All our tips for visiting Mirador Llano Ucanca in Tenerife: access, parking, views, practical information.
Is a stop at Mirador Llano Ucanca worth it?
Absolutely! Located in the heart of the national park, we highly recommend this viewpoint for its exceptional strategic location. It’s an easy stop, to admire the Teide Volcano with the back of the Roques de Garcia in front.
This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Teide National Park. See our selection of the park’s top attractions.
Where is the viewpoint? Map
- In the heart of Teide National Park
- Along route TF-21
- Not far southwest of the must-see Roques de Garcia stop
- From Roques de Garcia = 4 minutes drive
- From the cable car = 8 minutes drive
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Parking and access
The watchtower has a small parking area along the road where a dozen or so vehicles can park in a row. We appreciate the ease of access from the main road, making it a convenient stopover on your exploration of the national park. It’s easier to stop here when heading west.
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Best moment
Each season offers a unique show. In spring, we particularly recommend visiting after the rains, when the colors really come out.
The view faces north, so you can enjoy beautiful light all day long.
Nightfall is also a special time, when you can admire the exceptionally clear moonlit sky.
View description
Panoramic view of Teide
From this vantage point, you can enjoy an impressive frontal view of Teide and Pico Viejo. The landscape extends over the Ucanca valley, formed by an ancient collapse.
You can also admire the back of the Roques de Garcia, rock formations that are a must-see stop in the national park.
It really is one of our favorite views.
Comparison with Mars
Among the explanatory panels, you’re invited to become a giant on Mars. The terrain is reminiscent of the surface of Mars, with its reddish undulations and promontories.
To be honest, we felt more at home on Mars in Jordan’s Wdi-Rum desert, but we like the idea.
El Teide is the 3rd largest volcanic structure on Earth. But it’s tiny compared to Olympic Mons on Mars. This is because on Mars, the eruption point remains fixed.
High altitude vegetation and fauna
There’s also a very interesting panel on flora and fauna. At almost 2000m altitude, the vegetation has adapted to the extreme climatic conditions. You’ll be able to identify broom, cod and pajorera, characteristic plants of these heights that survive the significant temperature variations between day and night.
And if you come at dusk, you might catch a glimpse of the “ear bats”, an endemic species recognizable by its ears twice as big as its head.
View of the road
From this parking lot, we also really enjoyed the views in the opposite direction to the volcano, with the rock formations around Zapatos de la Reina.
Nearest attractions
Plan your day by combining an attraction with this view. For example:
- Departure from Sendero Nº26 Llano de Ucanca
- The Zapatilla de la Reina viewpoint
- Mirador Los Azulejos
- Roques de Garcia
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
