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Friday, March 03, 2006
Hiking in the Parque de Teno
The occurrence of tourists in these parts certainly does seem to be a growing trend, as my colleague down south suggests.
This is, in part, due to the Albergue de Bolico, which is a hostel here at the head of the El Palmar valley, located in an old, converted finca. By the looks of the photo, that is where this group of people are headed.
After a few tweaks in their marketing strategy recently, the albergue managed to increase their occupation level by 45%.
I should point out, reading from their leaflet here in my other hand, their capacity (in dormitories of 14, 12 and 10) is a total of 36 people. This is by no means mass tourism. Thank God!
Nevertheless, their prices are pretty keen: 14 Euros a night (about 10 quid). They'll give you breakfast for another couple of quid (€3) and a lunch or dinner for six poundsish (€9).
So, even if you've already booked a package holiday to the south of the island (or you live there), it would hardly break the bank and could be fun to spend a couple of days exploring the north with this as a temporary base for a night or two.
Info and booking: http://www.alberguebolico.com/reservas/
As for the rest of the facilities in the area, the Canarian government, through their environmental services department are currently reconditioning five of the old routes between hamlets as hiking trails within the Teno Rural Park, 65% of the budget for which is coming from European Union funds.
As well as restoring damage done by human intervention and erosion, they will be installing tourist information panels.
Medio Ambiente mejora cinco senderos en el Parque de Teno
