Tenerife Grand Tour: including Teide National Park and Masca

Imagine spending a full day exploring some of Tenerife’s most captivating sights — from the towering volcano of Mount Teide to the narrow, picturesque streets of Masca. This tour, offered at around $57 per person and lasting approximately nine hours, promises a comprehensive glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and local charm. Including hotel pickup and drop-off, it’s designed for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see Tenerife’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the stunning panoramic views at Teide National Park and the chance to wander the historic streets of Garachico and Icod de los Vinos. Plus, the visit to the 800-year-old Dragon Tree adds an authentic touch of Canary Island history. One thing to keep in mind: the tour doesn’t include the cable car, so if you plan to go up Mount Teide itself, expect an extra cost.

This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, small-town charm, and some light walking. It’s especially good for travelers who want a structured day with a knowledgeable guide but are comfortable with a moderate amount of walking — including navigating narrow, winding roads in Masca. If you’re looking for a balanced introduction to Tenerife’s natural and cultural sights, this tour hits many of the high notes.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes at Teide National Park with impressive volcanic views
• Close-up look at the Ancient Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos
• Exploring the picturesque Garachico with natural volcanic pools
• Visiting the traditional village of Masca, surrounded by ravines and lush scenery
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple
• Tour price includes local taxes and entry to key sites, excluding cable car and food
• Moderate physical activity required, with comfortable transport and guided commentary

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Grand Tour

The Convenience of Hassle-Free Transportation

One of the biggest advantages of booking this tour is the hotel pickup and drop-off. Instead of navigating public transport or renting a car, you get picked up directly from your hotel, which simplifies the entire day. The trip is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort as you traverse Tenerife’s varied terrain. The group size is capped at 35, which helps keep the experience intimate enough to ask questions but large enough to feel like a proper sightseeing outing.

The First Stop: Teide National Park

The journey begins at Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll spend about 30 minutes soaking in the dramatic volcanic landscape. You won’t go up Mount Teide itself unless you buy an extra ticket for the cable car, but the views from the park are impressive enough to feel like you’re on the top of the world. This area is famous for its lunar-like terrain, jagged rocks, and expansive vistas that stretch for miles.

Several reviewers mention the breathtaking scenery here, with Ray_T noting, “Incredible landscapes. The guide’s English was hard to understand, but the driver was brilliant on all the hairpin bends.” This highlights the thrill of the mountain roads and the importance of a skilled driver in navigating them safely.

Icod de los Vinos and the Drago Milenario

Next, the tour moves to Icod de los Vinos, a charming town that feels both historic and lively. The main attraction is the Drago Milenario, an 800-year-old dragon tree that looks like something out of a fairy tale. You’ll have about 90 minutes here to stroll around, take photos, and soak up the local atmosphere. The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, with Elena_L mentioning, “Very professional staff, amazing views, we had such a great time.”

The tree is a symbol of Tenerife and offers a rare chance to see a living relic of the island’s natural history. Plus, the town itself is worth wandering, with traditional architecture and local cafes.

Garachico: The Old Town and Natural Pools

From Icod, you’ll head to Garachico, a town that was once the island’s commercial hub before a volcanic eruption in the 18th century redefined its landscape. Here, you get about an hour to explore the historic streets and visit the famous El Caletón pools, natural volcanic rock formations filled with seawater.

Several reviewers appreciated this stop, with one saying, “In Garachico we strolled through the old town and visited the natural pools formed by volcanic lava.” It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the raw beauty of volcanic activity shaping the coastline.

The Hidden Gem: Masca Village

The final highlight is Masca, a tiny village perched amid spectacular ravines in the Teno Rural Park. Reaching Masca involves winding roads and narrow, steep inclines — the kind of drive that makes even experienced drivers hold their breath. The tour allows about an hour here, giving you time to walk around, admire traditional Canarian architecture, and snap photos of the lush valleys.

Reviewers like MariaDolores_D praise the experience, highlighting the skilled driver Jairo, especially on the treacherous mountain roads. The scenery here is unforgettable, with deep ravines and dense greenery creating a dramatic backdrop.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a good balance of included highlights:

• Live commentary from a professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry to Teide National Park and Los Roques de Garcia

However, some extras are on you:

• Food and drinks are not included — you might want to plan for a picnic or lunch at your own expense
• The Cable Car ticket at Mount Teide isn’t part of the package, so if you’re eager to stand at Spain’s highest peak, that’s an additional cost

The Experience and the Reviews

Most travelers find this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the price (~$57). The reviews consistently praise the professionalism of the staff, stunning views, and the authenticity of the sights. Lucky_D describes it as “really amazing,” while Elena_L notes the staff’s professionalism and the wonderful views.

A few reviewers mention the challenge of navigating winding mountain roads — “Not for the faint-hearted,” as one puts it. But many also say the driver’s skill made the journey enjoyable and safe.

The tour generally suits those with moderate physical fitness, since some walking is involved, especially in Masca and Garachico. The emphasis on comfortable shoes and warm clothes is well-advised, given the cooler mountain temperatures and uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re looking to see Tenerife’s natural wonders without the hassle of planning each stop, this tour is an excellent choice. It balances scenic drives, cultural sites, and adventure, making it ideal for first-timers or anyone wanting a broad overview. The inclusion of local guides and hotel pickup adds convenience and depth to your experience.

While some may find the limited time at each stop a bit rushed — especially at Masca — most reviews reflect satisfaction with the itinerary’s pacing. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a jacket for cooler mountain temperatures, and be prepared for some narrow, winding roads.

This Tenerife Grand Tour offers a rich sampler of the island’s most striking sights, from the volcanic grandeur of Teide National Park to the traditional charm of Masca. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a value-packed, guided day that covers natural beauty, local culture, and some light adventure.

The knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas make it a memorable experience, especially if you’re eager to see Tenerife’s diverse landscapes without the stress of organizing transportation yourself. Keep in mind the tour doesn’t include some optional extras like the cable car, so if that’s a priority, plan accordingly. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for those who want a well-rounded, authentic taste of the island.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately nine hours, including all stops and transportation time.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, guides, transportation, local taxes, and entrance to Teide National Park and Los Roques de Garcia.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some snacks or lunch.

Can I visit Mount Teide’s summit?
Not on this tour. Reaching the summit requires a separate ticket for the cable car, which is not included.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothes are recommended, especially for higher elevations and cooler mountain weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult, but be prepared for some driving on narrow, winding roads.

How many people typically take this tour?
The group generally consists of up to 35 travelers, making it a comfortable, guided experience.

Embarking on this Tenerife Grand Tour provides a great way to appreciate the island’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks to lush valleys. It’s a well-rounded, engaging day out that balances scenic beauty with cultural insights, perfect for those who want to see a lot without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.