An astounding ability to adapt

Both of these fertile valleys are used to farm the typical crops that grow at medium altitudes in the area. This includes potatoes, fruit trees such as banana, papaya and avocado as well as sugar cane and grapevines. The land is distinctly shaped by the predominant form of farming: terraces. These flat surfaces carved into the hillside to counteract the slopes are easy to spot from a distance thanks to their stone walls.

But at first sight, the biggest difference newcomers will notice is the colour of each to the two valleys. La Orotava is a very deep green owing to its vegetation. This is thanks to the trade winds that blow heavy clouds over the north side of the Island. As the clouds are pushed against the mountains, they drench everything in horizontal rain.

On the south face of Tenerife, the ochre and yellowish tones of the valley of Güímar are created by pumice stone, a type of volcanic ash that covered much of this vast landscape.

The "malpaís" in Güímar forms some unusual scenery. This singular area has been populated by plant species such as tabaibas and cardons, and animal species such as Betherlot's pipits and the Tenerife Lizard (gallotia galloti). The malpaís is unlike any other landscape in Tenerife and is an addictive setting for hikers.