Discover Charco del Pino: Montaña de Chiñama and Culture

Charco del Pino is a place where a volcanic cone, a viewpoint and the Camino Real del Sur meet distinctive traces of culture. Montaña de Chiñama, Mirador de Chiñama and the Iglesia de San Luis de Francia represent different aspects of the landscape, routes and local history. When comparing holiday apartments in Charco del Pino, you can consider these aspects side by side as different priorities when choosing a location.

You can also access other places: Arico, Los Rechazos, Oroteanda Baja, Arico Viejo, Bocacangrejo, Punta Brava, Almáciga and La Orotava.

Nature

Montaña de Chiñama is a volcanic cone in the Charco del Pino district with historical, cultural and scenic significance. The parish church of San Luis Rey de Francia stands at the northern foot of Montaña de Chiñama.

From Mirador de Chiñama, views extend over the peaks, the mid-altitude areas and the municipality’s coast as far as neighbouring San Miguel de Abona. Mirador de Chiñama is suitable for nature experiences, photography and walks.

The three landscape levels mentioned give the view a clear range; photography, experiencing nature and walking each create their own focus. You can weigh these viewing and activity themes separately without reducing the place to just one perspective.

Culture

On the Camino Real del Sur, a short detour to the Iglesia de San Luis de Francia and its square is recommended in Charco del Pino. The traditional Danza de Arcos is danced every August in the square of the Iglesia de San Luis de Francia.

The festival programme in Charco del Pino included the XV edition of the Baile de Taifa, scheduled for Saturday, 10 August, from 9 p.m. at the Polideportivo de Chiñama.

When planning the timing, the annual August date and the individual date scheduled in the festival programme can be considered separately.

History and Routes

Charco del Pino owes its name to a small “Ere”, meaning water that was hidden beneath the sandy bed of a ravine and could be obtained by excavation. The Eres del Charco is designated as a “Bien de Interés Cultural”.

Archaeological sites in the area surrounding Montaña de Chiñama show that the Guanches used this place as a setting for cultural and spiritual expression.

Charco del Pino lies approximately halfway along the Camino Real del Sur. The Camino Real del Sur can still be walked today.

A short detour, a walk and walking along the Camino Real del Sur represent different ways of travelling through the area; you can weigh these themes separately when planning.

The perspectives of landscape, routes and local history can be given different emphasis in your own selection; Montaña de Chiñama, Camino Real del Sur and Iglesia de San Luis de Francia each represent distinct places and themes for planning in Charco del Pino.

For the overarching travel overview: Tenerife.