La Cruz de Hilda viewpoint, above Masca

What it is

It is the obligatory stop on the TF-436 before going down to Masca: a viewpoint at kilometre point 14, already in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte, from which you see the whole hamlet on its ridges and the ravine opening towards the sea. In the foreground, terraces, palm trees and scrub of broom and tabaiba. It has panels explaining what is in front of you and adapted access.

Getting there and parking

If you come from Buenavista via El Palmar, you find it before going down to the hamlet of Masca; if you come from Santiago del Teide, just after passing through the hamlet, on the climb towards the north. It has its own parking, which is the best way to see Masca when the one in the hamlet is full. TITSA line 355 stops here. Next to the viewpoint there is a hotel establishment with a café and a roof terrace.

Two kilometres further north, at kilometre 12, the Altos de Baracán viewpoint looks the other way: the Los Carrizales ravine and the El Palmar valley.

When to go

First thing in the morning the sun comes sideways into the ravine and there is room in the car park. With the trade wind, clouds can cover the Teno ridge: if it is covered, the view is lost, so look at the sky before going up.