La Ruleta Viewpoint
Hello icon hunter! I'm your "Local Insider" from Canaguia.com. If you had to choose a single image that represents Tenerife (apart from Teide, of course), this would be it. Welcome to the Mirador La Ruleta (La Ruleta Viewpoint), the tourist epicenter of the National Park. This is where nature sculpted its most whimsical shapes to leave us open-mouthed.
The Roques de García from La Ruleta Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located right in front of the Parador de Turismo and is the gateway to the famous Roques de García. The undisputed star of the place is the Roque Cinchado, also known as the "Stone Tree" or "God's Finger." It is that peculiar rock that looks like it is going to fall at any moment because it is narrower at the base than at the top.
But the Mirador La Ruleta is much more than a rock. From here, you have a brutal view of the Llano de Ucanca, a sedimentary plain of ochre colors that looks like the surface of Mars. And if you turn around, you will see "La Catedral" (The Cathedral), a gigantic volcanic chimney. It is the place where the immensity and antiquity of Las Cañadas are best appreciated.
Tips from Your Local Insider
Being the most visited point in the park, you have to come here with your homework done:
- Does it look familiar?: If you are old enough to remember the old Spanish currency, the Roque Cinchado was the image that appeared on the 1,000 peseta note. It is Spanish history in stone!
- Parking Trick: The La Ruleta parking lot fills up very fast. If you arrive and it is gridlocked, don't despair. Wait a bit (turnover is high) or come first thing in the morning or at sunset, when the buses have left.
- Don't stick to the railing: Most tourists just take the photo and leave. Not you. Do Trail No. 3 (Roques de García). It is a circular trail of about 2 hours, simple and spectacular, which allows you to see the "Cathedral" and Teide from unique angles.
La Ruleta Viewpoint is the stone heart of Teide. An essential place, crowded but magical, that you cannot miss.