Guajara

Guajara (2715 m) is the second highest mountain on Tenerife island, this assuming that Pico Viejo (3134 m) is just a shoulder of El Teide and not a separate peak. There are several routes to Guajara, the two from the north start at the Parador hotel (2150 m) in the great crater (Las Canadas). Good roads connect the hotel with the rest of the island and there are regular bus routes both from the north and the south of the island. The bus line 348 connects Puerto Cruz with Teide area, the bus starts at 9:15 AM and arrives at the Parador around 11 AM. The formal height difference of 565 meters can be comfortably climbed within the time when the bus goes back at 4 PM. Note that a few meters of difference should be added because of a small descent at the beginning of the routes.

The normal north route goes over the pass Degollada de Guajara (2372). The first part is more or less flat and rather boring, along a gravel road towards the east under the north wall of Guajara. There is a sign at 3.7 km showing the direction to the right, towards Vilaflor and the pass. At the pass for the first time you will see the ocean in the south direction. From there continue westwards towards the summit. The route can be done within 2 hours from the Parador hotel.

The other route (over Degollada de Ucanca) splits from the gravel road very close to the Parador, and this is clearly seen although there are no formal signs for the route. Apparently it is more exposed, but I cannot provide details. It should be used for ascent. This because once you are at the summit (using the previous route) it is very difficult to find out where to start the descent over Degollada de Ucanca.

Equipment: normal walking shoes are enough, and around 2-3 liters of water in the summer time, no permits.