Erjos: Hiking Trails, Charcas and Rural Heritage

Hiking is a key reason to consider Erjos as a destination: two approved linear trails start here. The Charcas de Erjos form a distinctive ecosystem, and a circular route passes by the ethnographic heritage of rural settlements. This brings nature together with the former importance of grain cultivation on routes that are relatively easy to plan.

Hiking Trails and Choosing a Route

The PR-TF 52 Erjos–Las Portelas (Monte del Agua) is an approved linear hiking trail of moderate difficulty. It is 10.7 km long; the route from Erjos to Las Portelas takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The trail first passes through forested terrain. It then follows the eastern slopes of the Valle de El Palmar and reaches cultivated terraces.

The PR-TF 52 runs through the Teno Rural Park; no permit is required. Before setting out, check the trail classification and route conditions. You should also check official notices for any temporary trail restrictions.

The PR-TF 53 Los Silos–Cuevas Negras–Erjos is also an approved linear hiking trail of moderate difficulty. It is 5.7 km long; the route from Erjos to Los Silos takes about three hours. From Erjos, the trail follows C/ Las Cruces, first along the edge of the streambed area and then along the Barranco de El Salto towards Los Silos. Before hiking, also check the classification and conditions of this trail.

Both trails are rated moderate, but their estimated times differ: the PR-TF 52 is longer, while the PR-TF 53 takes more time despite being shorter. When planning, it is therefore worth considering distance and time together, rather than just the number of kilometres.

Charcas de Erjos and Monte del Agua

The Charcas de Erjos formed as rainwater accumulated in clay soil. Their water levels fluctuate seasonally. A distinctive ecosystem with characteristic flora and fauna has developed around the ponds. Birds associated with the water include grey herons, wagtails (including the Canary Islands wagtail), common snipe and Eurasian coot. Which species are present can vary depending on the season and amount of rainfall.

Monte del Agua begins near the Charcas de Erjos and is home to Monteverde canario, vegetation typical of laurel forests in the northwestern part of the island. Together, the ponds and vegetation give Erjos’s nature theme different facets: the Charcas are shaped by rainwater and seasonal changes, while Monte del Agua is characterised by its laurel-forest vegetation.

Rural Heritage Along the Circular Route

The SL-TF 151 Ruigómez–Erjos–Ruigómez circular hiking route passes by the ethnographic heritage of the rural settlements of Ruigómez and Erjos. Numerous hidden threshing floors lie along the way. They bear witness to the former importance of grain cultivation in this area and add an agricultural history to the nature themes of the other trails.

The SL-TF 151 follows Calle La Unión to the Ermita de Erjos. The road forms the boundary between the municipalities of Los Silos and El Tanque. On this circular route, the settlements mentioned, the Ermita and the threshing floors come together as individual landmarks. The link to the former grain economy is concrete: the threshing floors are associated with the once-important cultivation of grain in the area.

Plan Your Stay in Erjos Around Your Interests

For hiking, there are two moderate-difficulty linear trails to choose from, with different distances and estimated times; the SL-TF 151 circular route offers a way to explore rural heritage. Nature enthusiasts will find a seasonally shaped ecosystem at the Charcas and Monteverde canario at Monte del Agua. Water levels and the presence of the birds mentioned can vary depending on the season and amount of rainfall. These differences can help you decide what to focus on during a stay in Erjos.

Discover more destinations: San Bernardo.

Go to the main travel overview: Los Silos.