Los Poleos viewpoint: complete 2026 guide

Los Poleos viewpoint stands beside the TF-38, the western road to Mount Teide from Chío, at approximately kilometre 15.8 in the Corona Forestal landscape. It is a roadside stop rather than a hiking route: arrive by car and use the designated area next to the interpretation panel. Checked on 15 September 2026.

What you can see from the viewpoint

In the foreground are the lava flows and Canary Island pines that have recolonised the dark rock of the Chinyero volcano, whose 1909 eruption transformed this part of the island. In clear weather you can make out La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro to the west, and Mount Teide and Pico Viejo to the east. Several visitor reviews agree it is one of the most complete views in western Tenerife, especially at sunset, when a sea of clouds forms below the viewpoint.

The 2013 upgrade and the possible origin of the name

The Cabildo de Tenerife upgraded the viewpoint in January 2013 under the "Tenerife, volcanoes of life" programme, investing over €95,000: it created the rest area, the vehicle pull-in and a roughly 100-metre path connecting to the routes towards Boca Cangrejo and Chinyero. No municipal source explicitly documents the origin of the name, but it matches the Canary Island aromatic "poleo" plants (Bystropogon canariensis and B. origanifolius), native to the island's pine and mid-altitude areas — the most plausible explanation for the place name, though not officially confirmed.

Starting point for the Chinyero trail

The viewpoint is also the start of the PR-TF 43 Chinyero Volcano trail, a circular route of 8.2 km and 228 m of elevation gain, moderate difficulty and around 3.5 hours with stops. You need to walk about 400 metres along the road before entering the Chinyero Special Nature Reserve. If you only want the photo stop, there is no need to follow the trail: the pull-in itself already offers the main view.

Getting there and parking

Reached via the TF-38 from Chío towards Teide National Park. Parking is a small pull-in with capacity for around 12 vehicles, and it fills up easily at peak times; if full, spaces usually turn over within a few minutes. Use only the marked entrance and parking area, as the TF-38 carries traffic and it is not safe to stop on the shoulder outside the designated zone.

What people who have been say

On Google Maps, Los Poleos viewpoint holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,700 reviews, one of the most-reviewed places in the whole municipality. The view and the sunset are by far the most repeated reason for visiting; insufficient parking is the most common complaint, mentioned in several reviews as the only reason for not giving full marks. One Google review warns of attempted break-ins on parked cars, especially targeting keyless entry systems: avoid leaving valuables in sight. On Tripadvisor, the rating is 4.0 out of 5, though from very few reviews (2); both agree on the unique lava-and-pine landscape, and one notes the site gets crowded easily. The experience depends on the weather: cloud, calima or wind can reduce the view even when the coast is sunny.

Frequently asked questions

Is Los Poleos viewpoint free?

Yes, access and parking are both free. It is an outdoor site with no opening hours, though it is best visited in daylight and good visibility.

Is there enough parking?

Not always: the pull-in holds around 12 vehicles and fills up at peak times, especially at sunset. If it is full, spaces usually turn over within a few minutes.

Can you go hiking from there?

Yes. It is the starting point for the PR-TF 43 to Chinyero Volcano, a circular route of 8.2 km taking around 3.5 hours. You can also just visit it as a driving stop, without walking the trail.

Is this the same viewpoint that appears in La Palma?

No. This listing is for the Tenerife viewpoint on the TF-38, between Chío and Teide. Mirador Barranco de Los Poleos in La Palma is a different place that appears in some search results because of the similar name.

What is the best time to go?

Sunset, according to several reviews: that is when the sea of clouds forms and the light best illuminates the lava flows. Early morning tends to have fewer people and better visibility if there is calima haze.