Ascent to Volcan de San Martin
In the south of Ruta de los Volcanes
The first significant peak in the southern part of the volcanic path Ruta de los Volcanes is the volcanic peak of Volcan de San Martín (1 597 m asl). From it there is a stunning view of the surrounding volcanic landscape and also of the neighboring island Tenerife, or rather to its main landmark Pico de Teide. There are more access pathways. One of them leads for example from Monte de Luna. Longer and more gradual access is from the large parking lot on road no. 832, 2.5 km before Fuencaliente de la Palma at about 750 meters asl. The dusty road leads from here to Fuente el Pinar (1 100 m asl), a picnic area, where locals spend Saturdays and Sundays with a lot of good food and drink. It is possible to drive up here, but not with a low chassis (at full occupancy of normal car). From here we can get in a steep ascent through the mentioned path of volcanoes.
Canary forest
The gradual ascent along a dusty road leads in almost entirely typical local vegetation, forest, dominated by canary pine. There are occasionally views to the east toward the Atlantic.
Lava
The first volcanic peaks appear at the edge of the forest. The landscape is dominated by black lava stones and colorful contrast of green conifers with azure of the sky.
Pines
Before the final ascent to the summit is already clearly visible the distant stratovolcano Pico de Teide. Somewhere around 900 m.asl. is a layer of trade wind clouds.
The top
Volcano de San Martin can be explored both in the bottom and also by bypassing it on the edge of the crater. But be careful, because the terrain is very treacherous, there is no problem to slide down the scree ash and the way up is very slow. Although it is not apparent from the photo, there is often gusty wind blowing and it is then advisable to consider walking on the edge of the crater.
Tenerife
Pico de Teide is with its 3 718 m asl a nice dominant peak on the eastern horizon.
Path of volcanoes
Ruta de los Volcanes rises further to the north and crosses the entire natural park Parque Natural de Cumbre Vieja.
Return to the woods
The way back can alternatively be undertaken around the west side of Montana Pelala (1 441 m asl) and back to the picnic site of local people.
Ferry
The way back to the parking lot the same way can be quite tedious. However, there is still a lot to see.
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