Los Silos - Erjos - Monte del Agua

General Information

• Length: 15.80 Km 
• Altitude difference: 1,940m 
• Ascent: 970m 
• Descent: 970m 
• Highest point: 1,035m 
• Lowest point: 105 m 
• Type: circular trail
• Difficulty: medium (for mountain runners) 
• PStarting point: Plaza de La Cruz (centre/historic centre of Los Silos) 
• Coordenadas: 28.365448512700386, -16.817421961298844 
• Places we pass through: Los Silos, Cuevas Negras, Erjos, Monte del Agua, Las Moradas.
• Temperaturas: pleasant in winter (maybe some very cold days - 10º C at high altitudes); maybe hot in the lower sections on certain summer days.
• Water Points: It is possible to buy water at a bar/cafeteria or shop in Erjos (when they are open). 

Equipment

• Footwear and clothing suitable for mountain running.
• Jacket/windbreaker if it is a bit cold or it might rain.
• Hat and/or sunglasses if the weather is not overcast.
• 1.5 litres of water.
• Something to eat
• Mobile phone.
  
  

Route description

This is a route to get to know part of the Parque Rural de Teno. Two of the best trails start in the centre of Los Silos: Cuevas Negras and Las Moradas, named after the old farmhouses in the centre of the municipality that were inhabited decades ago.

You walk a little over 5 kilometres on the Cuevas Negras trail, with a difference in altitude of over 900 metres. This is followed by a few kilometres of running on the Monte del Agua track, to end with a good descent to the starting point (downhill via Las Moradas). 15 kilometres that are perfect for training for a demanding climb, recovering from the ascent and then handling a half-long descent, where you will encounter technical and rocky areas.

This route is ideal for uphill training series (sections at an easy pace to recover) or for a steady pace series over 5km.

Course description

• Km 0  We start in Caso de Los Silos. The route follows the PR 53 trail to Erjos (km 5), the first 1.4 km section is on asphalt, then on a cement path, always ascending but gentle, so it's useful for warming up.
• Km 0.1 Cross the main road and continue straight ahead.
• Km 0.2 Take the road to the left towards "Cuevas Negras". (We will return along the path on the right).
• Km 0.7 On the right, you will see the old washing places.
• Km 1.4 Leave the concrete road and take the opposite path (slightly to the left). Be prepared for the start of a difficult climb.
• Km 2 In this area, on your left (and facing your back), you will see the cliff that gives Cuevas Negras its name. Erosion has left an impressive sight, and it is not surprising that some of the Guanches (local people) have chosen this place to live.
• Km 2.5 You pass the abandoned houses of Cuevas Negras. At the crossroads, go straight ahead towards "Erjos".
• Km 5 You reach the village of Erjos; continue walking 100 m on the asphalt and then turn right down the lane, then immediately turn right again (follow the PR signs) You can turn left to get to know the centre of this small village.
• Km 5.2 After leaving some houses behind, we come across a dirt road and follow the signs to the right marked "Las Portelas", PR 52/54. From here, follow PR 52 Las Portelas and then walk downhill on PR 54 Las Moradas. The path now climbs a little and joins the path to Montaña del Agua - Mountain.
• Km 5.7 End of climb; now turn right along the wide path towards "Las Portelas". Now 3.7 kilometres on the dirt road to rest the legs; you will run comfortably on this green, wet hill.
• Km 6.5 On the right, you will see a small rocky outcrop with a wooden floor. You can head for this viewpoint.
• Km 9.3 Leave the path and take the right-hand path PR 54 "Las Moradas"; this path is easy to walk.
• Km 10.7 Crossroads; continue left along the wide path (PR 54 "Las Moradas").
• Km 11.3 Leave the wide path and take the path on the right that goes downhill (PR 54 "Las Moradas"). The first part is good to walk, but then you come to a more technical and rocky area, ideal for practising the skills of a good downhill runner. As you descend, you pass from an overgrown path to an open path from which you can enjoy the views of this place.
• Km 13.7 You pass the hamlet of Las Moradas, of which all that remains are a few abandoned houses, but they do have some charm.
• Km 15.4 The trail ends, and we continue along the concrete road towards Los Silos.
• Km 15.7 FINISH.

Surroundings

Parque Rural de Teno. In the northwest of Tenerife lies one of the island's greatest natural treasures. The Teno massif, one of the three oldest rock formations on the island, has formed dizzying gorges and deep laurisilva forests, reminiscent of prehistoric times, over millions of years. Buenavista, Santiago del Teide, El Tanque and Los Silos make up this park.

Cuevas Negras hamlet. In the past, this road served as a link between Los Silos and the south of the island and later became the "Camino Real" road, connecting the centre of the municipality with Erjos. In the last century, about 60 people lived here, devoted to agriculture, cattle breeding, and forestry. Today the hamlet has been swallowed up by vegetation.

Las Moradas farmhouse. An old farmhouse that was inhabited until the first half of the 20th century, close to agricultural and livestock farms. Today it is hard to imagine anyone living there, as access to the major towns is complicated.

Monte del Agua. A large forest of laurel and fayal-brezal trees. It stretches along the upper reaches of the Los Cochinos, Bucarón and Cuevas Negras gorges.

Washing place in Los Silos. A washing place with basins where the inhabitants of Los Silos used to wash their clothes with water from the ravine.

How to get there?

• Private car
• Public transport (please ask as changes may occur).
  • Line 363 from the Puerto de la Cruz train station.
  • Line 363