Pico viejo, Stratovolcano in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province, Spain.
Pico Viejo is a stratovolcano in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province featuring a crater roughly 800 meters across and rising to 3,135 meters in elevation. The peak ranks as the second-highest in the Canary Islands and displays the dark volcanic rock typical of its geologic past.
The volcano built up over thousands of years of volcanic activity that shaped Tenerife's landscape. A major eruption in 1798 marked a turning point and left lasting marks across the surrounding terrain.
This volcano held deep spiritual meaning for the Guanche people who inhabited Tenerife before Spanish arrival. Visitors walking the slopes can sense the cultural importance this peak still carries for the island.
The mountain is reachable via marked trails that begin from several different starting points around the area. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather and bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water.
On clear days, visitors from the summit can see three neighboring islands: La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma spread across the horizon. This rare view of multiple islands from a single peak creates a memorable perspective across the Atlantic.
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