Chinamada Trail From Punta del Hidalgo: The Ultimate Guide

The Chinamada Trail is easily one of the most incredible hiking trails in Tenerife. Technically known as PR-TF 10 (Tenerife Footpath Network), the Chinamada Trail stretches from Punta del Hidalgo to Cruz del Carmen, with Chinamada located in between these towns. There are many trail variations involving PR-TF 10. An increasingly popular option is the out and back Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada (including Mirador Aguaide) hike. That’s the Chinamada trail variation that we did and will focus on in this guide. But, we’ll also discuss other trail variations, such as the circular Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada hike and the one-way Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo option.

Overall, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about hiking the Chinamada Trail. But, before reading this guide, feel free to watch our Tenerife Hiking YouTube production below (coming soon). By using the chapter function, you can check out footage of the Chinamada Trail.

For information about other great walks in Anaga Rural Park, read our guides about Benijo to El Draguillo and the Roque de Taborno circuit trail. Otherwise, you can read our Anaga Rural Park Hiking Guide.

The Chinamada Trail: Hiking From Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada

Honestly speaking, the Chinamada Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Tenerife. Beck and I promise you that the Chinamada Trail, whichever route variation you choose, will go down as one of your favourite hikes in Tenerife. If we had a full day, we would have hiked from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo via Chinamada and Mirador Aguaide, or vice versa.

But, we only had an afternoon free to explore the Chinamada Trail. So, we were either going to do the Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada return or the Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada return. In the end, we opted for the Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada return (via Mirador Aguaide). This Chinamada trail variation seems to be increasing in popularity. Indeed, we wanted a taste of it for ourselves!

Exploring the Anaga Mountains and Chinamada

Located in the serene Anaga Rural Park (AKA the Anaga Country Park and the Anaga Mountains), the Chinamada Trail offers diverse landscapes. You’ll enjoy mouthwatering views of the coast. But, some of the best views are of Barranco del Río, which is the gorge you’ll be hiking through in the mountains. Indeed, you really do get the best of both worlds during the Chinamada Trail. Splendid coast and glorious green-carpeted mountains.

You’ll also get to explore the small village of Chinamada. It’s a fascinating settlement where residents still live in cave houses, which are carved into the hillside. During your exploration of Chinamada, you should also scope out the magnificent views from Mirador Aguaide.

Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada Trail Map (Route Directions)

Here’s a GPS-guided map of the out and back Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada hike. This map also includes directions to Mirador Aguaide in Chinamada.

Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada Stats: Time, Elevation and Difficulty

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 10.5km
• Time: 3.5–5.5 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 700m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Punta del Hidalgo

Starting Point (Trailhead): Punta del Hidalgo

Depending on how you get to Punta del Hidalgo, will determine exactly where you start the hike! Basically, the trailhead for the hike to Chinamada from Punta del Hidalgo is located here. If you catch the bus, you’ll get dropped off here, which is very close to the trailhead (about a minute’s walk). Otherwise, if you drive to Punta del Hidalgo, you’ll simply walk to the trailhead from where you park. We were lucky enough to find free street-side parking, near the trailhead here.

Punta del Hidalgo to Barranco del Río

After getting to the trailhead in Punta del Hidalgo, you’ll follow an unpaved road down towards Playa de los Troches. Right from the get-go, you’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Anaga Mountains.

After descending this road, the trail then briefly flattens and winds its way towards the mountainous hiking trail that ascends through Barranco del Río. You’ll soon enjoy increasingly breathtaking views of the Anaga Mountains. With the gorge floor to your right, you’ll begin huffing and puffing as you steeply ascend the gorge.

Epic Viewpoints Along the Chinamada Trail

During the initial stages of the gorge ascent, you’ll lose sight of the coast. The Chinamada Trail meanders and undulates as you steadily gain elevation. With sweat starting to pour out from all parts of your body, you’ll soon arrive at a magnificent unnamed viewpoint.

