Charco del Pino brings together landscapes, hiking and local history for a trip. Montaña de Chiñama and its viewpoint focus on views and nature; the Camino Real del Sur places the town on a longer hiking route. The church, square and Danza de Arcos add a cultural perspective. If you are looking for accommodation in Charco del Pino, consider whether nature, hiking or local history will shape your stay to see how the destination’s character aligns with your interests.
Chiñama: volcanic cone and views
Montaña de Chiñama is a volcanic cone in the Charco del Pino district and has historical, cultural and landscape significance. From Mirador de Chiñama, views stretch over the peaks, mid-altitude areas and the coast of the municipality, as far as neighboring San Miguel de Abona. The viewpoint is well suited to enjoying nature, photography and walks. For your trip planning, the mountain provides a geological point of reference, while the viewpoint draws your gaze across different landscape levels. If you would like to combine nature and photography, you can make these a focus of your time in Charco del Pino.
Church and tradition in the town
The parish church of San Luis Rey de Francia stands at the northern foot of Montaña de Chiñama. In Charco del Pino, the Camino Real del Sur recommends a short detour to the Iglesia de San Luis de Francia and its square. The old Danza de Arcos is performed every August in the square of the Iglesia de San Luis de Francia. A stay in August therefore coincides with the month when this tradition takes place. Archaeological sites in the area around Montaña de Chiñama point to the Guanches’ use of this place as a setting for cultural and spiritual expression. Eres del Charco is designated a “Bien de Interés Cultural” (Asset of Cultural Interest).
The Camino Real del Sur
Charco del Pino lies roughly halfway along the Camino Real del Sur, and the historic path can still be walked today. Its approximate location places the town along the route, while the short detour recommended in the route description refers to a specific stop in Charco del Pino. These are two different scales: you can consider the route as a longer hiking option and the detour as a local addition. Before setting out, it is advisable to check local access conditions, as they may change.
The story behind the town’s name
The name Charco del Pino comes from a small “Ere”: water hidden beneath the sandy bed of a ravine, which could be obtained by digging. Here, the word refers to water beneath the sandy surface that could only be reached by digging. The place name thus points to an earlier method of obtaining water closely connected with the ravine.
Discover more destinations: Las Palomas, Oroteanda Baja, Los Realejos, San Marcos, Las Aguas, El Rosario, Guaza, Bocacangrejo
For the main travel overview: Tenerife.
