Mazo circular

Mazo can be reached by either the #201 or #200 guagua. I used the #201 which dropped me outside the local high school and I then had to walk to the start of the tour. I then discovered the #200 guagua could have dropped me at the start: the bus stop here is called Taller Luis. That also saves walking on the road out of Mazo. On return from the hike if you are getting the 14:15 #201 (13:45 from Fuencaliente) it might be better to catch the #200 since you will then not be fighting with school kids for a seat on the bus.
The way is then up an extremely steep tarmac and concrete track. I took me 10 minutes to climb this part – it was brutal.
The way here is labelled PR-LP-17 and is signposted Refugio del Pilar.
The way is more or less straight up a broad earth and rock path bounded by stone walls on either side. It is a steep climb through trees, which provide some shade. The path here is quite attractive; the problem is the fact that it is so steep. I found it had taken me about an hour from starting the path until I reached what was once a road, but was now firmly closed to traffic by a big gate across it. Walking on the road gave me time to enjoy the sunshine and get my breath back.
Eventually, I had to turn off the road and pick up the hiking route. This did give me a great view of Mount Tirimazin. I carried on until I reached a steep dirt path. I looked at it and decided we were not compatible, so made my way back to the road and carried on walking downhill. At another bend it the road, I caught up with the path again and decided to risk the descent. It did look reasonable to start with but I encountered another steep dirt section that fortunately was not too long.
Finally I reached a road, turned left and continued following earth and rock paths down into the outskirts of the town. On my way, nearing the end of my journey, I passed the town museum and a small park. The museum is not too far from either bus stop if you find yourself back in the town with plenty of time to spare.
Well, would I do this trek again? The answer has to be no because there is really not enough of visual interest to compensate for the hard climbing and the concentration I had to take in descending. However. lots of footprints along the way, so other hikers do it.