We’re actually really surprised this viewpoint is unnamed. Certainly, this Mirador is one of the best in all of Tenerife. You’ll enjoy mind-blowing views up the coast with the Anaga Mountains towering above the ocean. Even just an out and back hike to this viewpoint from Punta del Hidalgo would be justifiable given the sensational views from the lookout.

To be honest, the amazing coastal and mountain views just keep coming as you become more immersed in Barranco del Río. The trail also wickedly bends around cliff walls. Certainly, the Chinamada Trail is an exciting and exhilarating trail – one of the best in Tenerife.

Barranco del Río to Chinamada

After experiencing more impressive views of Barranco del Río, the gruelling ascent continues to Chinamada. Along the way, you’ll enjoy many incredible landforms and rock formations standing tall in the Anaga Mountains. Eventually, you’ll reach the fascinating small settlement of Chinamada. From there, you’ll enjoy some of the best views on offer of Barranco del Río and the Anaga Mountains.

Whilst you’re in Chinamada, we recommend exploring the town to scope out the amazing cave houses. If you’re keen on a drink or a bite to eat, head to the famous Restaraunte La Cueva. You should also check out the town’s viewpoints, including Mirador Aguaide.

Mirador Aguaide

From the small settlement of Chinamada, we recommend the short out and back to Mirador Aguaide. Along this short detour, you’ll pass another viewpoint called Mirador hacia el Roque de los Pinos. But, the more impressive views are enjoyed from Mirador Aguaide.

Returning to Punta del Hidalgo

After visiting Mirador Aguaide, it’s time to retrace your steps to Chinamada and back to Punta del Hidalgo. Unless, of course, you’re continuing all the way to Cruz del Carmen (more details on that trail here)!

Thankfully, the hike back down to Punta del Hidalgo from Chinamada is much easier given the descent. So, you’ll find the return leg of this hike is much quicker.

Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada Trail Recap

The Chinamada Trail, spanning from Punta del Hidalgo to Cruz del Carmen, is an exceptional stretch of hiking terrain. In particular, the trail from Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada is extraordinary. Indeed, we highly recommend the return walk from Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada. Guaranteed, it’ll be one of your favourite hikes in Tenerife.

Practical Information About the Chinamada Trail

Now that you know more about the Chinamada Trail itself, let’s look at home practical tips for visiting. Let’s start with how to get to Punta del Hidalgo.

How to Get to Punta del Hidalgo

In terms of reaching Punta del Hidalgo, your best options are getting there by car or bus.

Car Hire

The easiest and quickest way to get to Punta del Hidalgo to do the Chinamada Trail is to drive there yourself. If you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll need to hire a car. Beck and I always use Rentalcars.com when renting a car. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Rental Cars, which are simple to book online. Also, they offer an outstanding cancellation policy which is always free.

Let’s look at the most common routes for those driving to Punta del Hidalgo.

How to Get There From San Cristobal de La Laguna

San Cristobal de La Laguna is located in the north of Tenerife and is the second most populated city on the island. Located on the southern outskirts of Anaga Rural Park, San Cristobal de La Laguna is a fantastic base for exploring the mountains. Indeed, Beck and I stayed in San Cristobal de La Laguna during the time when we did the Chinamada Trail. For more details about accommodation in San Cristobal de La Laguna, click here. Otherwise, here are the driving directions from San Cristobal de La Laguna to Punta del Hidalgo.

How to Get There From Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Other than staying in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is another popular base for exploring the Anaga Mountains. Being the capital city of Tenerife, you’ll have plenty of accommodation options. You’ll also be based near the spectacular Tenerife coastline. Although, the coastline around the capital city isn’t quite as nice as other parts of the island due to the presence of large industrial areas. Additionally, in terms of convenience for doing the Chinamada Trail, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is located further away from Punta del Hidalgo than San Cristobal de La Laguna.

Anyway, if you decide to visit Punta del Hidalgo from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, here are the driving directions.

How to Get There From Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is a popular place to stay on the mid-north coast of Tenerife. It’s a great base for doing the Rambla de Castro coastal walk. It wouldn’t be the best base for exploring Anaga Rural Park as it’s further away than both San Cristobal de La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. But, in reality, with good traffic, it’s only an approx. 45 minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz to Punta del Hidalgo.

