What can you expect when visiting Tenerife? Many contrasts, unique natural landscapes, volcanic beaches, a lively nightlife, and peaks that seem to reach the sky. One of these mountain peaks is Pico Cho Marcial, a fantastic alternative to Teide for travelers seeking lesser-known, but perhaps more authentic, places. Hiking, wildlife and flora observation, and landscape photography are some of the activities that can be enjoyed on this wonderful summit.
This article is for you if you are planning a trip to Tenerife or considering the possibility. Here we will tell you how to get to Pico Cho Marcial, what the route to the summit is like, and we will give you some recommendations and tips for a five-star trip. Discover this alternative plan in Tenerife and book your trip to paradise.
Where is Pico Cho Marcial?
Pico Cho Marcial, one of the most spectacular peaks in Tenerife, is located in Güímar, a municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in Northern Tenerife. This mountainous area is very close to the Corona Forestal Natural Park, an incredible protected area that surrounds Teide National Park. To get to this place, you must take one of the secondary roads from Güímar or Arafo towards the TF-24 road. One of the best starting points for the route to the summit is the Mirador de la Crucita viewpoint, where the views of the Caldera de Pedro Gil are spectacular.
How to climb Pico Cho Marcial?
To climb Pico Cho Marcial, you will need physical preparation and planning, as it is a natural route, without an official trail, that can only be done on foot. Normally, as we said before, the route starts at the Mirador de la Crucita viewpoint; from this point there is a path that crosses a pine forest and areas with sparse vegetation, gradually climbing to the summit of Pico Cho Marcial.
There are several options for this journey, but almost all of them have a simple initial section in common, with some elevation gain, and gradually the terrain becomes increasingly irregular: rocks, volcanic soil, unstable ground in some places. It is advisable to carry a GPS or a map of the area. The routes to climb Pico Cho Marcial usually take between 3 and 5 hours, round trip, depending on the exact route, rest stops, and pace. It is approximately 7.5 kilometers, with some demanding sections and a spectacular final reward.
Difficulty of the Pico Cho Marcial route
This route is not easy or recommended for people without experience in mountain hiking. Although it is not a high-mountain route, the ascent to Pico Cho Marcial presents a considerable positive elevation gain, a substantial length, and irregular terrain that demands attention.
Some of the options to reach the summit present an elevation gain of 600 meters, rocky areas, and a steep incline, so you must be in good physical shape and have appropriate equipment. Furthermore, since the trail is not marked, we must have a good sense of direction or a map to help us.
Another factor to consider is the weather in northern Tenerife. In the mountains, weather conditions can change quickly, and you must be prepared for cold, fog, and wind. It is ideal to check the weather forecast before starting and be prepared to change plans halfway. If we follow all these indications, we can climb Pico Cho Marcial without problems and enjoy fantastic views. If you think this route is not for you, don’t worry: there are several wonderful and accessible hiking trails in the north of Tenerife.
Views from Pico Cho Marcial
The ascent to Pico Cho Marcial is very enjoyable, but the reward is at the end. From the summit, the panoramic views offer a spectacular glimpse of a good part of Tenerife. You can see the Güímar Valley and its agricultural fields; the island’s coast, with its volcanic beaches; and, on clear days, even part of Teide.
Completing the ascent to Pico Cho Marcial means conquering a demanding route and discovering a less touristy place, with all the beauty this island offers. If you are looking for an alternative to Teide, Pico Cho Marcial might be your best option. Prepare your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and dare to explore this authentic natural environment.
Come climb Pico Cho Marcial!
Tenerife has many captivating destinations, and Pico Cho Marcial is undoubtedly one of them. Off the main tourist circuits, it offers a more authentic experience and a challenge with a reward: a real connection with the volcanic nature of this paradise. The peak is fantastic, but the journey is too. The forests, the panoramas, the silence, and the feeling of doing something special are priceless.
Can you imagine enjoying your vacation days in a small complex of 10 homes, within an ecological avocado farm, in the charming village of Matanza de Acentejo, in the north of the island of Tenerife? That’s Sansofé Stay, where you can book your next accommodation online and without complications, with views of the sea and Teide, on the beautiful island of Tenerife. Come and enjoy long days full of adventure.
