tour from Las Minas de San José to the Ancient Cedar Tree
- Spanish or English-speaking guide
- Food or drinks
- Transport
- Guide in other language than those listed
Where to find us
Street: TF-21 motorway, km 39 - Mirador de las Minas de San José Viewing Point, Teide National Park
Postal code: 38300 Municipality: La Orotava
The trail begins at the Mines of San José, easily accessible by road and with a car park nearby.
Reviews about hiking to the ancient cedar tree
No pudimos realizar esa actividad ya que con anterioridad ala hora cerrada, dimos un gran paseo alrededor de los roques (ruta nº3) y mi mujer sufrió una insolación, lo que le dejó sin fuerzas para realizar la ruta de los cedros antígüos. Quisimoa avisarles, pero al no haber un número de contacto en la entrada, tuvimos que ir a toda prisa en coche para avisar a la guía. Les sugerimos que en la entrada señalen un número de móvil para poder avisar a la persona responsable de la visita guiada. Muchas gracias por todo.
Description of the hike
Description
A magical hike in the Teide National Park to the Ancient Canary Islands Cedar Tree
Whether you reach the National Park from the northern roads of Tenerife or from the Teide Astronomical Observatory, don’t be surprised if you encounter a group of visitors hiking across a unique landscape. What casts a spell over every traveller? Las Minas de San José. Few people know that this spot (located less than 5 kilometres from the Teide Cable Car Visitors’ Centre and picturesque in its own right) is the starting point for one of the least-known, yet most memorable, paths in Las Cañadas del Teide: the Ancient Cedar Tree Route.
The Ancient Cedar Tree trail is barely 1.8 kilometres, but it is sufficient to appreciate the difference between hiking in the high mountains where oxygen levels are reduced, and hiking on Tenerife’s coast (this trail starts at an altitude of 2,120 metres). With a gradient of no more than 50 metres over the entire trail and therefore of low-medium difficulty, this hike will prove an unforgettable experience, and the official guide provides an enjoyable, amusing explanation of all the secrets of the trail named after “El Patriarca”, the popular nickname for this Canary Islands juniper or cedar tree—which is no less than 1,120 years old. Discover a unique treasure, which successfully creates the impression of being on another planet.
Why not come on our guided visit to one of the island’s most photogenic spots, which regularly features as the backdrop for films shot in Tenerife? It has also provided the location for films including the “Clash of the Titans” and “One Million Years B.C.”, not to mention the “Star Wars” saga and TV series such as the second season of “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”. The Mines of San José have also inspired a host of musicians and film-makers who chose this setting because of its indescribable nuanced qualities. And NASA even tested some of its vehicles in this Martian landscape before sending them to the Red Planet! Now you and your companions can experience for yourselves this guided hike to “El Patriarca”, the Ancient Cedar Tree.
