Mirador del Llano de los Loros
Hello forest explorer! I'm your "Local Insider" from Canaguia.com. If you came to Tenerife looking for that magical fairy forest you see on Instagram, your destination is Anaga. But today I don't want you to just stay in the parking lot; I want you to walk a little to discover a hidden gem at the end of the path: the Mirador del Llano de los Loros (Llano de los Loros Viewpoint). It is the finishing touch to a sensory walk.
The Secret Window of Mirador del Llano de los Loros
This viewpoint is the highlight of the longest route of the famous "Path of the Senses" (Route 3), which starts from Cruz del Carmen. After walking through tunnels of laurisilva, moss, and humidity, the forest suddenly opens up at the Mirador del Llano de los Loros. The contrast is brutal.
From being enclosed in vegetation, you switch to having an open and vertiginous view towards the Tahodio Ravine. From up here, you can see the "Charca de Tahodio" (an old reservoir) shining like a mirror down below and, in the background, the harbor and the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife touching the sea. It is one of the few places where you can see wild nature and civilization in a single photo.
Tips from Your Local Insider
Getting here is easy, but it has its tricks to make the experience a perfect ten:
- Watch out for mud: You are in an ancient humid forest. The trail to the viewpoint usually has patches of slippery mud ("barrillo"). Don't wear your favorite brand-new white sneakers here; bring shoes with good grip.
- Silence, rolling: The name "Loros" in ancient Canarian toponymy usually referred to laurels (trees), not parrots. But even so, stop and close your eyes. The sound of the wind in the treetops and the song of endemic birds is the real soundtrack of Anaga.
- Go early: Being part of the Path of the Senses, it is a popular route. If you want to have the balcony all to yourself and feel the magic, try to arrive before 9:30 AM.
The Mirador del Llano de los Loros is the perfect reward for a simple hike. A breath of fresh air with views of the capital.