San Juan del Reparo – a small, peaceful mountain village on the north-west coast of Tenerife
I have already described a large circular hike that leads from San Juan del Reparo towards the coast on SiebenInseln. And there is also an extensive hike starting from La Montañeta with many variants on SiebenInseln. Today’s hike, however, starts directly in the small and quiet village of San Juan del Reparo, unlike the other routes. It lies in the northwest of Tenerife and belongs to the municipality of Garachico. The village is located around 600 metres above sea level on a high plateau above steep coastal cliffs. Its location offers wide views over the Atlantic and down to the town of Garachico, which lies far below on the coast.
The village itself is characterised by traditional Canarian architecture, well-kept gardens, and a rural setting. Life here moves at a gentle pace – perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the coastal resorts. Small shops, the church of San Juan Bautista, and a few bars and cafés create an authentically Canarian atmosphere. San Juan del Reparo is also a great starting point for hikes into the surrounding countryside – for example, down to Garachico or up into the Teno Mountains. Particularly charming are the views along the old connecting paths once used by locals to travel between the coast and the highlands, transporting goods. And today’s hike follows one of those very paths.
Hiking from San Juan del Reparo to La Montañeta
The hike from San Juan del Reparo to La Montañeta is one of the quieter yet scenically rewarding routes in Tenerife’s green northwest. San Juan del Reparo is nestled in a hilly volcanic landscape with sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean. Its well-kept houses, pleasant climate, and proximity to nature make the village an ideal starting point for walkers who prefer routes away from the main tourist trails. From here, the old trading path leads through pine forests and past ancient agricultural tracks, offering impressive views of the north coast and Mount Teide. Spring is an especially beautiful time to hike here – with blooming plants, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings.
This hike not only connects two small, charming villages, but also offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and a taste of Tenerife’s authentic character. You’ll walk through pine forests and lava fields formed by the 1706 eruption of Montaña Negra. Eventually, you’ll reach La Montañeta, a small village near Icod de los Vinos, known for its closeness to nature and agricultural heritage. It gives an authentic glimpse into Tenerife’s rural life. Walking through both villages offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture – and on this hike, you can explore both and pause wherever you like.
General Information About the San Juan del Reparo Circular Hike
Starting Point and Getting There
The hike begins in San Juan del Reparo on the TF-82, near the Church of San Juan Bautista.
Access by car
You can reach San Juan del Reparo from either direction via the TF-82. Parking is available in a car park near the church and along the TF-82.
Access by bus
Titsa bus lines 325 and 460 stop in San Juan del Reparo. For more details and up-to-date information (including La Montañeta), visit the Titsa website.
Time
I prefer not to give fixed time estimates for hikes, as these vary greatly from person to person. We took just under 4 hours for this leisurely loop, including breaks.
Elevation and Distance
The hike covers an elevation difference of about 600 metres and is roughly 12 kilometres long.
Difficulty
The entire route follows good hiking and farm tracks – a truly easy and peaceful circuit.
Refreshments
You will find refreshment stops in San Juan del Reparo at the starting point and possibly in La Montañeta. However, please make sure you take enough water and food with you.
Variants
You can shorten the route slightly by skipping the loop through La Montañeta and walking directly through the village instead. This reduces the distance to about 10 kilometres and cuts around 150 metres of elevation. If you prefer an even shorter walk, you can hike only to La Montañeta and return by bus to San Juan del Reparo.
Other Nearby Hikes on SiebenInseln:
Variant-rich circular hike near La Montañeta
Circular hike through Garachico, El Guincho, Genovés and San Juan del Reparo
Circular Hike San Juan del Reparo
Section: San Juan del Reparo to Mid Lava Field
You start your hike near the Church of San Juan Bautista in San Juan del Reparo on the TF-82. Walk either in front of or behind the church until you reach Calle El Monte, where you will find signage for the hiking route PR TF-43. This trail comes from Garachico and continues up to Chinyero. Follow Calle El Monte uphill for a short distance, then turn right with the PR TF-43 into Calle La Helechera. It’s a steep climb.
Just before the road ends, turn right again and follow the road for a few more metres until it becomes a hiking path. Continue straight on this path uphill, and soon you’ll reach the first stretches of lava fields. You pass under the TF-5 motorway. The trail continues steadily uphill and leads you deep into the large lava field. After some time, a trail from El Tanque joins yours. After crossing a canal, the path continues uphill.
Section: Mid Lava Field to La Montañeta Loop and TF-373
Surrounded by black lava and green pines, you hike uphill in a very quiet setting. The small village of La Montañeta lies to your left. Eventually, you reach a junction and turn left. The trail straight ahead leads to the TF-373. Taking the left path, you pass a few houses after some time and come onto a small road in La Montañeta, which you follow straight on. At the first junction, keep right and cross the TF-373. Now you’re standing in the square in front of the Ermita de San Francisco de Asís. Many hikes start from here, and there are plenty of route signposts.
Continue across the square and uphill along the PR TF-43. The route leads through pine forest and continues uphill. At a fork, take the left path, following the PR TF-42. While other trails continue climbing, this one gently leads you left through the forest above La Montañeta. Follow a long sweeping path through the pine forest. Eventually, the PR TF-42 bends to the right uphill towards Chinyero. Here, you leave the trail and take a left-hand path downhill. Shortly afterwards, you reach the TF-373 again near La Montañeta.
Section: TF-373 to San Juan del Reparo
Cross the TF-373 and follow the road to the left to explore a bit of La Montañeta. We took a small loop here, but you can also continue straight and turn right at the first junction into Calle El Monte. This small road leads past more houses in La Montañeta and then through fields. Just keep going straight. Looking back, you’ll have lovely views of Mount Teide. Ahead, you look down toward the Atlantic coast. As shown on the GPS track, we took a brief detour to the left in search of a path running alongside the road. However, this trail, marked on some maps, is completely overgrown and currently (January 2025) impassable.
Fortunately, the small road sees almost no traffic, so it’s still a pleasant walk. Calle El Monte leads you with beautiful views through forests and meadows back down towards San Juan del Reparo. You once again pass under the TF-5. Then you continue on Calle El Monte downhill through the village. You reach the point where you previously turned right (now on your left). From here, it’s just a short distance back to the starting point of your hike.
And finally
I hope you enjoyed this tranquil little circular hike around San Juan del Reparo and wish you many joyful hiking adventures,
Dagmar from SiebenInseln