La Crucita Viewpoint
Hello walker! I'm your "Local Insider" from Canaguia.com. Today we are stopping at one of the highest and most historic points of the Cumbre Dorsal (Ridge Summit). On the TF-24 road, right where the island seems to split into two slopes, you find the Mirador de La Crucita (La Crucita Viewpoint). It is a sacred, windy, and wild place that connects the north with the south.
History and Volcanoes at La Crucita Viewpoint
This is not just any viewpoint. Located at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters, the Mirador de La Crucita offers you a spectacular view of the Caldera de Pedro Gil and the Güímar Valley. You will see how the black lava flows from the Arenas Volcano (which erupted in 1705) contrast with the intense green of the pines and the blue of the sea in the background.
But its name comes from something deeper: it is a historic crossroads. The old path used (and still used) by pilgrims to go from the north of the island to the Villa de Candelaria to see the Patron Saint passes through here. It is a place of effort and devotion, where the volcanic landscape makes you feel like you are on another planet.
Tips from Your Local Insider
This is a high mountain site, so listen well to my advice to avoid having a bad time:
- The Path of Faith: If you like hiking, the GR-131 and the Camino de Candelaria cross here. You can walk a short section to see the crosses and feel the energy of the path without doing the entire route.
- Bundle up to your ears: I'm not exaggerating. At Mirador de La Crucita, the wind usually takes your breath away and it is very cold, even in August. Always have a jacket handy in the car.
- The Double Sea of Clouds: Sometimes a magical phenomenon occurs here: you can see the sea of clouds stuck on the northern slope (La Orotava) while towards the south (Güímar) it is totally clear. It's like being on the climate border!
La Crucita Viewpoint is a balcony overlooking the geological and human history of Tenerife. A place to breathe deeply and admire the power of the earth.