Montaña La Muda (also known as Monte Muda) is a beautiful volcano in the northern part of Fuerteventura. Although it’s one of the most accessible hikes, with some of the most beautiful views, it remains quite unknown and rarely visited.
Important: This hike is not available from February 15 to July 31 as the trail is closed for bird nesting season.
Montaña La Muda’s peak is high for the Fuerteventura standards and reaches 675 m. It’s also not the easiest to climb, especially in windy conditions, which are expected, so I don’t recommend it unless you’re an avid climber with proper equipment. Nevertheless, reaching the plateau just below the actual summit is rewarding enough. The hike to the plateau is easy and already offers stunning views of the northern part of Fuerteventura with Tindaya village and Tindaya mountain just below, and on clear days also of the Betancuria massif, Lobos island, and even Lanzarote.
The trail starts with a few stairs and an info board with basic information about the hike. You can learn about the three water springs (Fuente del Pozo or del Risco, Fuente de la Pila, and Fuente del Pocito), which were so very important for the old inhabitants that they cultivated them into small fountains. You will see them along the way, together with some other stone structures used by the shepherds for protection, washing and drying their clothes, and grinding weeds.
After reaching the plateau, you’ll see the mountain’s peak on the right side and lots of wide-open space on your left, as shown in the picture below.
If you have time, roam in that direction and explore more of ‘Las Mesas,’ as the plateau is officially called. Some great stone plates are further down to the left, making a great photo spot, especially in the misty afternoon light!
The Monte Muda hike is one of my favorites. It’s very tranquil, and it’s quite rare to meet anyone there; the trail is easy to hike and easy to follow, you’ll even have a small picnic place halfway up, and the views from above are just stunning. It makes a great half-day active trip from Corralejo, and on the way back, you can make a stop in Tindaya village for a coffee, buy goat cheese, or have lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Monte Muda hike info:
Duration: 30-40 minutes one way (photo stops included)
Total: 2-3 hours
Requirements: for the moderately fit; bring water and sunscreen; hiking shoes are recommended, but you’ll be fine with sneakers, too
