Tenerife: Masca Enchanted Forest Hike with Pickup & Picnic

Summary

Masca valley ridge hike through misty laurel woods and wild scents

You’ll hike above Masca with a local guide, crossing pine forests and misty laurel woods that feel straight out of a fairytale. Enjoy quiet moments with a picnic in nature, learn stories about Tenerife’s land and life, and take home candid photos as memories. It’s peaceful, surprising—and you might find yourself thinking back to that forest long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the first step out of the van — blame it on the scent of pine needles after last night’s rain. Our guide, Marta, grinned and handed me a hiking pole, which I’d never used before (I tried to look like I knew what I was doing). We started climbing above Masca, and right away there was this hush, except for birds and someone’s laughter drifting up from the next switchback. The air felt cooler here than down at the coast — you could almost taste the difference.

Marta pointed out Teide in the distance, its peak just poking through a cloud. She told us about how these forests have their own weather — sometimes you walk into a patch of sunlight, then suddenly you’re inside a cloud that smells like wet earth and moss. There was one spot where twisted laurel trees arched over us like something from an old storybook. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small and so calm at once. We stopped for a picnic on a mossy rock; my pastry got slightly squashed in my bag but tasted sweet anyway. Someone shared juice and we all just sat quietly for a bit.

The best part? Marta snapped photos when we weren’t looking — not those awkward “say cheese” ones, but little moments: someone brushing dew off their sleeve or staring out toward La Gomera floating in the haze. She told us about Canarian life up here, how people still gather herbs from these hillsides. I tried to repeat one plant name in Spanish and got it wrong; everyone laughed (including me). On the way back down, my legs were tired but it felt good — like I’d actually been somewhere different for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hiking and sightseeing above Masca

• Pickup from hotel
• Drive west to hike start
• Ascend through pine forest
• Enjoy panoramic views of Teide and Teno
• Follow ridge trail above Masca
• View Masca valley and Los Gigantes cliffs
• Stop for picnic in nature
• Walk through hidden laurel forest
• Listen to guide's stories
• Descend gently to end trail
• Return drive to hotel
• Receive photo package

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Tenerife hiking tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for all participants on this hike above Masca.

How long is the hike through the enchanted forest above Masca?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but you’ll cross several climate zones during this guided day trip.

What food is provided during the picnic on this tour?

The picnic includes a pastry, juice, and a cereal bar—simple but satisfying after hiking.

Are hiking poles provided on this Tenerife hike?

Yes, hiking poles are available for use during the tour.

Will we get professional photos from the hike?

Yes, your guide takes 20–40 high-quality photos (sometimes even a short video) that you’ll receive afterward.

Is this hike suitable for beginners or all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the tour details.

Do we visit Mount Teide directly on this day trip?

No direct visit to Mount Teide; you’ll see panoramic views of Teide from the trail above Masca.

What should I bring for this Tenerife hiking tour?

You should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers—the weather can change quickly across microclimates.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, guidance from a friendly local expert throughout four distinct climate zones above Masca valley, use of hiking poles if needed, civil liability and accident insurance coverage for peace of mind, plus a simple picnic with pastry, juice and cereal bar enjoyed outdoors before returning to your hotel with new photo memories in hand.