The Tenerife Island Council will convert the Casa de Los Zamorano in the Tegueste region into an Interpretation Centre for the Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve, where the current Tourist Information Office, situated in Tegueste town, will also be relocated. Furthermore, the Casa de Los Camineros, owned by the Island Corporation, will be repurposed as a hostel for hikers.
In a recent event, the President of the Island Council, Rosa Dávila, and the Mayor of Tegueste, Ana Mena, officially established the agreement for the transfer of the Casa de Los Camineros (Casilla-Almacén) to be used as a shelter for hikers. The event was also attended by the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Highways, Dámaso Arteaga, and the Deputy Mayor, Juan Norberto Padilla.
Rosa Dávila highlighted that “this is a focal point through which many individuals pass who are eager to explore the Anaga Rural Park. We have 8,000 federated hikers, and it is crucial for them to have this interpretation centre, which will play a key role in disseminating knowledge.”
Meanwhile, Ana Mena stated, “We must recognise the beauty of our surroundings in this small paradise, the Biosphere Reserve, and we must educate on its preservation since Tegueste serves as one of the main entrances to Anaga. The collaboration between the Island Council and the City Council is significant, not only for these two buildings but for other upcoming projects.”
The adaptation of the Los Zamorano property requires an investment of 477,424 euros, with 458,868 euros being subsidized by EU Next Generation funds, while the remaining amount will be provided by the Island Council. An additional 60,000 euros will be allocated towards the interpretive design of the exhibition content.
The Casa de Los Camineros is situated on the right side of the TF-13 highway at kilometer point 5, and it is a single-storey building with a rear courtyard. The intention is for the hikers’ hostel to cater to visitors of the Anaga Rural Park, thereby boosting the economic activity in the municipality.
Moreover, it can be utilised to conduct environmental activities for youth and children in Tegueste and the neighbouring areas, as well as for environmental organisations and groups.