There are landscapes that seem to come from another planet.
Corners that surprise not only with their beauty but also with the way nature and human ingenuity have combined to create something extraordinary.
In the Canary Islands, there is such a place: an intense blue body of water nestled within an ancient volcanic crater, surrounded by farmland and panoramic views.
From the sky, it resembles an alpine lake, although it is not a swimming spot nor a typical tourist enclave.
Those who venture into this area of northern Tenerife do so without expecting to encounter such a postcard-like scene.
The hike is demanding and unmarked, but upon reaching the summit, what unfolds before the eyes is a sight hard to forget.
The Reservoir in a Crater
The Taco Mountain Reservoir is one of the best-kept secrets of northern Tenerife.
It is located between the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte and Los Silos, nestled in the crater of an ancient volcanic quarry.
At first glance, its circular shape and blue hue make it resemble a natural lake, but in reality, it is a key hydraulic infrastructure for local irrigation.
It was inaugurated on 17 May 1986 as part of the North Reservoirs Plan, an ambitious project to ensure the water supply in an area with high agricultural activity, especially dedicated to banana cultivation.
With an investment exceeding 19 million euros, it became one of the island’s most emblematic hydraulic works.
A very clever use of a sleeping volcano 🌋😁🙏🏻 (Embalse de Montaña Taco, Tenerife) #tenerife #volcano #lossilos #buenavistadelnorte #canarias #avgeek pic.twitter.com/BSK1hIn6qq — Stani Klajban (@stani320) October 24, 2024
Unsignposted Route
To reach the crater, it is necessary to walk for about 45 minutes from the nearest accessible point by road.
The ascent to Taco Mountain is not signposted and lacks information boards, so caution and good footwear are advised.
In return, the route offers a rugged and virgin natural environment, where native vegetation and volcanic remnants accompany each step.
Once at the top, the views take your breath away: on one side, the coastline of northwest Tenerife; on the other, the almost perfect circle of the reservoir nestled between the crater walls.
The combination of dark volcanic rock with the blue of the water creates a scene worthy of aerial photography.
Agricultural, not Recreational
Despite its idyllic appearance, the reservoir is not designed for swimming or recreational use.
It is a facility dedicated exclusively to storing water for irrigation, so access to its interior or engaging in aquatic activities is prohibited.
However, this does not detract from the charm of the place, which remains a visual attraction for hikers, photographers, and the curious.
Moreover, the surrounding natural environment offers other opportunities for enjoyment: from mountain trails to areas for observing local flora, as well as viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic and the characteristic agricultural terraces of this part of the island.
A Landscape of Contrasts
What makes the Taco Mountain Reservoir unique is not only its location but also the contrast it generates: a modern water resource installed in the heart of a millennia-old geological formation.
Just a few kilometres from the sea, in the rural heart of Tenerife, this artificial lake has become a reference not only for its function but also for its unexpected beauty.
And although it is not a place to take a plunge, those who visit leave with the feeling of having discovered a singular spot where the volcanic past and agricultural present of the Canary Islands meet in a scene that, quite literally, takes your breath away.
