Teno Rural Park

The park covers most of the Teno Massif, occupying the northwest of ​​the island. There are 5 settlements in the park: Los Carrizales, Masca, El Palmar, Las Portelas, and Teno Alto, which administratively belong to the municipality of Buenavista del Norte. The ethnographic and historical values result from archaeological sites as well as from cultures and traditions preserved in the region.

History

The park was declared a Natural Space of the Canary Islands in 1987 and reclassified to its current status of Rural Park in 1994.

Landscape

The geology is volcanic in origin, and among the oldest rock formations on Tenerife. The park has an area of ca 80 km².

Flora and fauna

The vegetation of the park varies according to the altitude, with lush subtropical vegetation at lower altitudes and iconic laurel forests around the highest peaks. The park is of great scientific, ethnographic, and historic value, and the landscapes are unique on the archipelago due to their age. The ecosystems boast great endemic biodiversity in both fauna and flora. The geomorphological structures are characterized by ravines and steep cliffs, which abruptly end in the ocean leading to the nickname Los Gigantes (the giant cliffs).

Climate

Among its natural values, the laurel forests present in the and the slopes of the Baracán stand out. such as Los Gigantes in excess of 500 m in some cases determine the presence of important riparian plants.
The great fauna richness that encloses the Teno Massif has been endorsed with the declaration by the European Union as a Special Protection Area for Birds , and with the discovery of a new species for science, the spotted lizard .
The bird community is home to a great diversity given the different habitats represented in the area. In the areas of Monteverde stands out the presence of two endemic species, the rabiche and turquoise pigeons, and the hawk. In the plains of Teno Alto it is still possible to find some specimens of a squeaky sparrow and there are many grazes and canaries.
Teno is also the last refuge on Tenerife for predators such as the osprey and the barb hawk, while the populations of eagles (Buteo buteo insularum) and kestrels (Falco tinnunculus canariensis) are relatively stable.
On the coast, and even inland there are colonies of cinderella and pigeon shearwaters .

• Punta de TenoThe most western point with excellent views. Also accessible by car via TF-445 – however as of January/2019, the road is closed Thursday to Sunday (and bank holidays), 10:00-19:00. At such times, bus 369 from Buenavista is available. On any given day, the road may be closed due to wind or rain. Of particular interest is the lighthouse, one of 7 which mark the coastline of Tenerife. The current lighthouse has 2 towers of 20 m and 8 m respectively. The beacon has a focal height of 60 m above sea level, and is solar powered.

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Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

• Masca
• Garachico
• Santiago del Teide
• Teide National Park