Want to discover one of the best viewpoints for seeing Mount Teide? Let us introduce the Mirador de Ortuño, a true gem of Tenerife. Located in the municipality of El Rosario, specifically on the La Esperanza road, it offers visitors some of the most incredible views of the Teide National Park area and the Canary Islands’ most famous volcano.
Beyond the fantastic panorama it offers, the whole setting is well worth a visit: the lush green forest, the surrounding mountains, and the clouds that sometimes cover them and seem to drift all the way to the Atlantic create a scene that’s hard to forget. It’s no surprise it’s one of the most photographed spots on the island. In this article, we’ll tell you how to get to the Mirador de Ortuño and share plenty of other suggestions for your next trip to Tenerife. Coming along?
Where the Mirador de Ortuño is in Tenerife
The fantastic Mirador de Ortuño is in El Rosario, a municipality in northern Tenerife, and it sits within a forested area called La Esperanza, which also lends its name to the access road. In fact, it’s the TF-24, the road that connects the Teide National Park with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but everyone knows it by that much more poetic name.
This viewpoint sits 1,300 m above sea level, which is why the views are so striking. From here, you’ll often be higher than the clouds. Getting to the Mirador de Ortuño takes around half an hour from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and a little less from La Laguna. You can park near the viewpoint, and you’ll see there’s no difficulty accessing it.
How to get to the viewpoint via the La Esperanza road
To reach the Mirador de Ortuño, as we’ve mentioned, you need to take the TF-24, the famous La Esperanza road, from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or from San Cristóbal de La Laguna, two of Tenerife’s main cities. The drive is part of the experience: it passes through Canary Island pine forests, several viewpoints, recreation areas where you can rest and enjoy the fresh air, and numerous spots with sea views.
If you enjoy cycling, you can get there by bike—either mountain or road—but keep in mind the elevation gain is significant and requires good fitness. If you’d like to discover alternative viewpoints, you might be interested in our article on the best viewpoints in North Tenerife.
The best views of Teide and the sea of clouds
From the Mirador de Ortuño, you can enjoy some of the best panoramas of Mount Teide and the surrounding valley, especially on clear days. However, many visitors come here for another spectacle: the sea of clouds brought in by the trade winds, which blankets the forests and much of the valley. With a bit of luck, you’ll see Teide’s peak rising above this sea of clouds—and you’ll be able to capture one of Tenerife’s most iconic photos.
What to see near the viewpoint
In this area, you can enjoy many other island gems besides the Mirador de Ortuño.
Mirador de Chipeque
The Mirador de Chipeque is one of Tenerife’s most famous viewpoints—and for good reason. The panoramas of Mount Teide and the Orotava Valley are stunning, clear, and unmissable.
Las Raíces recreation area
To take a break, have a picnic, or simply go for a walk, the Las Raíces recreation area is a very pleasant spot, set up to welcome all kinds of travelers, including families with children.
Mirador de Ayosa
If you love viewpoints, here’s another suggestion along the TF-24, where you can take in the Cañadas del Teide and other perspectives of the valley.
Forest trails
In La Esperanza, you can do several hiking routes along well-marked forest paths for an easy, hassle-free way to connect with nature.
If you want more ideas for your trip to the Canary Islands, take a look at our article on the must-sees in Tenerife.
Practical tips for your visit
We’d like to share a few suggestions to make your experience as positive as possible—although everything is very easy in Tenerife.
- It’s a good idea to bring a light warm layer at any time of year, as temperatures in the high mountains can drop dramatically. This is especially true in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Check the weather forecast before you start your climb, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Some days, clouds prevent you from enjoying the views from the viewpoints.
- To see the famous sea of clouds, you should arrive early in the morning—as early as possible. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and on some days the clouds clear by mid-morning.
- Bring enough water for the whole day and something to eat, to refuel, stay hydrated, and make the most of your walk through the forests.
- Follow trail signage, park only in designated areas, and always comply with the rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Respect the environment: don’t litter, take your waste with you, and avoid disturbing the wildlife and plants in this very special place.
Visit Tenerife and enjoy the Mirador de Ortuño
Now that you know the Mirador de Ortuño is the place to enjoy one of the best views of Mount Teide, you’ll surely want to add it to your list of places to visit in Tenerife. It’s a peaceful spot to connect with nature, perfect for a short, pleasant outing that can be combined with a visit to Teide National Park.
If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, you should check out the incredible accommodation we have for you at Sansofé Stay, which will let you explore the island and relax in total comfort. You can book online in advance, get the best prices, and enjoy all the relaxation that northern Tenerife has to offer, with views of the sea and Mount Teide, plus a garden and pool. What are you waiting for?