How to Get There ​​​​​​​From the South (El Médano, Los Cristianos, Las Americas…)

Most tourists stay in the south of Tenerife where there are many resorts and hotels. This includes coastal areas such as El Médano, Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos and Las Americas. Admittedly, if you’re travelling to the Anaga Mountains from the south of the island, you’ve got a bit of a drive to do (approx. 1.5 hours). But, it’s certainly still possible to do the Chinamada Trail, from south Tenerife, as a day trip.

Public Transport: Getting Around Tenerife By Bus

Thankfully, Punta del Hidalgo is easily accessible by bus. We recommend using Google Maps or the official Titsa website to plan your journey to Punta del Hidalgo to do the Chinamada Trail.

Chinamada Trail Variations: Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo

As mentioned, the PR-TF 10 (Chinamada Trail) is a hiking trail stretching from Punta del Hidalgo to Cruz del Carmen. Indeed, there are many trail variations. Let’s look at the most popular Chinamada trail variations below.

• PR-TF 10 – Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo: this is the full Chinamada trail. If you have enough time, we recommend doing this full trail, in either direction. Although, the traditional direction is from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo. After completing the hike in Punta del Hidalgo, it’s possible to get a bus back to Cruz del Carmen.
• Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada via Las Carboneras: basically, instead of doing an out and back from Punta del Hidalgo, you’ll do an out and back to Chinamada from Cruz del Carmen. The most popular route for hiking from Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada involves a circular component, which involves visiting Las Carboneras.

Before You Hike: What to Expect When Hiking the Chinamada Trail

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best things to know before hiking the Chinamada Trail.

• Accessibility: often, PR-TF 10 is closed for track maintenance. Sometimes, it’s only closed on weekdays, so hikers can still enjoy the trail on weekends. Keep this in mind when you visit and ask local authorities about trail closures.
• Be sun smart: even in winter, the temperatures on the Chinamada Trail are very dry and hot. So, make sure to pack plenty of water and wear long sleeves, sunscreen and a hat.
• Best time to hike: with the hot weather in mind, it may be best to avoid hiking during midday, when the sun is at its most potent. Either start early in the morning or early afternoon.
• Navigation: thankfully, trail navigation is fairly simple and straightforward. There are plenty of signposts en route. But, there is the odd occasion when you’ll meet an unexplained fork in the trail or a side trail option. Just in case, have a map handy.

Facilities Along the Chinamada Trail

You won’t find any facilities along the Chinamada Trail itself between towns. But, there are plenty of facilities and amenities in Punta del Hidalgo. Additionally, you’ll find a restaurant bar in Chinamada. But, it’s not always open.

Where to Stay: Anaga Mountains Accommodation Options

We recommend staying in San Cristobal de La Laguna. It’s a great base for exploring the Anaga Mountains. Given the city is fairly densely populated, you should find plenty of accommodation options.

Personally, Beck and I stayed at Estudio La Concepción in San Cristobal de La Laguna and highly recommend it. This small apartment has all the necessary amenities. By staying here, you’ll enjoy a well-equipped kitchen, private bathroom and cosy living area. Indeed, this is one of the best value-for-money stays in San Cristobal de La Laguna. Best of all, it’s a great launching pad for visiting Punta del Hidalgo to explore the Chinamada Trail.

What to Pack and Wear

These are our gear essentials for hiking the Chinamada Trail in Tenerife.

• Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots: these hiking boots are super comfortable and lightweight.
• The North Face Venture Jacket: a fantastic windproof/waterproof jacket.
• Osprey Skarab 30L Day Backpack: a great backpack for hiking, which has plenty of space to store your gear.
• Columbia Convertible Trousers: a lightweight pair of water-resistant convertible trousers that are great for warmer climates.

For a longer hiking gear list, read our 66 Travel Items You Must Travel With. Otherwise, for a list of everything else you’d need for travelling, read our Packing Checklist.

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