Tenerife’s Breathtaking Chipeque Viewpoint Faces Growing Threat from Mass Tourism and Irresponsible Visitor Behavior

High above the clouds at 1,880 metres in La Orotava, the Mirador de Chipeque is one of the crown jewels of Tenerife’s natural landscapes. With dramatic views of Mount Teide and surreal sunsets that paint the skies over the sea of clouds, it’s no surprise that this once-tranquil viewpoint has captured the imagination of tourists and locals alike. However, Chipeque is now struggling to cope with the pressures of overtourism—and much of it is being driven by social media trends.

If you plan to rent a car in Tenerife to explore hidden gems like Chipeque, it’s vital to understand the current situation and act responsibly to help protect these fragile environments.

The Social Media Effect: A Hidden Gem No More

In recent years, TikTok and Instagram have turned Chipeque into a viral sensation. Posts featuring its sweeping vistas, dreamy cloudscapes, and starlit skies have drawn hundreds of visitors daily, many of whom arrive via rental cars in Tenerife, following influencer trails without proper planning or respect for local regulations.

This mass influx is causing more harm than good. Traffic congestion on the TF-21 road, where Chipeque is located, has become a daily problem. Illegally parked vehicles obstruct traffic flow, and even worse, they block access routes for emergency services. Those driving rental cars—often unfamiliar with local laws or terrain—contribute significantly to this issue.

Visitors Disregarding Rules and Damaging the Environment

Once visitors arrive, many ignore safety barriers and protected boundaries. It’s now common to see tourists setting up camping tables, folding chairs, and even portable grills in delicate natural zones. The result is environmental degradation: trampled vegetation, disrupted habitats, and a growing amount of litter.

Local cleanup efforts tell the story. In just one afternoon, over 200 cigarette butts were collected by volunteers—alongside plastic wrappers, food packaging, and wet wipes. These aren’t just eyesores; they pose a serious risk to the dry, flammable forests surrounding Chipeque.

According to local biologist Pablo Martín, a single cigarette could spark a devastating wildfire. This risk led to the Tenerife Cabildo’s 2024 smoking ban across all protected viewpoints and walking trails. But at Chipeque, this ban is widely ignored.

The Experience Is Changing—And Not for the Better

What once offered a peaceful retreat into nature has now become a chaotic tourist hotspot. In a viral video, local photographer @manriquephoto documented not only the shocking volume of trash left behind but also the illegal use of drones, which are banned in the area to protect wildlife and maintain visitor safety.

For those who choose to rent a car in Tenerife and head into nature, the contrast between expectation and reality can be disappointing. Rather than silence and serenity, visitors now find crowds, noise, and disruption.

Locals Sound the Alarm: A Vanishing Paradise

The backlash from Tenerife residents has been swift. Social media platforms are filled with posts lamenting the transformation of Chipeque from a hidden gem into a circus. Long-time locals express grief over the loss of a place once cherished for its magic, solitude, and connection to nature.

Unfortunately, Chipeque is not alone. Other iconic viewpoints like La Tarta and Roques de García are facing the same challenges—thanks to the unchecked boom in mass tourism and the ease of access provided by car rentals in Tenerife.

What Can You Do? Responsible Tourism Starts with You

If you’re planning a trip and intend to rent a car in Tenerife, consider the following to help preserve the island’s natural beauty:

• Park only in designated areas. Don’t block roads or trails.

• Respect smoking bans. Even one cigarette can cause irreversible damage.

• Leave no trace. Take your trash with you, and don’t disturb local flora or fauna.

• Don’t fly drones. They are prohibited in many natural areas for good reason.

• Visit during off-peak hours. Sunrise or midday visits may be less crowded.

Conclusion: Renting a Car in Tenerife? Explore with Respect

The freedom to rent a car in Tenerife opens up access to incredible natural wonders like Chipeque, but with that freedom comes responsibility. The island’s beauty depends on everyone—locals, tourists, and influencers—making thoughtful decisions.

Let’s keep Tenerife’s wild places wild.