Sendero de Los Sentidos - a user-friendly walk through Anaga Rural Park
Sendero de Los Sentidos, or "Trail of the Senses", is a new tourist attraction situated in the Anaga Rural Park in the far north of the island.
This particular area is one of outstanding beauty and now, with the opening of this trail, it is accessible to people of all ages, all levels of fitness - and is even wheelchair-friendly!
It is called "Trail of the Senses" because visitors are encouraged to not only use their eyes to view the amazing scenery, but also their ears, to listen to bird songs and other sounds of wildlife and their noses, to smell the scents of the surrounding vegetation.
Thus, it is also a memorable experience for sight- or hearing-impaired visitors.
The trail actually consists of three different routes, of varying lengths. Based on the original old trail connecting La Laguna and Anaga, the routes have been carefully restored, with easy walkways constructed of wood panels, featuring rope hand rails. The paths are generally level, with only minor undulations, which is why two of them have been designated as "low difficulty" - ie easy! The third, longest one, is of "low to medium difficulty".
The Three Routes
Short Consisting of a walk of nearly 370 yards, this is a walkway leading to a small, wheelchair-friendly terrace.
Medium A circular route of around 600 yards leads you to Las Montañas. It contains a bridge and a few steps are involved, leading to a high walkway.
Long Also a circular route, this covers nearly a mile and is, at one point, uphill, with steps. The gentle climb is worth it, though, as it takes you to the viewing platform at Llano de Los Loros.
Starting point for all three walks is the entrance to Anaga Rural Park, where there is a large visitors' centre. There, you'll be able to get copies of guides for the walks, plus other information.
There are two options with the Sendero de Los Sentidos. You can be taken through the walks by a trained guide (which is bookable at the Visitors' Centre), or you can just guide yourself, using the printed information and the signs posted throughout the walk.
Safety
Up in this area of the island, it can be quite cold, so wear appropriate clothing, plus sensible walking shoes.
Wear a hat and use sunscreen. Take water with you. In wet conditions, a walking stick may be advisable.
Always take the trail accompanied by someone else - never go alone.
Rules
Stick to the pathways. Do not pick any of the flowers or plants. Dispose of any rubbish yourself - outside the park. This is a protected environment!
the three routes
Sendero de Los Sentidos can be accessed by car or public transport. In a car, take the TF-21 road out of both Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Be warned, the road is long and winding! Watch out for a rural crossroads, where there will be a restaurant - Bar Restaurante Cruz del Carmen. The Visitors' Centre is just up the road at the side of that. There are limited car parking facilities.
There are several TITSA buses that will stop at this crossroads. All starting out from La Laguna, they are the numbers 73, 75, 76 and 77.
images on this page reproduced with kind permission of Tenerife News Online
