What is El Pijaral?
In the northeast of Tenerife, you can find Anaga Rural Park. This place is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you can find ancient laurel forests that only exists because of the specific microclimate that exists there. Whereas most of Anaga Park is open to the public, the El Pijaral part is restricted. Here, the canopy is so dense that it creates its own microclimate. In El Pijaral, you walk through tunnels of laurel trees while giant ferns hide the forest floor. This is why this forest received the nickname ‘Bosque Encantado’ (enchanted forest) by the locals.
Read more: Our complete guide for Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife
Because this ecosystem is so fragile, it is strictly protected. Therefore, only a limited amount of people per day are granted the privilege of hiking this trail. This exclusivity makes El Pijaral a popular activity on Tenerife. But hiking this trail requires a bit of luck and some forward planning. We were lucky enough to hike this trail during our time in Tenerife and we can assure you that it is an amazing experience!
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In this guide, we’re going to show you exactly how to secure your spot in this integral nature reserve, how to get to the starting point and all the other information you need to plan this hike.
Table of Contents
Some trail statistics for the El Pijaral hike
Let us first share some general information about the hike:
- Route: This is a circular (loop) hike, meaning the starting point is the same as the end point of the hike.
- Distance: The hike is about 6.44 km (~ 4.2 miles).
- Elevation gain: There is an elevation gain of 574 m, meaning there are a couple of steep parts along the route.
- Duration: Expect to hike around 2.5 to 3 hours (depending on how often you stop for photos and your physical condition)
- Difficulty: We would rate this as an easy to moderate hike. Most of the trail is a gentle stroll through the woods, but there are some steep parts up and down along the route.
- Price: This hike is completely free
- Facilities: Keep in mind that there are no facilities at the starting point or along the route.
How to secure your permit for El Pijaral (the enchanted forest)
It is important to book your tickets upfront and at the right time. If you try to book a permit for tomorrow, or even next week, you will likely see there aren’t any spots left.
Here you can find the exact strategy we used to secure our permits.
Where to book your permit for El Pijaral
All permits are managed through the official Tenerife ON platform. We had some troubles to find the exact page for the booking, but here it is (La Ensillada – Cabezo del Tejo is the official name for the El Pijaral loop).
You will need to create a free account to book a permit. We advise you to create your account a few days in advance to save time. Make sure you don’t forget your username and password and use an existing email address (the permit is send to you by e-mail).
Be ready on monday morning
Every monday at 7:00 AM (Canary Islands time!) new slots become available. You can typically book up to 14 days in advance. On popular dates (weekends or holidays), all spots can be taken in under 5 minutes. So make sure you are on time.
- Go to the page of the El Pijaral hike
- Log in to your Tenerife ON account.
- Select the number of people (you can book for up to 5 people per reservation).
- Pick your date and click “Continue.”
- Choose a time range when you want to start your hike.
- Fill in the names and ID numbers of your group and continue.
- You will receive a PDF confirmation. Save this to your phone or print it (mobile signal can be unreliable in this part of the forest). You must have the permit with you, along with a form of ID.
Note that there aren’t any permit checks at the beginning of the hike. So it might be tempting to”just go anyway,” but El Pijaral is a restricted area for a reason. Rangers do frequent the path, and there is a €600 fine if you cannot show your permit. So please, stick to the rules and protect the forest.
How to get to the starting point of the El Pijaral hike?
The starting point of the El Pijaral hike is located along the TF-123 road at kilometer marker 4.8. It is a more remote area of the park. You can find the exact coordinates here. As we mentioned before, the mobile reception in the park can be unreliable, so make sure to have an offline route planner.
The easiest option to get to the starting point is by car. From the Cruz del Carmen visitor center, follow the TF-12 road towards El Bailadero. Then then turn onto the TF-123. This is a very scenic road but consists of narrow, winding mountain roads. You can park your car on a small gravel parking area at the starting point. However, spaces are limited. If you cannot find a free spot, you can park along the TF-123.
If you prefer public transport, you can take the TITSA Bus (line 947) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which stops at La Ensillada. However, buses are infrequent, so make sure to check the current schedule on the TITSA website before departing.
What are the highlights of the hike?
There is magic everywhere in El Pijaral. Here you can find some of the highlights along the route.
The ancient laurel forest: The trail is a living time capsule of the Tertiary period. You’ll walk through “tunnels” of moss-covered laurel trees and giant ferns.
Cabezo del Tejo viewpoint: About halfway through, the dense forest suddenly opens up. On a clear day, you can see the entire rugged northern coastline and the village of Taganana.
Roque Anambro: This 800-meter-high volcanic chimney is one of the most iconic geological formations in the park.
The sea of clouds: The forest is often draped in a “mar de nubes.” Watching the mist roll through the trees creates a dark fairy tale feeling and explains why locals call this the enchanted forest.
Some practical tips for the El Pijaral hike
Clothing
Make sure to wear the correct clothing. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are a must. The trail is always muddy, and the descents can be slippery. Also make sure to wear layers. You’ll sweat on the climbs but it can get cold when the mist rolls in. Also bring a waterproof jacket.
Photography
The dense forest blocks most direct sunlight. So make sure to increase your ISO or bring a lightweight travel tripod to capture the forest using a lower shutter speed. Look for contrast. The forest is very green, so capturing reddish-brown trunks of the trees or a hiker in a colorful jacket can improve your shots.
Leave no trace
As always, practice the ‘leave no trace’ principle! Themost important rule is to stay on the path. Also keep in mind that there are no bins in the forest. Whatever you bring in (that includes fruit peels) must go back out with you. And finally, keep the noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the birds that call this forest home.
Final thoughts – Is El Pijaral worth it?
In one word: Yes! This forest with a Jurassic Parc feeling is one of the most unique forests we have ever hiked in. If you can secure a permit, it will be a long lasting memory for your time in Tenerife.
Happy hiking!
M&M
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