El Agujero (Los Gigantes)

El Agujero lies in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, on the slope that tops the Los Gigantes sea cliffs in western Tenerife. The place name points to a natural hollow in the rock of the ridge, which stands out from various points along the itinerary. The usual routes leave from the village of Tamaimo and combine dirt tracks, waymarked paths and unmarked stretches until they reach the crest.

The ground is stony and gains height quickly, around nine kilometres with more than five hundred metres of ascent. The final section runs narrow and very close to the drop, so it is better left alone in wind, in rain or while the ground is still wet. There is almost no shade along the way, which makes enough water, a hat, sun protection and mountain footwear with good grip essential. From the top the view reaches the ocean and, on clear days, the outline of La Gomera.