Los Helechos and West of Maguez

Is this the best walk in Lanzarote?

A climb up to a small farming plateau west of Maguez, then an ascent of a particularly fascinating volcanic group and a wind back down into the Guinate valley to the north; all through lovely and interesting farmland and with some of the island's best views. 

You start up a small lane on the outskirts of Maguez, which becomes enchanting within 200m, as it winds up the steep hillsides, through carefully tilled little fields, meadows and rock. Fine eastward views open up, then north to the perfect cut-off cone of Montana Corona, then into the much nearer La Pescosa crater near Los Helechos, through a gap in its wall.

You reach the plateau top, to find a slightly peculiar open area of intense cultivation - this is very fertile soil, and damp as a result of its altitude and the prevailing trade winds arriving here first. 

A track to the right by a meteorological station leads gently up the hill, past an incongruous black lava potato field, and into a gorgeous ridgetop meadow, which was bright with wildflowers when Walkopedia was there in mid March. The westward views are huge, out across La Graciosa to the vast Atlantic. You are shortly perched above the La Pescosa chasm, now with excellent views south and east.

A short uphill gets you atop La Quemada, where your visual perfection is complete, with a northerly prospect across the just-higher Los Helechos to Montana Corona. Between them is a deep, flowery dell, with a ridge (small crater rim?) round west to join the Los Helechos ridge. Walkopedia loves a ridge walk, and this short stretch is a gem. Then you are on the Los Helechos ridge and make a short clamber to its summit. It looks unprepossessing from most angles, but is a stunner once up there, and with a surprise waiting – a double crater with the remains of intense cultivation in their fertile innards.  Amazing views, of course.

Back in the mundane world, the road becomes a dirt track, winding down Los H’s western flank with superb views out over a final cut-off (and VERY walkable – good detour!) ridge to the Atlantic, and into the charming, quiet, agricultural Guinate valley. You end up at the Maguez main road. (You can cross over and walk back to Maguez on the track used on Montana Corona, to make a circuit.)

Gorgeous springtime wildflowers throughout.

Walkopedia is among those who prefer not to walk on roads - but, these lanes are so small and little used, it really doesn't matter. They are easily driven, though, so, if you don’t want to walk the whole circuit, you can (say) drive up and just walk Los Helechos.

This is very reasonable walking if you take the uphills steadily. Carry enough water.

See our youtube clip here.

Lanzarote – Sunflower guides: 31 varied walks, including this one. Recommended. Find relevant books on Amazon.

Our friends and partners Responsible Travel have a selection of holidays here. 

See our Maguez Area page for more walks in the immediate area; and our Lanzarote page for more general and practical information and photos.

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