Tenerife: Hiking Above the Village of Masca

Imagine a day spent walking along a mountain ridge with spectacular panoramic views, exploring lush sub-tropical rainforests, and gazing down at one of Tenerife’s most picturesque villages—Masca. For $68 per person, this 5-hour guided hike offers a chance to see some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes without the physical demands or crowds of the more famous Masca Gorge hike. The tour departs from and returns to your hotel in the Los Cristianos area, making it both convenient and relaxed.

What we really appreciate about this experience are two things: first, the diversity of scenery—from mountain vistas and pine forests to rainforests and lava fields—offering a wide-angle view of Tenerife’s varied terrain. Second, the small group size (limited to 10 participants) means more personalized attention from your guide, Andy, and a more intimate, flexible experience.

A potential consideration is that this is classified as moderate difficulty with some short steep climbs, so it’s best suited for those with a decent level of fitness and good walking shoes. It’s not the hike for someone looking for a leisurely stroll, but it’s perfect if you want a manageable adventure that delivers authentic scenery and a sense of achievement.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate diverse landscapes, expert guiding, and comfort—those who want to see Tenerife’s lush interior without the extreme effort of the more challenging gorge hike. It’s especially suited for those eager to combine stunning vistas with rainforest exploration, and for anyone who values the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Key Points

• Scenic diversity: Includes mountain ridges, laurel forests, lava fields, and panoramic views.
• Accessible challenge: Moderate difficulty with some steep sections, suitable for most fit travelers.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Andy enhance the experience with clear explanations.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Los Cristianos or nearby areas.
• Authentic landscapes: Quiet paths through sub-tropical forests and mountain landscapes.
• Limited group size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tenerife Hiking Above Masca Experience

The Perfect Balance of Adventure and Comfort

This guided hike offers a well-crafted combination of natural beauty and manageable physical demand. While it is not the famous Masca Gorge trek, it still delivers stunning views of the Masca Valley, the hamlet of Masca, and Mount Teide on clear days. For those who like a moderate challenge with plenty of rewards, this is an excellent option.

The tour begins with a pickup in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, or Costa Adeje, where a small group (no more than 10) boards a comfortable van for the 75-minute ride into the mountains. The journey itself is a pleasant start, offering glimpses of Tenerife’s coastal scenery before heading inland into the lush, greener parts of the island. This transfer helps maximize your sightseeing time and minimizes fatigue, which is especially valuable if you’re traveling on a tight schedule.

The Itinerary in Detail

Once at Masca, your guide, likely Andy based on reviews, will lead you along an undulating high ridge with some short steep ascents and descents. The trail first takes you into areas filled with laurel forest, one of Tenerife’s most significant ecosystems. Here, the air is cooler and shaded by towering trees, giving you a rare chance to experience the island’s subtropical rainforest.

Expect to see views of Santiago Valley, where volcanic lava fields stretch out below, creating a landscape that looks as if it belongs on another planet. As you progress, you’ll reach a mountain landscape reminiscent of a scene from “The Sound of Music”—a wide, open space awash in sunshine and framed by distant peaks. From this vantage point, you’ll gaze down into the Masca Gorge and the tiny village below, a view that often leaves visitors speechless.

On a clear day, Mount Teide, Spain’s tallest peak, dominates the horizon, looming across the Santiago valley. The route then takes you through pine forests and open fields, where the terrain gradually descends into a valley that resembles the English countryside—an unexpected delight for those used to only tropical landscapes.

What Makes This Tour Special

Many travelers, including those who’ve reviewed this tour, highlight the excellent guidance and well-planned route. One reviewer noted how Andy’s clear explanations made the circuit enjoyable and safe, even for those unfamiliar with hiking. The scenery is genuinely diverse, with each step offering new visual treats—from lush rainforests to volcanic lava plains—and the views of Mount Teide are often described as spectacular.

The small group size creates a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, allowing for easier conversation, more personalized tips, and flexibility—whether you want to linger at a superb viewpoint or take a quick photo. And the included hotel transfers remove any hassle of figuring out transport, which can be a real plus when navigating Tenerife’s hilly inland.

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What to Bring and Expect

This hike is about 12 km long, with an altitude of up to 1,100 meters and a gradient of roughly 375 meters. It’s roughly five hours in duration, so suitable footwear—good walking shoes or boots—and layered clothing are essential. The tour advises bringing warm clothes, sunscreen, plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person), and a rain jacket or waterproof, since weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

Most notable is the need for a packed lunch—there are no food stops along the trail—so plan to bring something portable that provides energy. Despite the moderate difficulty, some short steep sections require a bit of effort, so it’s worth being reasonably fit.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers’ comments reinforce the tour’s quality. One reviewer praised how the guide, Andy, “explains the circuit perfectly,” making them feel confident and enabling them to enjoy the day fully. They also appreciated the beautiful surprises along the route, which kept the experience fresh and engaging.

Another traveler mentioned the alteration of the hike due to weather, which turned out to be a blessing, as the alternate route was equally gorgeous. On the flip side, a small number of trips have been canceled due to weather, emphasizing the importance of flexible plans and real-time weather checks.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to explore Tenerife’s interior landscapes without undertaking the more strenuous Masca Gorge hike. It suits those with moderate fitness levels who enjoy diverse scenery and quiet trails. If you’re a nature lover, interested in rainforest ecosystems and mountain vistas, this hike will tick many boxes.

It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences and prefer a personalized guide to enhance their understanding of the landscape. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those who dislike short steep climbs.

The Sum Up

This Tenerife hike above Masca offers a wonderful blend of scenic variety, manageable challenge, and expert guiding. For $68, you get a five-hour journey through forests, mountain ridges, and volcanic landscapes with hotel pickup and drop-off—convenience that saves time and effort. The views of the Masca Valley, Mount Teide, and the lush forests are genuinely memorable, making it a standout experience for those looking to see Tenerife’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

If you’re seeking an authentic, less crowded alternative to the more famous Masca Gorge trek, this tour will reward you with stunning scenery, good company, and a sense of achievement. It’s best suited for active travelers eager to explore Tenerife’s interior landscapes with a knowledgeable guide in a small group. Bring your curiosity, some good shoes, and a packed lunch—your adventure awaits.

FAQ

Is this hike suitable for beginners?
While considered moderate, the hike involves some short steep sections. If you’re reasonably fit and enjoy walking, you should be fine, but beginners might find the terrain challenging.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 5 hours, including transfers and the hike itself, covering roughly 12 km with some elevation changes.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, at least 2 liters of water, a rain jacket or waterproof, good walking shoes, and a packed lunch.

Are transportation arrangements included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, or Costa Adeje are included, making it easy and stress-free.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but be aware that weather conditions can lead to cancellations.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Most likely, yes, provided participants are comfortable with some uphill walking and short steep sections, but it’s best for those with decent mobility.

What can I expect to see?
Expect to see laurel forests, mountain vistas, volcanic lava fields, and views of Mount Teide on clear days.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You need to bring your own packed lunch and water.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is the guide bilingual?
The tour is offered in English, and guides are knowledgeable about the landscape and ecosystem.

Whether you’re after stunning views, ecological insights, or a manageable physical challenge, this hike above Masca offers a well-rounded taste of Tenerife’s diverse landscapes. It’s a great choice for active travelers who value comfort, expert guidance, and authentic scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: